Limited space is available for a local scrapbooking fund-raiser to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Michgian.
The event will be held on Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Treetop Lodge (3333 Jonathan Rd.) located within the Oxford 48371 zip code. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
Participants will bring their own scrapbooking supplies and spend the whole day working and socializing in the 5,000-square-foot private lodge set in the woods. Comfortable seating, spacious work tables and OttLites await the scrapbookers.
‘We’re providing breakfast, lunch and dinner,? said organizer Roxanne Rollison, of Waterford.
In addition to scrapbooking, participants will have the opportunity to enter raffles, win prizes and even do a little shopping as a variety of vendors will be present.
The cost is $40 per person. The owner of Treetop Lodge donated the use of this facility for this event.
To register, please contact Rollison via e-mail at rmrollison@gmail.com or call (248) 462-3564.
Proceeds will benefit Water Warriors, a group of men and women who take part in an annual five-day, 450-mile endurance ride using personal watercraft (wave runner type machines). The ride begins at Mackinaw City and spans the entire length of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River. It ends at Harsens Island.
In order to participate, riders must raise at least $1,500 each for Special Olympics Michigan. Last year, Water Warriors raised approximately $132,000 for the cause.
This will be the fourth year Rollison and her husband, Bryan, will participate in the ride, which is set for July 27-31.
Twenty-five percent of the money the couple raises will benefit Special Olympics programs in Oakland County.
The couple got involved because their 4-year-old son Preston has Down’s syndrome along with visual and hearing impairments. He’s the youngest of three children. His siblings are Danica, 8, and Aidan 6.
Twice a month, Preston participates in a Special Olympics Young Athletes program at Stepanski Early Childhood Center in Waterford. There he and other special needs children spend an hour participating in athletic activities such as bowling, basketball, poly hockey, golf and obstacle courses.
Rollison said the program, which is for children age 2-7, has enhanced her son’s social skills.
‘He’s learning how to take turns,? she said. ‘He’s learning how to share. He’s learning how to work as (part of) a team.?
The program has also expanded Preston’s vocabulary ‘tremendously? and improved his gross motor skills such as walking and balance.
Rollison said Young Athletes is also a good way for parents to develop lasting friendships and for siblings to see they’re not alone and learn ‘patience and acceptance? when it comes to dealing with their special brothers and sisters.
For more information about the Water Warriors, please visit www.somi.org.