Kim Vrooman Joins Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois as Director of Development and Communications

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is pleased to announce that Kim Vrooman has been hired as Director of Development and Communications. Vrooman comes to GSSI with over 15 years of experience in development, communications/marketing and civic engagement. She has worked in the non-profit sector where she established and directed an Illinois non-profit with the mission to empower children and families through green and community partnerships. She currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Meridian Society: a women’s philanthropy organization; as a board member of Southwestern Illinois College’s Herstory Month Committee; and as a proud member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion. Women and youth leadership building has always been a favorite service focus of Vrooman’s.

“My parents taught that service to others is the primary purpose of human existence and what better way to serve than by immersing myself in the mission of the Girl Scouts. Plus, I am a Girl Scout! Coming from a military family allowed me to serve as a scout in both Kentucky and Florida. I feel joining GSSI continues my scouting journey and my deep desire to serve.”

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a high-capacity Girl Scout council serving approximately 12,400 girls and engaging 5,000 adult volunteers in 40 ½ counties in Southern Illinois.   GSSI Mission: Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.   The Girl Scouts organization is the world's largest leadership development organization for girls.  In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives - like strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. Today’s Girl Scouts not only enjoy camping and crafts, but they also explore math and science and learn about diversity, good citizenship, leadership and teamwork. Girl Scouting is the place where girls experience the fun, friendship and power of girls together.   Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization supported by various United Ways throughout the region.  Girl Scouts is a Proud Partner of United Way. 

Support Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois While You Shop on Amazon!

Did you know you can support Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois while shopping at amazon.com?

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support GSSI every time you shop - at no cost to you.

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. 

On your first visit to www.smile.amazon.com select Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois as your charitable organization. For each eligible purchase, GSSI will receive .5% of your purchase price!

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois 28th Annual Girl Scout Golf Classic Raises $27,500

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) held its 28th Annual Girl Scout Golf Classic at Sunset Hills Country Club on May 15. This year’s Golf Classic raised $27,500.  See photos...

“Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois greatly appreciates everyone who helped make this year’s Girl Scout Golf Classic a success,” said Tricia Higgins, GSSI Communications and Development Manager. “On behalf of our over 12,400 girl members and nearly 5,000 adult volunteers I would like to thank our corporate sponsors, donors, supporters and players for another successful golf classic,” Higgins added. 

During the past 28 years, the Girl Scout golf classic has raised more than $850,000 to support girl program development, girl financial assistance and to maintain and improve Girl Scout camps. 

2017 Girl Scout Golf Classic sponsors include: 

Silver Sponsor:  

The Korte Company

Bronze Sponsors:
Siemer Milling Company
JF Electric

Dinner Sponsor:
Angie Zahn, Broker, Strano & Associates

Lunch Sponsors:
The PaintSmiths of St. Louis
Mathis Marifian & Richter LTD Attorneys at Law

Beverage Sponsor:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Bucket Raffle Sponsor:
David & Kay Werner

Golf Cart Sponsors:
Cassens Transport
Anderson Hospital
Plocher Construction
Palmer & Cay
Terra Properties

Tee Sponsors:
The Korte Company
Siemer Milling Company
J.F Electric
Louer Facility Planning
SunCoke Energy
Dr. David Hyten
Jim's Formal Wear
Hurford Architects
ADR Auto Repair & Towing
Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors
Hill Law Offices
Spencer Homes
Bloomsdale Excavating Company
Gori, Julian & Associates
Jarrett Industries
CompuType IT Solutions
Vee-Jay Cement
Basler Electric Company
Highland Rural King
GRP Mechanical Company
Goldenberg Heller & Antognoli
Bull & Bear Grill & Bar
Providence Bank
Cecil Management Group

Jill Gobert Joins Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois as Chief Development Officer

Jill Gobert

Girl Scouts Southern Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is pleased to announce that Jill Gobert has been hired as its Chief Development Officer. Gobert has an extensive background in development and fundraising, working at the university and college level for over 15 years as well as spending time as a volunteer fundraiser for many local nonprofits in southern Illinois.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and Master of Business Administration, both from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Jill received top academic honors while at SIU and is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honors Society. She has a passion for community involvement and youth development spending time as a middle school band booster president, high school athletic booster, youth exchange coordinator for the Rotary Club of Carbondale, as well as a Girl Scout troop leader in southern Illinois. She is an avid dog lover and has adopted her last three dogs from the Jackson County Humane Society.

