Thursday, September 29, 2011

Bergen Bike Tour Success!

THANK YOU to everyone who made
the 16th annual Bergen Bike Tour on
Sunday a tremendous success! 

We had a great time and we hope you did, too!!

Our goal this year is to raise $80,000 -- and it’s all up to you!   All riders need to be busy raising funds to support our two great charities:  Tomorrows Children's Fund and The Volunteer Center of Bergen County.  Turn in your pledges by November 11 to be eligible for great prizes!  Learn more about how to raise funds for the Bergen Bike Tour on our website, www.bergenbiketour.org

Thanks you again to all of our truly outstanding sponsors: TD Bank, CUNet/Peterson’s-a Nelnet Company, JDD Alderisio, Apax Partners, EisnerAmper, Jamis Bicycles, Inserra ShopRite, Lakeland Bank, NeoStem, Oritani Bank Charitable Foundation, PNC Bank, Ramsey Auto Group, Tanis & Sons, Volvo, Baker Sports Marketing, Bolkema Fuel Company, Columbia Bank, Compensation Solutions, Dunkin’ Donuts, Flackman Goodman & Potter, P.A., Flavor and Fragrance Specialties, Garden State Wiper, Hackensack University Medical Center, KRE Group, Robert E. Martini, LLC, Murphy, Miller & Baglieri, LLP, Nisivoccia, LLP, Nowell, Amoroso Klein Bierman, P.A., Rockland Electric Company, Andrew Rubenstein, M.D., Rudy’s Inflight Catering, Sanzari Companies, Sharp Electronics, Sovereign Santander, United Water,  Withum Smith+Brown, Zerega Custom Pasta Company, Aldo’s/The Brickhouse, Allendale Bar & Grill, Applebee’s, Bollinger Insurance, Downes Tree Service, Excel Physical Therapy, La Cena Fine Foods, Lowenstein Sandler, Malesardi Quackenbush Swift & Company, REI, Topline Products Co., Inc., Wells Fargo.

Your support is greatly appreciated!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Companies: Do well by doing good!

Successful businesses across the country are learning that getting involved in the community contributes to the bottom line. To help local companies find out how maximize employee engagement, the Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council is hosting an all-day training “Employee Volunteer Program Nuts and Bolts.” 

Date/Time: Fri., November 4, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: BMW of North America, Woodcliff Lakes
Fee: $100, or $75 for BVC members
Course Leaders: David Warshaw & Jo Ann Dow-Breslin

David Warshaw, Principal, Vistas Volunteer Management Solutions
After leading GE's award-winning global volunteerism program and serving as a corporate public relations executive for 27 years, David is now applying his talents as founder of Vistas Volunteer Management Solutions to aid businesses and nonprofits build their volunteer programs into strategic assets. David is a past chair of the Points of Light Foundation's National Council on Workplace Volunteerism and is on the Board of the Volunteer Center of Bergen County.  David is a current appointee to the New Jersey Governor's Advisory Council on Volunteerism and Community Service.

Jo Ann Dow-Breslin, Owner, JD Communications, LLC
Jo Ann has a broad background in employee volunteer management and community affairs. As PSEG’s Manager-Community Affairs for 16 years, she developed new approaches to volunteer management and found ways to motivate and recognize employee volunteers. She is a member and past co-chair of the Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council. She has served on the Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) Advisory Council for the HandsOn Network/Points of Light Institute, and as a co-chair for New Jersey’s Statewide Business Volunteer Council. Currently, as the owner of JD Communications, Jo Ann assists corporations and nonprofits with community initiatives, grants management and communications services.

For more information on this training or to register, contact bvc@bergenvolunteers.org or 201-489-9454 ext. 119.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Bergen Bike Tour Today - Rain or Shine!


The Bergen Bike Tour is on rain or shine today, Sunday, September 25th, come on down to Darlington Park in Mahwah, NJ.

We will be there from 7:30 am and throughout the day cheering on riders,
enjoying a delicious BBQ, and raffling off great prizes.
Click here for the schedule for the day.

Pre-registration is now closed, but you can register on-site. We accept cash, checks (payable to Bergen Bike Tour), Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

The Bergen Bike Tour benefits two outstanding local charities: Tomorrows Children’s Fund and The Volunteer Center of Bergen County.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Bergen Bike Tour - this Sunday!

Don’t miss the chance to register online for the 16th annual Bergen Bike Tour, this Sunday, September 25th, at Darlington Park in Mahwah!  

Hundreds of cyclists will be pedalling on behalf of Tomorrows Children’s Fund and The Volunteer Center of Bergen County, two outstanding local organizations. We'll have food, fun, music, massages, and great prizes on hand for everyone there! 

You can sign up on online until Friday at 2:00pm.  You can also register Sunday at Darlington Park. The 50-mile ride kicks off at 8:00 am, 25-mile at 9, and 10-mile at 10:30. Enjoy breakfast before your ride courtesy of Dunkin' Donuts and a barbeque after courtesy of Inserra Shoprite Supermarkets!

Find out everything you need to know at bergenbiketour.org or call us at 1-877-BER-BIKE. See you there!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Volunteers Needed for Post Hurricane Clean Up

Volunteers are needed who can help clean up flooded-out homes.  If you would like to be trained in this specialized skill, contact UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), which is well known for providing this service.  Click here for details.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Women Needed to Help Mothers and Families in Need!

Do you want to make a difference in someone's life? Do you enjoy working with women and families? If so, Mentoring Moms needs you!

Mentoring Moms, a program of the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, trains and supports volunteers who help overwhelmed mothers who are struggling with the responsibilities of children and life.

