This year, the Minnesota RollerGirls have decided to select one charity to donate bout proceeds to for the entire home season. We feel that by doing this, we can make a greater impact for that organization. The entire league voted and the charity selected is Family and Children's Services. Many of the RollerGirls feel it is important to give families and kids a good start, whether that means through counseling, halting family violence, getting kids back on track at school, or with one of the many other services FCS offers. While we're donating funds to FCS for the remainder of this season, we'll continue to participate in and create other charity events, such as our series of Bartending and Knitting for Charity events, to help spread the volunteer work around to some more local charities who are very deserving.

Family & Children's Service has been giving help and hope to kids and families in Minnesota for 130 years. Each year, more than 26,000 people turn to us for mental health counseling (offered on the lowest sliding fee scale in the Twin Cities) and other services aimed at helping families be the best they can be. We help people solve serious problems like family violence, school failure and depression, as well as helping to prevent them by teaching life skills in parenting, anger management and conflict resolution. We also work to change community conditions in distressed neighborhoods by helping families create healthy and safe places for their children.

http://www.famchildserv.org/

Foundation IX was founded in 2006 to eliminate cost as an obstacle for girls to participate in sport and organized fitness. Through grants for participation fees and equipment costs in sport and organized activities, Foundation IX gives girls the opportunity for personal growth they may not have been able to realize otherwise.

http://www.foundationix.org

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community.

http://www.toysfortotstwincities.org

The Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN) is a nonprofit food bank that collects, warehouses and distributes quality food and essential support services to Minnesota hunger relief organizations. Today, EFN's network consists of nearly 200 hunger relief programs throughout 35 Minnesota counties. These agencies provide more than 7 million pounds of nonperishable, perishable and prepared food to hunger relief organizations annually.

http://www.emergencyfoodshelf.org

The University of Minnesota Habitat for Humanity chapter is committed to informing the University's students about the special issues created by a lack of affordable housing. The student group provides students with the opportunity to make a positive impact on their surrounding community.

http://www.sua.umn.edu/groups/show.php?id=335

The Minnesota RollerGirls will be manning the registration table and some will be walking in the event.

http://www.walknow.org

A group of Minnesota RollerGirls will be walking in this fundraising event.

http://www.nami.org

Five Minnesota RollerGirls will take part in this year's PurpleRide. The ride takes place Saturday, September 15 and the five girls will be doing the 8-, 25-, or 50-mile ride. All funds raised from PurpleRide, including the $100/rider donations from the league, go directly to PanCAN, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

http://www.purpleridemn.com
http://www.pancan.org

Minnesota RollerGirls are supporting Rock the Cause at their seed fundraiser rock concert event this Saturday, August 25. Rock the Cause Mission is to provide a positive, life changing experience through music, community, and giving. They organize, staff, and promote concert events for other non-profits who make an immediate impact on the local community. Over the past year they have raised over $100,000 for charity! Rock the Cause Inc, 501c3.

On Sunday, July 22nd a team of Minnesota RollerGirls will be playing in the Muddy Sunday mud volleyball tournament. Proceeds go to the U of M Habitat for Humanity chapter and to sweeten the deal, the RollerGirls tossed in the grand prize: a team night out at a bout of the team's choice with goodies and swag provided.

http://www.muddysunday.org

Please join the Minnesota RollerGirls as we support the 20th Minnesota AIDS Walk on May 20, 2007. Thousands of people have raised millions of dollars to stop HIV in Minnesota since the first Walk in 1988. The Walk's goal is to raise funds to prevent the spread of HIV and provide crucial services for individuals living with HIV.

http://www.mnaidswalk.org

National Organization for Women - Minnesota
This statewide organization was formed in 1971 and our mission is still the same: taking action to bring women into the mainstream of American society NOW, exercising all privileges and responsibilities thereof, in truly equal partnership with men.

http://www.mnnow.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has become the nation’s voice on mental illness, a national organization including NAMI organizations in every state and in over 1100 local communities across the country who join together to meet the NAMI mission through advocacy, research, support, and education.