As a child growing up in Minnesota, Jill was very active in her local Girl Scout troop. 

“I am thrilled to be part of this wonderful organization that is Building girls of Courage, Confidence and Character who make the world a better place. As a former member and a leader, I know what a positive impact Girl Scouts can have on an individual girl as well as the community as a whole,” Gobert said. Jill resides in Carbondale with her husband, Daniel, and her daughter Megan. Her two sons (David and Steven) are attending college in the area as well. The family will be transitioning to Webster Groves in the near future.

Four Easy Ways to Support GSSI!

1) Schnucks eScrip

You can support GSSI simply by shopping at Schnucks!

1. Pick up an eScrip card from Fund Development or at any Schnucks store.
2. Register your card online or call (800) 931-6258 and select Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois as a benefitting organization.
3. When you shop at Schnucks, have your card scanned when you check out
4. Up to 3% of your purchase price will be donated to GSSI – at no additional cost to you!

2) Kroger

Simply enroll your Kroger Plus Card online at kroger.com/communityrewards. Once you’ve successfully enrolled, the organization you’ve chosen will earn rewards on all eligible purchases you make using your Kroger Plus Card.

Learn more at www.kroger.com/communityrewards or, call Kroger Customer Communications at 1-800-KROGERS, OPTION #3.

3) Ebay Giving Works

You can support GSSI each time you sell an item on ebay! Here’s how it works:

1. Seller lists item - List any item for your charity and donate between 10-100% of the proceeds
2.  eBay collects donation - After the item sells, PayPal Giving Fund, eBay's nonprofit partner, collects your donated proceeds and eBay then credits your selling fees proportional to the amount donated. 
3. Donation sent to charity - PayPal Giving Fund processes the donation and distributes it to your designated charity. 

Visit givingworks.ebay.com to sign up or link your existing ebay account.

4) AmazonSmile


AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization (GSSI) every time you shop - at no cost to you.

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization.


On your first visit to www.smile.amazon.com select Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois as your charitable organization. For each eligible purchase, GSSI will receive .5% of your purchase price!

South Central Illinois Area Health Education Center Funds Girl Scout Career Exploration Program

Kelli Stover, Director of South Central Illinois—Area Health Education Center presents a check to GSSI Director of Development Emily Kimmey to fund a grant for the "When I Grow Up" program.

This program allows girls in K-3rd grades to explore various career opportunities, gain confidence in their own skills and take action to make the world a better place.

Happy Holidays from GSSI!

Happy Holidays from GSSI!  Thank you to all of our Girl Scouts, volunteers, families, friends, donors and supporters for helping us build girls of courage, confidence and character during 2014.  We wish you all happy holidays full of warmth and cheer and are looking forward to all of the adventures that 2015 will bring.   See 2014 Holiday Card Contest Finalists...

 

As the year comes to an end, please consider GSSI in your year end giving plans.  GSSI depends on contributions from generous donors to help us continue to provide financial assistance, quality programming and exciting outdoor experiences to girls in southern Illinois.  All gifts are 100% tax deductible.  Learn more or Donate Now!

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Dancing With Our Stars Raises $17,000 for Girl Scouting

 

 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ Dancing With Our Stars event was held Aug. 23 at Krieger’s Convention Center in Mt. Vernon. The event raised more than $17,000 while local dancers competed for the coveted mirror ball trophy. This year’s winner was The New Evolution (sponsored by National Railway Equipment Co.), while Lesa Woods (sponsored by the Woods family) took home the Judges Choice award.

Other dance teams and sponsors included:  

Dan & Neth Huelbel sponsored by St. Mary’s Good Samaritan

Mt. Vernon High School Sailors from South Pacific sponsored by Mike Beard, Candis Isberner, Newell Furniture, David Overstreet and Stewart Producers

Centre Stage Studios sponsored by Centre Stage Studios

Salem Community Theatre Spamalot sponsored by Ashdon Farms, Bella Chez and Jefferson County Fraternal Order of Police

 

“What a wonderful night during our 6^th Annual Dancing With Our Stars,” said Villie M. Appoo, GSSI Chief Executive Officer.  “We are so grateful to everyone who participated in and supported this year’s DWOS fundraiser,” said Appoo. “Everyone from our DWOS committee, to our dancers and the generous Mt. Vernon community helped make this fundraiser very successful.”  According to Appoo, funds raised during DWOS will help the Girl Scouts continue to develop leadership programs for girls, maintain and improve its camps and help in its out-reach to at-risk girls. 

