Arc Awareness Day

By Anna Hagen
Contributing Writer
                                                                                     
Preparations have long been underway for this year’s Arc Awareness Day sponsored by The Arc Attic Treasures in Fargo. The event will be held on Tuesday, August 17 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. just outside of The Arc Attic Treasures south location at 3201 43rd St S., Fargo. Arc Awareness Day is free and open to the public.

“Arc Awareness Day is an opportunity for The Arc of Cass County to educate the public about the services we provide for individuals with developmental disabilities,” shared Michael Nygaard, Store Manager of the Arc Attic Treasures in Fargo, who is in charge of all stores and staff in town, “And we try to create a carnival-like atmosphere” in the process.

Filling every corner of the parking lot and lawn, Arc Awareness Day will include everything from inflatable games and a star photo booth to face painting and mini massages. Balloons, popcorn, door prizes and a live broadcast from BOB95 FM will also be sprinkled into the mix—and possibly even a visit from BOB, the mascot, himself. So bring a few dollars for a barbeque lunch, a big smile, and an open heart, and be ready to have a roarin’ good time in the summer sun with family, friends and lots of Arc Buddies.

Arc Buddies are one-on-one relationships between a volunteer from the community and a person with a developmental disability. It is a year-long commitment that begins with an intensive screening to find a perfect fit between both Buddies. “We don’t want somebody who loves football to be paired with an individual who could sit and knit all day.” Unless of course they each love both!

There are currently between 50-60 Arc Buddy matches in the F-M area and you can sign up to become one any day of the year. It is typical for two Buddies to meet up multiple times a month, including once every couple of weeks in which all area Arc Buddies come together for a big events such as RedHawks games, Trollwood Performing Arts productions, Service Learning and United Voices (a self-advocacy group in which individuals with developmental disabilities learn to stand up for their rights). Buddies also stay in contact through phone and email on a regular basis. “Everybody is treated equally here,” explained Nygaard.

Along with fun, games, and food, there will be specials going on all day in the Arc stores to promote Arc Awareness Day. With roughly 85 percent of Arc funding coming from The Arc Attic Treasures store locations in Fargo, there is no better time to host such sales. And best yet—all purchases assist people with developmental disabilities through the Arc of Cass County.

There isn’t an end to the items sold at The Arc Attic Treasures. Books, music, toys, clothing, sporting goods, furniture and knickknacks are the most popular. However, minivans, campers and even a boat have been spotted on the store grounds. You never know what you’ll find when you walk into The Arc Attic Treasures. With new and gently used items showing up everyday, there are always new surprises on every shelf. It’s a treasure hunt.

The remaining 15 percent of the Arc’s funding comes from grants, other non-profits and proceeds from community events. The Arc receives no state or federal money, and any money that is raised in the F-M area, stays in the area. There are chapters all across the nation. Some of the regional ones include Grand Forks, Bismark, Dickinson and Minot. Each chapter is responsible for raising its own money. And a majority of The Arc Attic Treasures are run on volunteer work.

“Without volunteers, we wouldn’t exist,” explained Nygaard.

So come out and enjoy some hot dogs, lively games and lots of fun—and maybe even start an Arc Buddy friendship! It could be an enriching experience that will be worth the wait the minute you see your Buddy smile.

For further information on how to become an Arc Buddy or to volunteer at The Arc Attic Treasures, visit: http://www.arccassnd.com/thearcattictreasures.html.

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If You Go:

What: Arc Awareness Day                                                                                                                                 Where: Arc Attic, 3201 43rd St S                                                                                                                                  When: Tues, Aug 17, 11am-2pm                                                                                                                                     Info: 701.232.6641