http://www.nami.org

Springboard for the Arts' mission is to cultivate a vibrant arts community by connecting artists with the skills, contacts, information and services they need to make a living and a life. Incorporated in 1991, Springboard has suppported the arts community with management and consulting services for more than 20 years. Springboard's vision and commitment has gained national recognition as a model for professional development services to artists, arts organizations, and arts administrators.

http://www.springboardforthearts.org

Spare Key is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to provide time together for Minnesota families with a critically ill or seriously injured child. Spare Key does this by making a mortgage payment directly to a families' lender on their behalf after all paid leave has been exhausted or when the child's medical care has resulted in a demonstrated significant reduction of income or increase in expenses.

http://www.sparekey.org

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency — a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.

http://www.mdausa.org

In 1976, a small group of Twin Cities food shelves joined together to form the Emergency Foodshelf Network. By pooling resources, these shelves found they could operate more efficiently and thereby serve more families. Before the Emergency Foodshelf Network was formed, it was not uncommon for one shelf to experience an excess of resources while a neighboring shelf turned clients away due to lack of food or money. The Emergency Foodshelf Network has eliminated the necessity for shelves to shut down in times of crisis.

http://www.emergencyfoodshelf.org

MOAPPP's mission is to develop and strengthen policies and programs that promote adolescent sexual health, prevent adolescent pregnancy and support adolescent parents. MOAPPP achieves its mission by providing youth-serving professionals and the public with resources, trainings, public policy leadership, community-based-partnerships and outreach, and communications. Confused yet? Check out their website for more information about why Minnesota needs MOPAPPP!

http://www.moappp.org

MOAPPP is having its next benefit event – ROLL WITH US! – at the legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium with the dynamic and talented Minnesota RollerGirls. Pre-party to begin at 6:00 pm in rooms 10 and 11 of the St. Paul RiverCentre and the bout begins at 7:30 pm in the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. A section of ground floor seats will be reserved for MOAPPP event attendees. Attend ROLL WITH US! and you help to prevent teen pregnancy in Minnesota and also experience the hottest and fastest growing female extreme sport hitting the country. Don't miss the fun, all for a great cause! Tickets are $35 which includes the pre-party and bout. A portion of your ticket price will be tax deductible. Visit the MOAPPP site for more information on how to attend.

The MNRG in cooperation with The Vagina Monologues, through the Minnesota Public Interest Research Group at the University of Minnesota, will donate proceeds from both events to a local program to end violence against women and children. Shows of The Vagina Monologues are being performed Feb 14-18.

http://www.mpirg.org/womensrights/vday/vday%202007.htm

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's nationwide movement that celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together and wipe out heart disease. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress have become linked with the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.

The movement gives women tips and information on healthy eating, exercise and risk factor reduction, such as smoking cessation, weight maintenance, blood pressure control, and blood cholesterol management.

http://www.goredforwomen.org

Watershed High School is the only Minnesota Waldorf school serving students in grades nine through twelve. Their mission is to nurture the intellect, stimulate the will, and embrace the creative potential of youth in a balanced environment that engenders reverence, respect, and responsibility for nature and the needs of others.

Watershed High School was initiated in 1996 by a group of City of Lakes Waldorf students who wished to continue their Waldorf education beyond middle school, and by parents and teachers who made the dream come true.

In 2002 Watershed High became a public charter school. This means that it is now tuition-free. The Waldorf curriculum remains intact and our mission continues to be the education of young people toward freedom.

http://www.watershedhs.org/

Children's Home Society works to help children thrive and to build, strengthen and sustain individual family and community life.