Co-hosts for the event were Brandon Bullard from Rare Chop House and Lynn Hutchison from United Way of South Central Illinois.  Celebrity judges were Mike Beard from The Insurance Store – a Division of Diamond Bros., Joe Gliosci with Peoples National Bank, Finny Mathew of Crossroads Community Hospital and Mary Beth Mezo with Smokin’ T’s Competition BBQ.   

Teams competed to win DWOS’ the Mirror Ball Trophy by earning the top spot in a two part scoring system. The judges’ scores provided the first element to the dancers’ scores.  The second element added a dash of audience participation and even more excitement, as dancers accrued points with donations from their supporters and attendees at the event.  Following the dance competition, guests then took to the dance floor for an evening of music and dancing. 

Additional DWOS sponsors included:

Trophy Sponsor:  Crossroads Community Hospital

Vote Tabulation Sponsor:  Community First Bank

Judge Sponsor: National Railway Equipment Co.

Dance Floor Sponsor: Crossroads Physician Corporation
Premier Radio Sponsor: WDML
Special Giving Sponsors: Bennett Metal Products, Inc., Continental Tire, MidCountry Bank, St. Mary's Good Samaritan

Other DWOS supporters: Associated Lumber, Brenda Breeze, Sandy Evans, Dan and Linda Hoffman, Hughey Funeral Home, ISB Insurance Agency - A Division of Diamond Bros. Fred and Tammy Klapetzsky, Krieger's Convention Center at Holiday Inn, Morning Sentinel, Mt. Vernon Register News, David Nichols, WVYN - 90.9 The Vine.

GSSI Seeking Dancers for Dancing With Our Stars Event in Mt. Vernon

 

 

GSSI is seeking a few more dance routines for our upcoming Dancing With Our Stars gala being held in Mt. Vernon on Saturday, August 23rd. Soloist, partners and group routines are welcome. Those who participate compete for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. Past routines have included lyrical jazz, Bollywood, clogging, ballroom and Zumba. If you are interested in more information on how to participate please contact Emily Kimmey at 618.692.0692, ext. 1144.

GSSI Family Partnership Campaign Wraps Up

Way to go Troop #920 from Columbia for raising the most funds through our Family Partnership Campaign. The Troop will receive a check for 20% of their total donation.

Also, Michael & Dana Massie with Troop #112 won Holiday World tickets and Teresa Cavaness with Troop #8502 won Southern Illinois Miner tickets in the Family Partnership Drawing. 

Thank you so much to everyone who supported our Family Partnership Campaign! You are vital in helping us deliver the world's preeminent leadership experience for girls right here in southern Illinois!

Thin Mint Sprint Raises $10,000 for Girl Scouting

GSSI hosted its third annual “Thin Mint Sprint” event on June 7 at Camp Chan Ya Ta in Worden. New this year were a 5K Trail Run, 5K Obstacle Course and 5K Obstacle Fun Run.  Nearly 200 participants took part in the race, raising $10,000 to support quality programming, volunteer training, camp maintenance and financial assistance for Girl Scouting in southern Illinois. 

Kevin Reiseck of East Alton, IL and Shannon Cole of Greenfield, IL were the top male and female finishers of both the 5K Trail Run and the 5K Obstacle Course.  The Cyclery and Fitness Center provided Garmin GPS watches to each for winning the Trail Run, while RunWell provided a pair of Inov-8 shoes for winning the Obstacle Course.  Prizes to the top three male and female finishers in each age category were donated by The Cyclery and Fitness Center, First to the Finish, Culver’s, Edison’s Entertainment Complex, Road ID and Anytime Fitness. 

Marsha Shirley and Summerfield Troop #734 and Kimberly Smith Caseyville Troop #758 won the Spirit Contest at Thin Mint Sprint for their unique team style.  Both troops won free camping at any of GSSI Camp Properties. 

Sponsors of the event were TheBank of Edwardsville, The Cyclery and Fitness Center, Ameren Illinois and Extra Help Inc.  Water Stop Sponsors were Angie Zahn of Strano & Associates Realtors, First Clover Leaf Bank and Madison Mutual.   All participants received goodie bags with items from the following donors:  Candis Isberner, Allstate, BauerHite Orthodontic Specialists, Foley Dental Group, Integrity Spine and Joint Center, KinderCare Learning Centers, PH Financial Services, RoadID, Simmons Law Firm Employee Foundation and Studio Gaia. 

