Munchkin March Photo Booth Photos are up!

Thank you to Sonrisa Photography for doing such amazing work! All of the photos are amazing!

To view your photos: Go to www.sonrisaphotography.com 

Click on "View My Photos" 

Find gallery "Munchkin March 2013" 

Enter password given at the event 

(If you misplaced the information, email us by clicking the envelope to the right --> ) 

 There is a free digital download, or the option to purchase prints. 

Munchkin March FAQ's

1. When/where is the Munchkin March?
2. Who hosts the Munchkin March?
3. Who is Mindful Mothers?
4. Can I download a copy of the Munchkin March flier?
5. Why does Mindful Mothers support the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County?
6. What type of donation should I bring for the Food Bank?
7. What is there to do at the Munchkin March?
8. What movie will you be showing? At what time?
9. Who are the Munchkin March Partners?
10. What is the schedule of events?
11. What items are being sold at the Silent Auction?

1. When/where is the Munchkin March?

• The Munchkin March is Friday October 23rd from 5:00-8:00 pm at Meadow Park in San Luis Obispo, CA.  Click here to view the park in Google maps. 

2. Who hosts the Munchkin March?

• The Munchkin March was hosted exclusively by Mindful Mothers the first three years. Beginning in 2012 (year 4) we joined in partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department, who have made the Munchkin March their signature fall event. 

3. Who is Mindful Mothers?

• We are families committed to raising children who are mindful of the culture, environment and community in which we live. We actively seek opportunities to engage in volunteerism with our families, partnering in service with other local groups. We aim to bond with like minded-families, committed to improving our world, starting at home. We want to cultivate an awareness in our kids of the joy of giving back. (click here to view our mission, or more about us)
• If you are interested in finding out more about our monthly Playdate With A Purpose, sign up for our newsletter. It includes what we are up to, in addition to other volunteering opportunities and free & fun events throughout the county. 

4. Can I download a copy of the Munchkin March flier?

• Yes! We would love your help spreading the word! Click here to download a pdf copy, or here for a jpg (image file). 

5. Why does Mindful Mothers support the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County?

• For the past 5 years, the Munchkin March Parade has benefited the Food Bank Coalition of SLO County; we look forward to working with them again this year. Why the Food Bank? They work really really hard providing members of our community with food. Did you know that 1 in 6 people in our county reached out for help last year? That is 44,000 of our friends, neighbors, and coworkers. The Food Bank Coalition keeps a very low overhead- less than 5%- which allows them to turn every $1 donated into 7 nutritious meals. 
•  Children are even more vulnerable to food insecurity*- 40% of those that are food insecure in our county are children. Mindful Mothers actively seeks opportunities to improve the lives of those in our community by engaging ourselves and our children in volunteerism. Our partnership with the Food Bank Coalition creates an opportunity to engage with our children, and teach them the importance of giving back within our community. We encourage you to talk to your children about how participating in the Munchkin March benefits their community. (*food insecurity is defined as not having access to enough food to meet ones nutritional needs on a regular basis) 
• For every $1 donated the Food Bank Coalition can provide $10 worth of food!

6. What type of donation should I bring for the Food Bank?

• The simple answer: what ever you can! The long answer: while bringing a non-perishable food item is always appreciated, the food bank has considerable buying power with their suppliers, so they are able to turn $1 into 10 pounds of food when they buy it themselves. But, donating food is still a great way to support the Food Bank Coalition. When families and organizations contribute fresh and non-perishable food, it puts more variety on the shelves and in the freezers. Here are some suggestions for nonperishable items to help provide a well-balanced, nutritious set of foods to those who do not have enough to eat. Click here to see a list of current needs. 

7. What is there to do at the Munchkin March?

• Due to the amazing attendance of years past,  the parade moved in 2013 from Downtown SLO to Meadow Park on South Street. It was wonderful- we had lots of room to spread out! Again, this year there will be live music, a photo booth, food trucks, a gymnastics Fun Zone, the PARADE, and an outdoor movie! 
• Bring a blanket, and either grab dinner from the food trucks or pack a picnic dinner, and stay to enjoy the outdoor movie!

8. What movie will you be showing? At what time?

• The movie, "Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest" will begin at approximately 7:00 pm (it is 54 minutes long). 
• Synopsis: It's George's first Halloween in the country, and Bill tells him about the Legend of No Noggin -- a headless scarecrow that kicks off peoples hats while roaming the countryside on Halloween. But is the legend really real? George and Allie are determined to find out by taking a picture of No Noggin in hat-kicking action. But first George needs to figure out what he's going to be for Halloween so he can win the costume contest at the town Boo Festival. Will George's quest for the perfect costume interfere with his quest for the truth? Only the curious will find out!

9. Who are the Munchkin March Partners?

• We have got some great partners this year!! Check them all out below:

Entertainment Provided By:

Central Coast Gymnastics

Bucket Busters 

Food Vendors:
Gusto on the Go Bistro
The Pairing Knife
SLO Coast Cofee

Services Provided by:
Sonrisa Photography

Harvey's Honeyhuts


Plus a great big thank you to our Sponsors and Supporters!

Movie Sponsor:
REC Solar



10. What is the Schedule of Events?

• 5:00 pm:  Music ~ Food  ~ Gymnastic Fun Zone ~ Photo Booth 
• 6:00 pm:  Line Up for Parade at south end of the park 
• 6:15 pm: Munchkin March Parade! 
• 6:45 pm: Grab snacks and a spot for the movie 
• 7:00 pm: Movie “Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest"

11. What items are being sold at the Silent Auction? 

• There will not be a silent auction this year. Please send all donations to the Food Bank Coalition!

