Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania

2010 Family Partnership Fundraising Program

April 15 - May 15, 2010

What is the Family Partnership Program?

The Family Partnership Program is a unique opportunity for the volunteers of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania to assist GSHPA in its fundraising efforts. Funds generated through this program will be applied toward general operating expenses which include not only staffing and facilities/camp maintenance, but also volunteer development and financial assistance for girls in need. Funds will be used to offset the costs associated with Council-run programs.

How Does Family Partnership Work?

Participating Service Units were challenged to raise a total amounting to $9 per girl registered. Any Service Unit that exceeds that goal will split the difference with GSHPA and will be able to use that money at the Service Unit's discretion.

Why Support GSHPA Through This Program?

Something many people don't realize is each girl's $12 annual membership dues are sent directly to the national branch of the organization, Girl Scouts of the USA, to be used for research, program development, resource publications and technical support to councils like ours. None of these monies are retained locally. It is therefore the responsibility of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania to generate its own funding and community support for the girls in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Funding for GSHPA and all the services the organization provides annually to more than 27,000 girls comes from cookie and fall product sale revenue, grants, United Ways, and very importantly, from donations from families, individuals and corporations.

How Will Funds from Family Partnership be Used?

All funds generated through this program will be used to support the general operating expense of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania. This includes:

Financial assistance to girls in need, so no girl is denied the Girl Scout Leadership Experience due to an inability to pay. This includes national and troop dues, as well as books, uniforms, program fees and camp registration.
Volunteer development, including training and resources, as well as background checks and recruitment efforts.
Council-run programs like day and sleepaway camps, special events and classes. Without outside funding to help offset costs, GSHPA would not be able to offer this quality programming at such affordable rates to girls.
Maintenance and upkeep to all Council facilities and camp properties.
Staffing costs associated with supporting volunteers and girls in all possible aspects.

Thank you for participating in this program, and for all you do for the girls of central and northeastern Pennsylvania!

Online Donations Being Accepted

Four participating Service Units are accepting Family Partnership donations online. Please click here if you would like to contribute to one of these Service Units. Please remember to select the appropriate Service Unit in the box provided to ensure they receive credit for your donation.

Service Unit 228

Echo Valley Service Unit in York County held a talent show/basket auction/sandwich and bake sale for their contribution to the Family Partnership Campaign. At the show, troops acted out skits, sang traditional songs and incorporated a few of their own creations including “Girl Scout Medley” –a fusion of fun Girl Scout camp songs and top 40 hits. The event was led by special guest emcee Alethea Kontis, former Girl Scout and published children’s book author of AlphaOops!: The Day Z Went First.