See Race Times:

Trail Run Overall

Trail Run by Age Group

Obstacle Course Overall

Obstacle Course by Group

Donna and Ralph Korte Honored for Committed Service and Leadership of Girl Scout Golf Classic

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) raised over $33,000 during its 25^th Annual Girl Scout Golf Classic, held May 12 at Gateway National Golf Links in Madison, IL.  During the Golf Classic dinner, Donna and Ralph Korte were recognized for their 25 years of committed service and leadership of the Girl Scout Golf Classic and their continued support of Girl Scouts and its mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

“Donna and Ralph have been with us and the Girl Scout Golf Classic since we began 25 years ago,” said Appoo. “Thanks to their continued support, we have raised more than $780,000 over the years to provide a premier leadership for our girls and because of Donna and Ralph, our girls have opportunities to Discover, Connect and Take Action to make the world a better place for all of us,” Appoo added.

Girl Scout Golf Classic Raises $33,000 for GSSI

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) raised over $33,000 during its 25th Annual Girl Scout Golf Classic, held May 12 at Gateway National Golf Links in Madison, IL. During the past 25 years, the Girl Scout golf tournament has raised more than $780,000 to support girl program development, girl financial assistance and to maintain and improve Girl Scout camps.

“We are thrilled that our golf tournament was so successful this year and the money raised will help Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois continue to provide a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience for our 14,000 girl members,” said Villie M. Appoo, GSSI Chief Executive Officer. “Raising $33,000 during this year’s golf tournament would not have been possible without the leadership and support of our corporate sponsors, our players, our golf committee members and our other supporters,” Appoo added. “I would like to specially thank our Corporate Sponsors for all of their hard work and dedication to make our golf tournament so successful -- Ralph and Donna Korte and The Korte Company; Larry and Cheri Lucco and Lucco Financial Partners; Scott and Brenda Plocher and Plocher Construction; Darren Wright and Kevin Doak and TheBANK of Edwardsville, and Wells Fargo Insurance and Siemer Milling. 

2013 Girl Scout Golf Tournament Sponsors were:

Platinum Sponsor:

Wells Fargo Insurance

Gold Sponsors:

The Korte Company

Lucco Financial Partners

Plocher Construction

TheBANK of Edwardsville

Silver Sponsor: 

Siemer Milling

During the Golf Classic dinner, Donna and Ralph Korte were also recognized for their 25 years of committed service and leadership of the Girl Scout Golf Classic and their continued support of Girl Scouts and its mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

“Donna and Ralph have been with us and the Girl Scout Golf Classic since we began 25 years ago,” said Appoo. “Thanks to their continued support, we have raised more than $780,000 over the years to provide a premier leadership for our girls and because of Donna and Ralph, our girls have opportunities to Discover, Connect and Take Action to make the world a better place for all of us,” Appoo added.

Save the Date for These GSSI Events

 

 

25th Annual Girl Scout Golf Classic
Monday, May 12, 2014
Gateway National Golf Links -- Madison, IL


 

 

 

Thin Mint Sprint
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Location: Camp Chan Ya Ta -- Worden, IL

 

 

Dancing With Our Stars
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Holiday Inn -- Mt. Vernon, IL


For more information, please contact Director of Development Emily Kimmey at 800.345.6858, ext. 1144 or e-mail ekimmey@gsofsi.org.

GSSI Gives Back to Family Partnership Campaign's Top Fundraisers

As part of GSSI's Family Partnership fundraising campaign, the Service Unit and Troop that raise the most money in support of Girl Scouts receives back 20% of their donation.  This year, the Service Unit that raised the most money was SU 108 - Edwardsville.  The troop that raised the most money was Junior Troop #8434 from Aviston. 

GSSI's Family Partnership campaign gives families a way to help sustain a high-quality Girl Scout experience for girls in Southern Illinois.   It costs GSSI $292 per girl per year to keep our program costs low, properties maintained and volunteer training sessions professionally delivered.  While product sales and program fees cover most of the costs, the remaining $50 comes from caring donors. In addition, we provide $150,000 in financial assistance to ensure no girl is ever turned away due to financial reasons.

"We're so appreciative of our Girl Scout families for giving generously," said Director of Fund Development Emily Kimmey. "We hope that each family sees the full value of the experience their daughter receives as part of Girl Scouts and supports our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character.  By giving a donation, families help ensure that GSSI continues to provide a premier experience and that even more girls across southern Illinois can benefit from Girl Scouts. 