For 97 years, the Little Red Stocking has been one little symbol making a whole lot of impact to children and families in need. A gift to Children's Home Society & Family Services (CHSFS)' Little Red Stocking Campaign means making an impact of children and families through adoption services, child abuse and neglect prevention, early childhood education and family counseling and support programs.

http://www.chsfs.org/

Midwest Health Center for Women provides quality health care and advocates and promotes reproductive freedom and healthy sexuality. We are dedicated to the belief that reproductive choices for women are vital for their health and well-being.

http://www.midwesthealthcenter.org/

Open Arms exists for one simple reason: to feed people living with and affected by chronic illness. Our current service is available to those who deal with the difficulties of an HIV/AIDS, MS, ALS or breast cancer diagnoses. Food is a basic human need. Providing nutritious food for people living with illness improves the quality of their lives by allowing them to have more energy and to be more productive. At one time or another, most of us have appreciated a meal prepared by a friend or relative when we haven't felt well. That is what we do at Open Arms.

http://www.openarmsmn.org/

The Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota has been providing services, information, and advocacy for 26 years to people with memory problems, families caring for them, and health care providers.

http://www.alzmndak.org/

The Alzheimer's Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. For 25 years, the donor-supported, not-for-profit Alzheimer's Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes.

Memory Walk is the Alzheimer's Association's national signature event to help those coping with Alzheimer's disease. Since 1989, the nation's largest event supporting Alzheimer's care and support services has raised more than $200 million. Once again, participants from all walks of life will come together this year to raise money and awareness about Alzheimer's disease and the Alzheimer's Association. Please join us in taking steps to end Alzheimer's.

http://twincitiesmemorywalk.kintera.org/

The Sexual Violence Center is an independent non-profit organization that services victims of sexual violence in the Twin Cities metro area. Each year, SVC provides more than 2000 youth and adults with 24-hour crisis phone service, individual counseling, support groups, advocacy and legal clinics at no cost. In addition, the SVC staff educates over 12,000 people through community education and professional training efforts and works with community systems that assist sexual assault victims.

The mission of the Sexual Violence Center is to respect and embody equality while providing innovative community services that empower people affected by sexual violence and educate our communities to ignite lasting social change.

http://www.sexualviolencecenter.org/

Saturday, August 12: The Minnesota RollerGirls will be a featured guest at a brand new fundraising event, Carpe Mammae to benefit young women who've been diagnosed with breast cancer. Specifically, this new non-profit will be helping to cover the high costs of medical bills for young women who don't have health insurance. The RollerGirls will be there to help out with the event, and some will even be auctioned off for dates, so don't miss this special new event!

Sunday, August 6: The 17th Annual Polo Classic to benefit the Children's Home Society, an organization the RollerGirls have helped out in the past, will take place on Sunday, August 6. The Children's Home Society helps children and families through adoption, early childhood education, crisis nursery services, and many other child and family support programs. The Minnesota RollerGirls will be participating in childrens' games and assisting with the raffle and auction. We'll also be donating some tickets and Minnesota RollerGirls merchandise to the auction.

Sunday, June 25: A small group of Minnesota RollerGirls helped set up the Twin Cities Underground Lake Street Music Festival. Twin Cities Underground is a non-profit youth center located in South Minneapolis and this was their second annual event to promote underage music and encourage youth to organize and participate in production and performance of music and spoken word.

Sunday, June 4: The Minnesota RollerGirls participated in the National Kidney Foundation's fundraising bowling event in conjunction with the US transplant games. A group of Minne RollerGirls, including Ji Spot who is a kidney donor herself, bowled as a team in a bowling alley filled with kindney transplant survivors. We also donated a pair of season tickets that raised $200.00 for the organization.

Saturday, June 3: The Minnesota RollerGirls will be pitching in once again to help stop invasive species (garlic mustard and buckthorn) from taking over in the local Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area by handing pulling the two invasive species with the Friends of the Mississippi River.

Sunday, May 21: For the second year, members of the Minnesota RollerGirls will be walking in the Minnesota AIDS Walk. Come down and join us for the walk and support this great, local organization.

Saturday, May 20: RollerGirls will be serving drinks at the Party Animals fund raiser for Home For Life Animal Sanctuary and Feline Rescue.

Saturday, May 6: RollerGirls helped plant trees along the Mississippi as part of The Streambank Shrub Planting event with the Friends of the Mississippi

Cancer Kids Fund at Children's Hospital of Minnesota
We provide support, care, and comfort to kids and families coping with cancer or blood disorders. We help with over 80 programs that provide entertainment, education, and day-to-day support to families who have become part of the hematology / oncology program.

