Deer Buzz

One Family Scholars Program Celebrates the Highest Number of Formerly Homeless and At-Risk Mothers to Graduate from College

One Family, Inc., a not-for-profit organization started by Paul and Phyllis Fireman and family with a mission of ending family homelessness in Massachusetts, announced today that this year 38 women who were formerly homeless or at-risk for homelessness will complete the One Family Scholars program and graduate from college; this is the highest number in the organization’s history. One Family will celebrate the accomplishments of these courageous women at their annual Mothers of Inspiration gala on May 4, 2009 at the Westin Copley Place Boston.

Sponsors include Dancing Deer Baking Co.—Since 2001, Dancing Deer has donated 35 percent of the revenues from its Sweet Home product line ( www.dancingdeer.com/sweethome) to fund the One Family Scholars program. In April and May 2009, the company’s CEO, Trish Karter, will ride her bicycle from Atlanta to Boston for homeless families. Along the way, she’ll be stopping at homeless shelters, reaffirming Dancing Deer’s philanthropic mission of ending family homelessness. During the ride, all online donations and proceeds from the Sweet Home line will be used to build the Scholars program outside of Massachusetts.

Dancing Deer President Rides Bike To Give Back

Dressed in cycling spandex and riding a stationary bicycle, Trish Karter is not your typical trade show exhibitor. She caught my eye when I was walking the aisles at San Francisco’s Fancy Food Show. The Dancing Deer Baking Co. owner is doing her part to spread sweetness by riding 300 miles during the three day food extravaganza.

Her efforts are part of a bigger picture. The Chief Deer at Dancing Deer is participating in a solo Mother’s Day Ride, covering 1,500 miles to celebrate Dancing Deer’s 15th Anniversary.  Karter will visit 15 shelters in 15 days with Dancing Deer “Cookie House” events taking place with shelter residents, local chefs and mayors.  Her goal; to inspire folks to send a gift to every homeless Mom in the US, (700,000.) A secondary goal is to raise scholarship money to help homeless mothers.

When I asked Karter about her Boston-based company and the inspiration behind her Mother’s Day ride she said, “The reason I’m in business is to make social change.  We’re a green company and woman-owned.  The cookies are great, but they are my vehicle for change.”

Do you have plans for Mother’s Day? Why not help spread some sweetness and donate to a worthy cause.  Afterall, everyone has a mother to thank.