Volunteer mentors are caring women who understand how hard it is to raise children and want to make life easier for another mom.  Whether it is giving emotional support by being a sympathetic listener or providing practical assistance by connecting a mother to community resources, volunteer mentors offer the needed support and resources that help strengthen a family.  Parenting is hard work and most parents need someone they can turn to when they need a shoulder to lean on or some practical advice - our mentors fill that role.

If you are interested in volunteering or finding out more information, please contact the Mentoring Moms program at 201-489-9454, ext. 123. Our next training begins Monday, October 3, 2011 at at the Volunteer Center of Bergen County in Hackensack.  

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Thank you for your support!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Volunteer Center of Bergen County at Blue Moon Mexican Cafe on August 9, 14, and 15.

Your generous support (and deliciously full bellies) help our work in the community flourish. To find out how, click here!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Introducing: FUN and GAMES with the BVC!

The Northern New JerseyBusiness Volunteer Council (BVC) invites you to join us for our all-new, fun and fabulous fall fundraising event.  Your $50 ticket will get you a mouth-watering, all-you-can-eat international buffet, beer/wine, spectacular silent auction, 50/50 raffle, mystery bag drawing, stand-up comedy, game show-style games, overflowing swag bags, and more! Proceeds will benefit BVC efforts to provide resources to low-income children and families in our community.

We'll also welcome comedian Mark Malkoff back to IKEA! Known for living in our very own Paramus IKEA (click here to find out all about it), Mark will host Fun & Games and bring his zany brand of humor to the event.

You won't want to miss this party!   For more information or to order tickets, just click here to visit us online or email us at bvc@bergenvolunteers.org.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Volunteer at the Bergen Bike Tour!

Whether or not you actually ride in the Bergen BikeTour, you can still help and support two great causes. You can volunteer!

The 16th annual Bergen Bike Tour will be on Sunday, September 25, with myriad activities at Darlington Park, in Mahwah. Family-oriented and fun-filled, the event raises funds for the Volunteer Center of Bergen County and Tomorrows Children's Fund at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Volunteer slots are available between 6:30 am and 1:00 pm, and volunteers can help with set up, serve breakfast, prepare goodie bags, clean up, and cheer on riders. All volunteers receive a free, top-quality long-sleeve event t-shirt and refreshments. Join the fun!  Register to volunteer online or contact Debbie Emery at 201-489-9454, x 118.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Save the date to serve!

Here is a list of the 2011-2012 Days of Service. Learn more about these days and others like it on our Upcoming Events Page.

SEPTEMBER 11 NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011
www.911day.org
www.thousandactsofcaring.org
Help to remember and honor in a positive way those lost and injured on 9/11 and the many who rose in service following the attacks.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY
- SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2011

www.usaweekend.com/diffday
Make A Difference Day, nicknamed the "national day of doing good," is a national community service effort designed to challenge and reward volunteers. Every year on the fourth Saturday in October, more than one million people spend the day "making a difference" within their communities, engaged in service projects and activities.

NATIONAL FAMILY VOLUNTEER DAY
-
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2011
http://www.nationalfamilyweek.org/
Thousands of families across
America volunteer on this day, performing tasks to benefit their communities. This service day is designed to expose families to the benefits of working together; and to introduce and encourage community service as a family unit. This day is the kick off for NATIONAL FAMILY VOLUNTEER WEEK.


DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2012
www.mlkday.gov
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that success is measured "by the quality of our service relationship to humanity." The King Holiday is promoted as a community service initiative to remember, celebrate and organize to meet the challenge of Dr. King's philosophy on public service. Honor Dr. King for the issues and causes he worked so hard for with a day “on,” not a day “off.”

NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY
- FRIDAY, APRIL 20 -
SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2012
www.ysa.org
National Youth Service Day encourages communities all across the country to recognize young people for their involvement in community problem solving efforts.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
- SUNDAY, APRIL 15 - SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2012

www.handsonnetwork.org/nationalprograms
National Volunteer Week designates a special time to recognize and celebrate the tremendous efforts of volunteers at the local, state and national levels.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Support a Rider at the Bergen Bike Tour

Support your favorite Bergen Bike Tour rider at the click of a button! Visit our Bergen Bike Tour Support a Rider Page. Enter the name of the cyclist and the amount you wish to pledge. It’s that simple! You can also donate through the Bergen Bike Tour Firstgiving page.

Your donation will support two well respected local non profits: the Volunteer Center of Bergen County and Tomorrows Children's Fund.

Join us at the Bergen Bike Tour to cheer on your rider, Sunday, September 25. Register now! For more information call 1-877-BER-BIKE or visit www.bergenbiketour.org.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Register to Ride!


The 16th Annual Bergen Bike Tour will be held on Sunday, September 25th at Darlington Park in Mahwah. Register TODAY and take advantage of our discounted early registration fee - $35 per person; $70 for a family of four. Starting Saturday, September 17th, registration is $40 person; $70 for a family of four. Register to ride at www.bergenbiketour.org or call 1-877-BER-BIKE.

The Bergen Bike Tour is a family-oriented, fun-filled event with proceeds benefiting two local charities:  the Volunteer Center of Bergen County and Tomorrows Children’s Fund. The Bergen Bike Tour is a great way for families to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors and do good in the community - - all at the same time!  TD Bank is sponsoring special activities for kids,  including a "Kids’ Ride"  for kids 10 and under plus crafts, games, music and more!  Cyclists of all ages and abilities are welcome to ride routes of 10, 25 or 50 miles through Bergen County's most scenic areas.
See you on September 25th!