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Sponsorship Letter

Hi. We're Middleburg Heights Community United Church of Christ (yeah, it's a mouthful; call us MHCUCC). Our mission is "Come, for all are welcome. Stay, for God is still speaking. Go, and serve humanity."

One of our favorite ways to fulfill the "Go, and serve humanity" part of our mission statement is by supporting Second Mile Outreach, a nonprofit that runs a food pantry for Cuyahoga County residents, and a thrift shop (that also supplies household goods, furniture, and clothing to veterans and families transitioning out of homelessness). They've been feeding Cleveland, Ohio area families for decades.

We are also sharing the money we raise with The Gathering Place, another local nonprofit. Their mission "is to support, educate and empower individuals and families currently coping with the impact of cancer in their lives through programs and services provided free of charge." They've been caring for the mind, body, and spirit of the cancer community for over 20 years. The kids chose this charity because some of their families have been impacted by cancer.

On May 4th & 5th, 2024, our youth, children, and their supporters are holding the 48th annual Teeter-Totter Marathon to raise funds that go directly to both organizations, caring for our neighbors who find themselves in overwhelming circumstances. Please support our kids as they lead this effort, working toward food justice and compassionate care in our area and teaching them they can and do make a difference in our world. Thank you!

You helped make 2021's event the most successful one ever, raising over $15,600 and more than doubling our original goal! In 2022, we exceeded our $10k goal by over $2,000. We again exceeded our $10,000 goal in 2023, thanks to you. We also had some great coverage from the press, which you can watch here. We can't wait to see the impact we'll have together in 2024. Can we count on you to help us support more families than ever this year?

Consider "tipping" our awesome platform, Givebutter, to cover the credit card processing fees. That way, 100% of your donation goes to make our Teeter-Totter Marathon successful (and, to reiterate, at least 90% of your donation goes to these two nonprofits)!

THE GATHERING PLACE

The mission of The Gathering Place is to support, educate and empower individuals and families currently coping with the impact of cancer in their lives through programs and services provided free of charge. This critical nonprofit has served more than 47,000 individuals and families on their cancer journey since its start in 2000. While it is a Cleveland-based organization with an east location (Beachwood, with a Wellness Center next door) and a west location (Westlake), the pandemic broadened their reach to worldwide with the introduction of virtual programs, seeing participants from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and 5 countries!

“When you're going through something that is so difficult words cannot describe, The Gathering Place is where you want to turn for support, information, kindness and compassion. The list could go on. Very grateful for such a place. I wish everywhere would be as amazing.” —Kristin R.

The programs TGP provides are holistic, treating mind, body, and spirit. There are a variety of groups serving all ages, and addressing both individual and family needs. It is important to note that The Gathering Place is completely privately funded, relying on donations to operate its many services. An event like the Teeter-Totter Marathon is an excellent opportunity for the families at MHCUCC who've received support from TGP to give back, and our youth are excited to ensure other children and teens will benefit from the care at TGP. You have our sincerest thanks for investing the time to find out more about this event, the charities we've chosen—and, of course, our thanks for your monetary investment by way of donating!

SECOND MILE OUTREACH

Both Second Mile Outreach (formerly Church Street Ministries) and MHCUCC cite Matthew 25:35-36 as a biblical base driving their missions: "... for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."

Throughout Northeast Ohio, one in six people (including children) is food insecure – meaning they may not know where their next meal will come from.

What does Second Mile Outreach do?

Provides critical assistance to families in our community for basic needs:
- Operates a food pantry. Membership in the Cleveland Food Bank guarantees high standards. The Food Pantry provides short term food assistance to those experiencing food insecurity. Families and individuals may come once a month to receive food to supplement their resources.
- Offers furniture, clothing and household goods for low cost.
- Collaborates with churches and other organizations who refer people in need.
Works with the VA to help veterans in transition with household goods.
Provides opportunities for individuals assigned to community service through partnership with the courts.
Offers support and guidance to those needing emergency assistance.
Donates clothing to women's and men's shelters.
Collects, manages, and distributes donations, including bulk item pick-up for a nominal fee.

Second Mile Food Pantry served 15,549 people in 2021, including 2,160 new families. They served 346 Thanksgiving meals, 43 of those going to veterans, and provided 159 Christmas gifts to children and 20 Christmas meals to veterans, along with bags containing socks, toiletries, gift certificates, and service dog treats for those veterans.

Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors!

48th Teeter-Totter Marathon

By Middleburg Heights Community UCC

48th Teeter-Totter Marathon

To benefit Second Mile Outreach & The Gathering Place