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a chicks history
It is hard to believe that Chicks for Charity was just created in 2006. In such a short amount of time, we have grown to a group of more than 1,800 members from throughout the Toledo area. These cool Chicks have helped raise money and awareness for several “under the radar” charities in our community.
Furniture Bank
2006
In 2006, Furniture Bank was selected as our first charity.
"Chicks for Charity's involvement was a key component in Furniture Bank's success in providing furnishings for more than 1,400 local families in need," stated Paula Massey, executive director, Toledo-Lucas County Furniture Bank.
Our membership started with approximately 200 Chicks. Our first big event, a luncheon, was held at Brandywine Country Club with 300 women in attendance. We could not believe what great support we received from women and young girls in our area. CFC raised over $15,000 for Furniture Bank that year.
Beach House
2007
2007 was coming fast and it was time to find a new charity to help. Beach House Family Shelter won the hearts and votes of our members, so we focused our efforts on them for the year. And what an amazing year it was! We tripled in size and raised over $50,000 for the organization! Our annual event was moved outdoors to The Toledo Zoo where more than 500 Chicks of all ages attended. It was a sight to see!
“Everyone at Beach House Family Shelter enjoyed every minute of our year with the “Chicks” from “Chicks for Charity,” said Paula Lewis, executive director, Beach House Family Shelter. “What a wonderful, creative, fun and generous group of women. We hope to continue our relationships with the “Chicks” for years to come!”
ADAI
2008
In 2008, Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. was voted in as our charity. Our membership grew to more than 800 and we raised $29,000 for the organization. Chicks Mix, as it was newly named, was again held at The Toledo Zoo in July where more than 600 Chicks and Junior Chicks attended.
The Victory Center
2009 and 2010
In 2009, to make even more of an impact, we decided to extend our support for two years to the next selected charity. The Victory Center, which provides non-medical support to those living with cancer, was selected as the beneficiary. During these two successful years, our membership doubled in size and we raised $160,000 for The Victory Center.
“We will be forever grateful for the absolutely incredible support these amazing women gave to The Victory Center for two years,” said Dianne Cherry, executive director, TVC. “You will never know just how many lives you touched with your generosity! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts – from all of the staff, volunteers and participants at TVC!”
International Boxing Club
2011 and 2012
We are excited to start raising money for a powerful program that gives young men and women from the streets the tools to succeed – inspiration, confidence, academic and vocational training, and community service requirements. In 2011-2012, we will support International Boxing Club (IBC). IBC is about so much more than boxing and athletics, it’s about teaching young people how to live, thrive and give back!
“We are in shock! It’s like we have just won the lottery. Chicks for Charity will help expand our organization so we can reach out to more at-risk youth in our community,” said Harry Cummins, executive director of IBC. “This will be the turning point for the growth of IBC. Most importantly, our association with Chicks for Charity will give us the opportunity to be recognized and educate our community of the programs that IBC offers. We look forward to working with all members of Chicks for Charity.”
