More BANG for your bucks

Twenty-six mid-Michigan nonprofits are hoping to start the year off with a “bang” — by winning the University Club of MSU’s Big Bang-quet $10,000 Community Charity Challenge. Beginning Jan. 16, 26 local charities will be asking the public for their votes to help them win a $10,000 credit toward a fundraising event held in the University Club’s newly renovated dining room. The program is being conducted by the University Club of MSU in cooperation with the Capital Region Community Foundation and is sponsored by the MSU Federal Credit Union.

A “vote” is a $5 tax-deductible donation to the Capital Region Community Foundation. Votes can be cast online through March 16 at www.universityclubofmsu.org/theclubwithaheart. Each organization will receive 90 percent of the funds raised through voting, with the remaining amount retained by the Capital Region Community Foundation to cover processing costs. Then, at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, the public will be invited to a reception at the University Club to place final votes and then witness the final outcome.

Help these great local charities start 2012 with a bang and place your votes today!

Participating organizations, chosen by votes from University Club members, are:

• American Red Cross, Mid-Michigan Chapter
• Arts Council of Greater Lansing
• Big Brothers Big Sisters, Michigan Capital Region
• Black Child and Family Institute
• Boys and Girls Club of Lansing
• Capital Area Literacy Coalition
• Capital Area Humane Society
• Carefree Clinic
• Child and Family charities
• Cristo Rey Community Center
• Eaton Community Palliative Care
• Ele's Place
• Expectant Parent Organization
• Greater Lansing Housing Coalition
• Greater Lansing Food Bank/Mid-Michigan Food Bank
• Habitat for Humanity Lansing
• Haven House
• Highfields, Inc.
• Hospice of Lansing
• Impression 5 Science Center
• Lansing Symphony Orchestra
• MSU Safe Place
• Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan
• Salvation Army
• St. Vincent Catholic Charities
• WKAR TV and Radio