The Silent Auction: It's Incredible!

We feel blessed and honored to have what might possibly be the

BEST SILENT AUCTION ITEMS EVER. 

I really don't think I am exaggerating. Not even a little bit! Here a quick run down:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

One Night's Stay at the 
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa!

($275 Value)  
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hand Fabricated Sterling Silver and Diamond Pendant, made by SiblingStudio at The Gold Concept 
($227 Value)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa

2-week Full Privilege Family Membership

($280 value) 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SHIFT HAIR SALON

(2) Haircut & Color Certificates ($150 value each)

(3) Haircut Certificate ($60 value each)

(3) Gift Baskets ($80-110 value each)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

SLO Wellness Center

- Initial Chiropractic Assessment and Adjustment

- Initial Acupuncture Assessment and Treatment

- One-Hour Massage

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(2) Gift Bags, each with a T-Shirt and 4-class Pass 
($125 value each)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Plus wonderful selections from the following:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

And gift certificates to:

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

And So Much More! 
Click here to see the complete list auction items!

Thank you to our Volunteers!

We were lucky enough to get FOUR (count them! four!) groups volunteering to help out with the Munchkin March this year. WooHoo! Thank you!

The Cal Poly Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
A university-sponsored Service Learning Project, the LITC was created to provide undergraduate and graduate accounting students the opportunity to work with underserved communities while enhancing their professional skills. Under the direct supervision of Orfalea College of Business faculty, students represent low-income clients involved in tax controversies before the IRS and the U.S. Tax Court. Students also provide education and outreach services on the rights and responsibilities of U.S. taxpayers to the community. The LITC is able to provide all services in English and Spanish at no charge.

Student Community Services (SCS)
An organization designed to provide opportunities for community involvement that meet a broad range of student interests while providing meaningful service to the off-campus community. SCS provides the opportunity for students to act as vital members of the community, share their resources with others and develop skills and leadership abilities while creating meaningful social change.

SCS: Youth Programs
Youth Programs is a program of Student Community Services that provides opportunities for local youth to enjoy the companionship of Cal Poly students. As a college student, you have the opportunity to be a positive role model. Enhance a child's life through local afterschool tutoring programs, cultural craft fairs and recreational activities for low income youth. Be a friend and role model by playing games and hanging out with local foster youth.

Alpha Phi Omega- Zeta Omicron
Alpha Phi Omega is a national coeducational service fraternity founded on the cardinal principles of leadership, friendship and service. It provides its members the opportunity to develop leadership skills as they provide service to their campus, to youth and the community, to the nation, and to members of the Fraternity.

Food Bank Donations: What Should I bring?

Great Question!

The simple answer: what ever you can! The long answer: while bringing a non-perishable food item is always appreciated, the food bank has considerable buying power with their suppliers, so they are able to turn $1 into 10 pounds of food when they buy it themselves.

But, donating food is still a great way to support the Food Bank Coalition. When families and organizations contribute fresh and non-perishable food, it puts more variety on the shelves and in the freezers. Here are some suggestions for nonperishable items to help provide a well-balanced, nutritious set of foods to those who do not have enough to eat.

Fruits & Vegetables Group

• Canned or dry fruits and vegetables in an array of colors will help ensure consumption of many vitamins and minerals.
• Canned vegetables
• Canned fruit 
• Canned tomatoes (juice & sauce)
• Dried fruit & vegetables 

Grain Group

• Whole grains provide maximum nutrition value and long-lasting energy.
• Oatmeal
• Whole grain crackers
• Low sugar/high fiber cereals
• All pasta types
• Whole grain rice

Protein Group

• Lean meats and canned or dry beans provide the necessary fuel for muscles.
• Canned tuna, salmon or chicken
• Bean soups
• Baked beans
• Dried and canned beans and peas
• Chili Beef stew
• Peanut Butter 

They especially enjoy the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables grown in San Luis Obispo County. The Food Bank is committed to providing healthy, nutritious food to the community.

Click here for more info about why Mindful Mothers supports the Food Bank, or to visit the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County's website.

Outdoor Movie: Curious George's Halloween Boo Fest

This year at the Munchkin March we will have our first ever outdoor movie! We would like to say great big THANK YOU to our Movie Sponsor, REC Solar.

Synopsis: Halloween's almost here! Hang onto your hats! It's George's first Halloween in the country, and Bill tells him about the Legend of No Noggin -- a headless scarecrow that kicks off peoples hats while roaming the countryside on Halloween. But is the legend really real? George and Allie are determined to find out by taking a picture of No Noggin in hat-kicking action. But first George needs to figure out what he's going to be for Halloween so he can win the costume contest at the town Boo Festival. Will George's quest for the perfect costume interfere with his quest for the truth? Only the curious will find out!

Movie Sponsor

Tonight, 6pm at Luna Red in SLO

Once again we are meeting at the lovely Luna Red for our bi-monthly Mom’s Night Out! Come enjoy dinner/snacks/drinks, chat with other moms, and hear about this year’s Munchkin March!



The first two bottles of wine are complementary, courtesy of Luna Red!




Check out the dinner Menu here: http://www.lunaredslo.com/dinner/