How Cancer Kids Got Started
The Cancer Kids Fund (CKF) was founded in 1987 by Dr. Larry Singher, then medical director of the pediatric hematology / oncology program at Children's – Minneapolis, and his close friend Danny Berenberg. Their vision was to establish a committed fund that would provide loving, caring, physical and emotional support to children with cancer and blood disorders. This began with a jar for extra change in the Children's - Minneapolis hematology / oncology clinic and has since grown into a fund that helps hundreds of children and families each year.

http://www.cancerkidsfund.org/

In memory of Carl Comparoni, dedicated skater, who passed away this month after sustaining a brain injury during a rare accident while skating at the Metrodome. Carl was an accomplished and experienced skater who was unfortunately not wearing a helmet at the time of his accident. Though it was the first fatality (and major injury) of the RollerDome's 15 year history, Carl's death serves as a reminder to all who skate, bike, skateboard, and snowboard that a helmet is a necessary ounce of prevention. Get out there and get yourself a helmet you love so that you wear it.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
In an instant, life can change forever. Brain injury is unexpected, unwanted and life changing. Each year, 1.4 million people in the United States sustain a brain injury. That's more than six times the combined annual incidence of breast cancer, HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis. But despite this high prevalence, brain injury is largely unknown. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month - an opportunity to highlight what is often called the "silent epidemic."

Carl's Cause Memorial Fund
Fellow inspectors and other staffers with the department are accepting cash donations for the purchase of helmets, which the firefighters plan to distribute through area schools, youth and recreational organizations and along the circuit of summer fairs, among other outlets. People can address donations to: Carl's Cause Memorial Fund, c/o Western Bank, 663 W. University Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104. All donations will go toward the purchase of helmets. For more information about the fund, call the general number for the St. Paul fire marshal's office at 651-228-6230.

About the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is the only nonprofit organization in the state devoted solely to serving the needs of the 94,000 Minnesotans who live with a disability due to brain injury. The Association offers the programs in Resource Facilitation, Information and Resources, Individual Assistance, Case Management, Multicultural Outreach, Public Awareness, Education and Public Policy Advocacy.

http://www.braininjurymn.org/

The mission of the Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota-North Dakota is to improve the lives of all individuals, families and care partners throughout their journey with Alzheimer's and related diseases by providing leadership, support, education, advocacy and research.

http://www.alzmndak.org/

A noted leader in the community since 1973, Chrysalis provides effective health and human service programs to women, children, and families. Our high-quality programs and services include, Chemical Health, the Mental Health Clinic, Legal Assistance for Women, Resources & Referrals, Divorce Education, Parenting Time, Community and Professional Education, Support Groups, and the Kids' Cocoon Child Care Center. Building on the inherent strength, knowledge and abilities of each client, our programs works to fulfill and advance the agency's mission: to empower women and their families to initiate personal and social change.

http://www.chrysaliswomen.org/

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency — a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.

http://www.mdausa.org/

Homeward Bound is dedicated to rescuing homeless and unwanted animals. We are a non-profit, 501(c) 3-tax exempt, no-kill dog rescue and placement organization based in Minnesota. Although our focus is primarily on rescuing dogs, we also rescue cats, kittens, and other animals. We are an independent organization and depend solely on adoption fees, fundraisers, and donations to operate. We receive NO government support. Homeward Bound has been in operation for over 14 years and has placed over 10,000 dogs in loving homes. We try our best to match the dogs with the needs, wants, personalities, and lifestyles of potential adopters to ensure a healthy, happy, and permanent home.

Homeward Bound rescues all types of dogs, ranging from small to large breeds. Roughly 40% of the dogs we rescue are purebred while the other 60% are mixed breeds. The age of the dogs varies from puppies to adults.

http://www.homewardboundrescue.com/

The Sexual Violence Center is an independent non-profit organization that services victims of sexual violence in the Twin Cities metro area. Each year, SVC provides more than 2000 youth and adults with 24-hour crisis phone service, individual counseling, support groups, advocacy and legal clinics at no cost. In addition, the SVC staff educates over 12,000 people through community education and professional training efforts and works with community systems that assist sexual assault victims.

