The Monroe Street Journal

Issue date: 11/17/08 Section: News

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Thanks to the coordination of a few dedicated MBAs, as well as the cooperation and charity of a few local bars, almost 100 Bar Golfers hit the 6-bar course on a Thursday in late October to "help homeless children have sweeter dreams."

The Linus Foundation's Bar Golf Tournament brought together teams of 5 who pooled together a $150 donation/tournament entry fee for a fun night making the most of the South U and Church St. (watering) holes. Though most event participants were not considering the end result of their libation-driven efforts during that evening (other than how they would feel the next morning), little did they know that their efforts will translate to the extreme joy and happiness of homeless children in the Ann Arbor and Detroit area. Seems a bit paradoxical, perhaps… but quite the favorable paradox at that.

Linus met again this past Wednesday evening at the course's 3rd hole, BTB Cantina, and organized a group of volunteers to assemble care packages for the children, driven from the donations received at Bar Golf. The packages consist of a "Project Night Night" tote bag, each filled with a new security blanket, a children's book, and a stuffed animal.

Project Night Night's mission is "to provide Night Night Packages, free of charge, to homeless children from birth to pre-teen who need childhood essentials to feel secure, cozy, ready to learn and significant." The organization also seeks to "establish a foundation for lasting change through the meaningful, hands-on volunteer opportunities provided to thousands of individuals each year."

The MSJ had a chance to sit down with Josh Mandel-Brehm, Andrew Boyink, and Tony Ehrbar of the Linus Foundation here at Ross for some more insight into the organization and opportunities for the Ross and Ann Arbor community to continue to help and volunteer.

1. What is the origin of The Linus Foundation?

"The Linus Foundation was founded in 2005 by seniors at Washington University in St. Louis. During their tenure at Wash U, these young men developed a strong bond with the local community, and when faced with the reality of graduation, became focused on leaving as beneficial and lasting an effect on St. Louis as it had left on each of them. These efforts have now transcended beyond St. Louis as young professional are working together to make a difference in their respective cities and local communities. To learn more about Linus, please visit www.linusfoundation.org." --Josh

Continued...

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