Happy Holidays From Your Friends at Anixter Center

Dear Friends and Supporters,

At Anixter Center we have much to celebrate.

Our clients are thriving, we are making progress on improving our already excellent programs and services and we are on the road to improved financial stability.

These wonderful accomplishments would not be possible without you and your generous support.  Everyday we are witnesses to life-changing moments: clients overcoming barriers, learning new skills and preparing for the world of work and greater independence.   Please know that these are our shared successes.  Together, we make a remarkable impact on our clients, our neighborhoods and our world.

In this edition of our newsletter, you will meet our newest Board member, see how we celebrate the season and learn some tips on year-end giving.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and clients of Anixter Center, we wish you and your family a joyous Holiday Season and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

All the best,

Tere Garate
President and CEO

5 Essential Tips for Year-End Giving

During the rush of the holiday season it is possible to forget about charitable giving until the last minute. These five simple tips can help you make decisions that support the causes and organizations that you care about and possibly maximize your tax benefit.

#1 Give someone else’s money
Many companies have matching gift programs that will contribute dollar-for-dollar for your gift. Not sure if your employer has a matching gift program? Contact your HR department or go to https://www.matchinggifts.com/rit/ to find out.

#2 The deadline is 12/31/2016
Mailed gifts must be postmarked by 12/31/2016 to be considered for 2016 tax deductibility. On-line gifts must be completed by midnight 12/31. Visit www.anixter.org to make your on-line gift.

#3 Double or triple your tax break

By donating appreciated stock you can maximize your personal tax deduction. Check with your tax professional for complete understanding of the tax implications. To arrange a stock donation to Anixter Center, contact Daniel Summins, MBA, Vice President of Development and Sustainability at dsummins@anixter.org or (773) 973 – 7900 ext. 226

#4 Make a donation directly from your 401K or IRA
Congress has made permanent the ability to make a qualified charitable distribution from IRAs. Qualified charitable distributions can be made directly to a qualified charity. Up to $100,000 of tax-deferred savings can be given annually. (Anixter Center is a qualified charity.) Importantly, qualified charitable distributions automatically satisfy required minimum distributions. Check with your tax professional and IRA provider for complete understanding of the tax implications.

#5 Never underestimate the difference that one person can make
Anixter Center’s ability to deliver excellent programming and positively impact the lives of more than 8,000 men, women and children is dependent on people just like you. You make a difference with every donation.

Visit www.anixter.org to make a donation now.

If you have any questions please contact Daniel Summins, MBA, Vice President of Development and Sustainability at dsummins@anixter.org or (773) 973 – 7900 ext. 226

Thank you for helping make Anixter Center a leader in the care of people with disabilities and related challenges.

Daniel Summins, Vice President of Development and Sustainability

Welcome New Board Member Angela Kabbes

The Anixter Center family welcomes Angela Kabbes to our distinguished Board of Directors.

Angela Kabbes is founder and Principle of TANDEM Events & Communications, an internal communications organization. Angela has over 20 years in the communications industry, spearheading large scale Pharma startups as well as serving the internal communications and events needs of established global leaders. She has experience across a broad range of across industries including technology, management consulting, and most prominently healthcare, pharmaceuticals and biotech.

Her area of expertise is marketing communications that drive better business performance by connecting with audiences and inspiring them to action.

She is committed to being a client’s chief advocate and quality-control officer through every stage of communications engagements: understanding challenges, developing strategic plans, sourcing the right talent, supervising production and executing on time, on budget and on message.

She has built and led teams that have executed company integrations, product launches, communications campaigns, large national meetings, leadership meetings, merger meetings, digital solutions and more. She is a true believer in the power of communication and engagement to inspire a team to action.

We know that Angela will bring that same energy and passion to caring for our clients. Welcome aboard, Angela.

Anixter Center Clients Celebrate the Season!

Excited Anixter Center clients lined up to meet Santa and share their wish lists with him at our annual holiday party sponsored by the Anixter Center Associate Council. Dozens of clients were serenaded by the acapella group  INVOX  Visit  INVOX for more information.  Special thanks to Cara Carlson and the ACAC for sponsoring this party.
For information about or to join the Associate Council visit  Associate Council

Lekotek children and families came together to party and celebrate the season.  Music was provided by the Old Town School of Folk Music and our families sang and danced all afternoon. Special thanks to our Lekotek Ambassadors and  Volunteering 
Untapped Chicago for helping make this event a success.  Visit  VolunteeringUntappedChicago for information on volunteering.