The mission of the Sexual Violence Center is to respect and embody equality while providing innovative community services that empower people affected by sexual violence and educate our communities to ignite lasting social change.

http://www.sexualviolencecenter.org/

A group of Minnesota RollerGirls spent the afternoon bowling and doing arts and crafts with children who are looking for mentors through the Kids 'n Kinship program. The Bowl-a-Thon is their big annual event to raise money and also try to match up children with mentors.

About Kids 'n Kinship
Kids 'n Kinship is a private non-profit organization that matches children who have a need for an additional supportive relationship with carefully screened adult volunteers.  Once a match has been made, volunteers spend 1-4 hours per week with the child. Typical activities might include picnicking, attending sporting events, hobbies, baking cookies or going to the movies. Volunteers make a one-year commitment to the program. These relationships often grow into life-long friendships.

http://www.kidsnkinship.org/

Each year, the American Red Cross responds immediately to more than 70,000 disasters, including house or apartment fires (the majority of disaster responses), hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural and man-made disasters.

http://www.redcross.org/

The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery is a warm, loving, and safe place where kids get to be kids while their parents take care of a family emergency. The Nursery gives parents a supportive, safe, and non-shaming environment in which to ask for help.

Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery works in partnership with parents in crisis and the community to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect. We support families in crisis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through our free, voluntary services.

http://www.crisisnursery.org/

In addition to a monetary donation, by way of skater sponsorships and additional fundraising, a group of ten Minnesota RollerGirls skated in the MS SUN 75 in July of 2005. This event is a two-day, 75-mile skating event to raise funds for the Minnesota chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Over the course of the two days, the participants skate from Hinckley, MN to Duluth, MN with an overnight in Moose Lake, MN. The event is grueling in inline skate, let alone quad skates, which are about half the speed of inlines.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports more MS research, offers more services for people with MS, provides more professional education programs and furthers more MS advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. The Minnesota Chapter represents an estimated 7,500 people with MS in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

http://www.mssociety.org/

Alexandra House is a non-profit, community based organization located in the cities of Blaine and Anoka. We provide 24-hour emergency shelter, support services, and advocacy to battered women and families.

The mission of Alexandra House is to end domestic violence. We believe that to achieve our mission, we must work to break the cycle of domestic violence and ignite social change through advocacy, shelter and education. We believe that domestic abuse is not a private, family matter, but rather a community problem. Our success is directly related to our connections within the community.

Alexandra House is the only battered women's shelter for women and families in Anoka County.

http://www.alexandrahouse.org/

In addition to a monetary donation, a group of Minnesota RollerGirls walked in the Minnesota AIDS Walk. The walk has over 10,000 participants and helps raise awareness and much-needed funds for the fight against HIV in Minnesota.

About the Minnesota AIDS Project
The Minnesota AIDS Project envisions a world free of AIDS. Our mission is to lead Minnesota's fight to stop HIV and enhance the well-being of those affected. Founded in 1983, the Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) is a statewide, nonprofit agency committed to enhancing the lives of people living with HIV, prevention education for those at risk for HIV, and advocating for the rights of all affected by HIV. From community outreach and legal consultation to emergency assistance, MAP is a leader in the fight against HIV.

In partnership with more than 1,400 volunteers, we provide compassionate, confidential and non-discriminatory services, including practical, emotional and social support. Nearly half of the approximately 4,500 Minnesotans living with HIV use services provided by MAP.

http://www.mnaidsproject.org/

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching hundreds of communities.

The mission of the Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

To fulfill this mission, the American Diabetes Association funds research, publishes scientific findings, provides information and other services to people with diabetes, their families, health professionals and the public. The Association is also actively involved in advocating for scientific research and for the rights of people with diabetes.

http://www.diabetes.org/

The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery is a warm, loving, and safe place where kids get to be kids while their parents take care of a family emergency. The Nursery gives parents a supportive, safe, and non-shaming environment in which to ask for help.

Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery works in partnership with parents in crisis and the community to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect. We support families in crisis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through our free, voluntary services.

http://www.crisisnursery.org/