The Compassionate Friends is an international self-help organization offering friendship, understanding and hope to bereaved parents. We are a non-profit, non-denominational group, and there are no dues or memberships fees of any kind. We are one of over 600 chapters in the United States.
NEXT GENERAL MEETING
Thursday, August 6, 2009
at 7:00PM
Meetings are the first Thursday of every month at St. Timothy Presbyterian Church, 16700 Newburgh, on the East side of Newburgh 1/4 Mile South of Six Mile Road. Meetings are held from 7PM to 9PM. Each year there are two special meetings. A balloon launch in May, as we celebrate the life we shared with our child. Additionally, in December there is a candle lighting in recognition of this special season and the fond memories of our children.
SECOND ANNUAL BOWLING FUNDRAISER
For
The Compassionate Friends
and all the children who have died too soon.
The bowling fundraiser was a huge success. Special thanks to Pat and Janet O'Donnell and Kathy Rambo for organizing the fundraiser, especially for the great prizes. Much thanks also to the 84 people that bowled, as well as the 50 people who came and supported us. We look forward to this becoming an annual event.
Worldwide Candle Lighting
At Kellogg Park
Plymouth, Michigan
The Worldwide Candle Lighting is celebrated on the second Sunday in December. Candles are lit for one hour at 7 p.m. around the world, and as candles burn down in one time zone, they are lit in the next, creating a 24-hour memorial that encircles the world. The holidays are especially difficult for families that have had a child die. This candle lighting ceremony honors them and helps their memory live on.
This year the 12th National Children's Memorial Day/Candle Lighting was held on Sunday, December 14, 2008 in Plymouth's Kellogg Park, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony included a beautiful butterfly tree created in memory of our children who have died too soon, a candle light vigil, reading of the children's names, poetry, and songs.
In 2009 the Candle Lighting will be held on Sunday, December 13th.
Please Visit our photo gallery for pictures of the 2008 Candle Lighting.
TCF National Conference for 2009
Registration to the Portland Conference is now available on the National Web site.
The 32nd National Conference will be held on August 7-9 in Portland, Oregon at the DoubleTree Lloyd Center.
Room reservation information is available now as follows: Reservations for those attending TCF’s national conference are being accepted by the Doubletree Hotel Portland where the conference will be held. TCF has negotiated for a large block of rooms at a special price for those attending the conference. Rate is $129 per room per night in several different configurations. As always, we suggest that you make reservations early to avoid disappointment.
To reserve online, visit the Doubletree Hotel website.
You may also call the Doubletree Hotel at 1-503-281-6111 and receive the negotiated price, but you must identify yourself as attending The Compassionate Friends National Conference. The rooms are available at this special rate for those staying the nights of August 5-August 9. Last day for reservations, if rooms are still available, will be July 4.
The 10th Annual
Steve Herrick/Brian McLean
Golf Classic
We want to thank all who supported and attended the 10th Annual Steve Herrick/Brian McLean Golf Classic on July 12, 2008 at Fox Hills Golf Club.
We especially want to thank Virginia Herrick and Eileen & Ed Wheeler for all their hard work in making this golf outing a success!
We also want to thank the "TCF Children" for providing a beautiful day for golf after a morning of thunderstorms and grey skies!
National Conference
The 29th National Conference was held on July 13 – 16, 2006 in Dearborn, Michigan. More than 1000 bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings attended the conference this year. The keynote speakers, workshop presenters and musical artists made it an exceptional healing experience for those attending. The seventh annual Walk to Remember was on the last day of the conference with over 1400 people joining in. The walk began with the release of 500 monarch butterflies and the sound of bagpipes in the distance. Former Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple led the walkers as the official grand marshal.
CHAPTER CO-LEADER
Gail Lafferty
CHAPTER CO-LEADER &
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Brenda Brummel
TREASURER
Virginia Herrick
Contact Phone Number: 734-778-0800
Email Gail Lafferty or Brenda Brummel for information regarding the group.
Email the webmaster with any web changes.
TCF National Website
Visit The Compassionate Friends National website to find out about National and Regional gatherings of The Compassionate Friends, order from their Resource Catalog, find out about scheduled Chats and learn more about the organization.