In 2007, the first Gifts That Give Hope fair was launched in Mechanicsburg, PA. It was hosted by a local women’s giving circle, and raised over $20,000 to help 15 local non-profit organizations.
In 2008, two additional gift fairs were launched in Lancaster, PA, and Fairfax, VA. The three fairs collectively raised over $56,000, helping 79 local, national, and international non-profit organizations.
In 2009, the three fairs raised over $40,000, helping 83 local, national, and international non-profit organizations. Also in 2009, the non-profit, Gifts That Give Hope, was formed to promote this unique concept of alternative giving.
In 2010, Gifts That Give Hope hosted five fairs in three states with locations in Mechanicsburg, Lancaster, and York, Pennsylvania, as well as Fairfax, Virginia and Annapolis, Maryland. These five fairs raised over $64,000, helping 109 local, national, and international non-profit organizations
In the last four years, Gifts That Give Hope fairs have raised a grand total of over $180,000. With the addition of more fairs and awareness of needs, contributions to non-profits addressing those needs will increase to make a positive difference in various communities across the country. We hope you will consider hosting a fair in your community!
MEET OUR BOARD
Arlene Wickens (President, Treasurer, Board of Director)
Arlene is the President of Gifts That Give Hope's Board of Directors, as well as Chief Executive Officer. In the latter capacity, she is responsible for overall project and program leadership, as well as the day-to-day tasks associated with non-profit organizational operations. Arlene has a background in elementary education, and while living in Michigan, owned and operated a preschool with 260 families in attendance. Pending a move to Pennsylvania, Arlene sold her business in 2003 and became involved in charitable work. She was a key player in collaborating with an existing giving circle in the south-central Pennsylvania area. In efforts to find a signature event for this giving circle, Arlene suggested hosting an Alternative Gift Fair. The first Gifts That Give Hope Alternative Gift Fair was hosted in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania in 2007. It was the success of that event that lead to the formation of the non-profit, Gifts That Give Hope, Inc., with the mission to host Alternative Gift Fairs across the country. Arlene is a wife and mother of five children, and lives in Hampden Township.
Heidi Ott (Vice President, Board of Director, Advisor - Website Development)
Heidi is the President and owner of The Polaris Group. She has extensive knowledge in Web design and PHP programming. Heidi was immediately drawn to Gifts That Give Hope and its mission to host Alternative Gift Fairs across the country. When The Polaris Group was contacted by Gifts That Give Hope, she accepted the initial project, pro bono. Heidi has played a pivotal role in the development of the Web site, which is automating many time-consuming tasks. In addition to her work with Gifts That Give Hope, Heidi has been a member of LeTip of the West Shore since 2002, and currently serves on that organization’s Board of Directors. Originally from Utah, Heidi and her husband, Fran, along with their four boys, live in New Cumberland.
Jeannie Kruidenier (Board of Director)
Jeannie Kruidenier has had many years of hands-on involvement with non-profits, from founding a women’s giving circle in 2003 in central Pennsylvania, to serving meals to the homeless. Jeannie also works with Flashes of Hope and is their Camp Director for “Camp Can Do” in Mt Gretna, where children with life-threatening illnesses have professional photographers celebrate their lives through photos. Jeannie was a key player in the organization and planning of the first Gifts that Gift Hope Fair in central Pennsylvania in 2007, and continues to be involved every year. Since moving to Annapolis, Maryland in 2009, she has organized and hosted a Gifts that Give Hope fair in her new hometown. Jeannie works fulltime in a family business that keeps her busy traveling to the Pittsburgh area, where her family’s aluminum processing plant is located. Jeannie is the mother of one daughter and enjoys spoiling her two grandchildren.
James Eirkson (Board of Director, Advisor - Standards of Excellence)
James came to know GTGH after the non-profit organization joined the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), his place of employment. Over the last year, James has been working as an advisor to GTGH, helping the non-profit develop its initial strategic plan. James is the director of Education and Community Outreach at PANO. He has also work with the Standards of Excellence, helping non-profits bolster public confidence and support for the non-profit sector. James earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and Rhetoric with a focus in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. As part of his studies, he participated in a Semester at Sea, a global study abroad program, operated by the nonprofit Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE). James also held an internship with the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors, which fosters relationships between international visitors and the Pittsburgh community. As an ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor in Vietnam, he earned a TESOL(Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) international teaching certification. Previously, James worked at the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, working on the trade group’s annual convention. There, he also helped organize a special project dealing with disaster preparedness and pandemic awareness. James lives in the Harrisburg area.