How  Family Partnership Donations Help: 
$25 – Buys a vest, badges and journey book for one Girl Scout in need
$50 – Provides CPR and First Aid training to a GSSI Troop Leader & Co-Leader
$100 – Helps send a girl to Camp Cedar Point for one week
$500 – Provides a year’s membership to 33 girls in an at-risk, low-income neighborhood
$1,000 – Gives a Girl Scouts Robotics team the opportunity to compete for the first time

Donate Now: http://bit.ly/V0G0ap

Dancing With Our Stars Raises $14,500 for Girl Scouting in Southern Illinois

The New Evolution, sponsored by National Railway Equipment Co
accepts the DWOS Mirror Ball Trophy

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ raised $14,500 during its 5^th Annual Dancing With Our Stars (DWOS) fundraiser at Krieger’s Convention Center at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon on Saturday, July 27. Approximately 200 people attended the event and the dance team called The New Evolution earned top honors and took home the coveted DWOS Mirror Ball Trophy.  The New Evolution dance team was sponsored by National Railway Equipment Company.  Also earning special recognition as the Judges Choice Award was Kristin Crain sponsored by Stewart Producers, Inc.   Debi Richardson from Crossroads Community Hospital presented the DWOS Mirror Ball Trophy to the winning team.  See photos

Dance teams competing for the coveted DWOS Mirror Ball Trophy:

YMCA Zumba; sponsored by YMCA of Jefferson Country

The Bollywood Twisters;  sponsored by Kaushal Pediatric Services, Ltd.           

Cadence Cloggers; sponsored by Rent One

The New Evolution; sponsored by National Railway Equipment Co.

Kristin Crain; sponsored by Stewart Producers, Inc.

PCD Mix; sponsored by Bennett Metal Products, Inc

“What a wonderful night of competition and dancing during our 5^th Annual Dancing With Our Stars,” said Villie M. Appoo, GSSI Chief Executive Officer.  “We are so pleased and grateful to everyone who participated in and supported this year’s DWOS fundraiser,” said Appoo. “Everyone from our DWOS committee, to our dancers and the generous Mt. Vernon community helped make this fundraiser very successful.”  According to Appoo, funds raised during DWOS will help the Girl Scouts continue to  develop leadership programs for girls, maintain and improve its camps and help in its out-reach to at-risk girls. 

Co-hosts for the event were Jo David Cummins with Community First Bank of the Heartland and Brandon Bullard from Rare Chop House.  Celebrity judges were Mike Beard from The Insurance Store, Joe Gliosci with Peoples National Bank and Mary Beth Mezo with Mt. Vernon Township High School.   

Teams competed to win DWOS’ the Mirror Ball Trophy by earning the top spot in a two part scoring system. The judges’ scores provided the first element to the dancers’ scores.  The second element added a dash of audience participation and even more excitement, as dancers accrued points with donations from their supporters and attendees at the event.  Following the dance competition, guests then took to the dance floor for an evening of music and dancing. 

     

This year’s DWOS sponsors included:

Trophy Sponsor:  Crossroads Community Hospital

Vote Tabulation Sponsor:  Community First Bank

Silent Auction Sponsor: Old National Bank

Dance Floor Sponsor: Crossroads Specialty Clinic

Judge Sponsor: Rare Chop House

Exclusive Radio Sponsor: WDML

Table Sponsors: 

Enterprise Rent-a-Car

Peoples National Bank

Dance Sponsors:

Bennett Metal Products, Inc.

Kaushal Pediatric Services, Ltd

National Railway Equipment Company

Rent One

Stewart Producers, Inc.

The YMCA of Jefferson County

Special Giving Sponsors:

St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Inc.

Continental Tire

Other DWOS supporters:

Fred and Tammy Klapetzky

Just For You Designs, Eileen Twenhafel

Krieger’s Convention Center at Holiday  Inn

Mt. Vernon Register News

All proceeds from DWOS will provide financial assistance to at-risk girls, to help maintain and improve GSSI camps, and to develop Girl Scout leadership programs for girls throughout southern Illinois.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois serves 14,000 girls and 4,800 adult volunteers in more than 40 counties in southern Illinois. Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912. Girl Scouting is focused on providing a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls in the 21st century, while ensuring the traditions and values that have been core to Girl Scouting since its beginning remain strong and relevant. Currently GSSI is celebrating its 100^th Anniversary of Building Leaders for America.