Pasta & Ponies!
Save the date: Our annual Pasta Extravaganza and Night at the Races is scheduled for 6 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at the Orland Chateau in Orland Park. This family-friendly event draws a big crowd each year and is a major fundraising activity for Together We Cope.
     Children love the great variety of food, choosing from pasta, pizza, meat and sandwich entrees all donated by dozens of area restaurants that support TWC’s work in the region. Adults enjoy the “fun money” gambling on pre-recorded horse races and using the “fun winnings” to take chances on beautiful gift baskets.
     “People love Pasta Extravaganza because there’s something for everyone,” said Tina Kessens of the agency’s fundraising department. “Everybody has a good time, with good food and good company. It’s a chance for families to be together in a fun atmosphere.”     
     Tickets for the all-you-can-eat dinner are a great deal at $25 for adults and $5 for children ages 3 to 12. Further information is at 708-263-0302, Ext. 6107.

Donate to Together We Cope Coat Drive and be prepared to spend a week in Antigua

The award-winning and always helpful folks at Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing have graciously provided seven nights of beachfront resort accommodations to Together We Cope’s Winter Coat Drive! (Don't forget to check out their website for some great remodeling ideas: http://www.kevinszabojrplumbing.net/)

One picture of Antigua is worth a thousand words.

All you have to do to enter a chance to win 7 Nights in St. James Club in Antigua is contribute to Together We Cope’s Winter Coat Drive. Follow the GoFundMe link below. Every person that donates towards the Winter Coat Drive will be entered to win. If you have any questions regarding the trip please contact the marketing manager at Rona@kevinszabojrplumbing.net.

Together We Cope GoFundMe Link

Run for The Hub
Proceeds from the 2016 Hub 5k Run/Walk to Benefit Homelessness will support four south suburban agencies in Chicago’s southern suburbs that provide basic human needs to families in crisis, including Together We Cope.
     The run on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Bicentennial Park in Olympia Fields will benefit Ford Heights Community Service Organization, Respond Now, South Suburban PADS and TWC. They form The Hub, a network of agencies and individuals created to help people cope with life-changing events that come with a housing crisis. Obtaining shelter is a major goal of The Hub, followed by urgent needs such as food, clothing, legal assistance, medical help, job readiness and job retraining, and professional services like counseling and aid in applying for public benefits.
     People in need of assistance can contact The Hub at www.findhelpsouthcook.org and be referred to appropriate agencies and individuals in their neighborhood who have agreed to help those in crisis.
     Further information on The Hub 5k event is at www.signmeup.com/115238.

Looking for golfers!
The 11th Annual Mike Kasper Invitational Golf Outing to benefit Together We Cope will be held at Silver Lakes Country Club on Friday, Sep. 30. Shotgun start at 2:30 pm. The cost is $70 for golf, drinks, and BBQ. Golf reservations can be made by contacting Kathy Rogge at Together We Cope, 708-263-0302, ext. 6101.

5k Bandana Run!
You are invited. Enjoy yourself and have fun at the Christian Life Center 5k Bandana Run on October 8 at 8:30 am.
      To register go to www.clc.tv/5k. Be sure to register under Together We Cope (TWC) or, be sure to mention TWC somewhere on the registration materials.

We get 4 stars again
Together We Cope is honored to receive its sixth 4-Star rating in recent years from Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most utilized independent evaluator of charities. Once again, we got high marks for strong financial health, and commitment to accountability and transparency. At Together We Cope, fully 92 cents of every dollar received goes back into client services. Four stars is the highest rating given by Charity Navigator.
     Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator, said: “Together We Cope’s exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public. Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. Based on this rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support Together We Cope.”

TWC provides resources to families in crisis
A prevention agency based in Tinley Park, Illinois, Together We Cope provides resources to families in temporary crisis, enabling them to stay in their homes.
     Since 1982, we have been bridging the gap for south suburban residents in 27 communities by supplying food, shelter, clothing and referrals, empowering them to return to self-sufficiency.
     With 200 volunteers, generous community donations of food, clothing and household goods, and groceries purchased from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, TWC serves over 1,400 families each month.
     Of every dollar donated to TWC, 92 cents goes to client programs and services.