Ronald Mcdonald house Charities of southern colorado
children hope growth
2008
Annual Report
“Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado lifts children and families in need to a better tomorrow.”
2008 ANNUAL REPORT Copyright © 2009, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado, 311 North Logan Avenue, Colorado Springs, Co 80909 All rights reserved. Photos: All personal letters and photos have been used with permission and been granted the non-exclusive right to use and/or reproduce the materials in any manner and for any purpose. Ronald McDonald House Charities would like to thank Lynn Boutte, Lyn Hale, Memorial Hospital, RMHC Global, Sam Rush-Walton and Dave Ulmer for their photos. Other images, including stock, have been purchased from an image bank.
Printing Services Donated by Tops Printing, Colorado Springs, Co
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Design services donated in part by Sally Dunn
www.sallysuedunn.com
Table of Contents 4
Board of Directors & Charities Staff
5
Message from Our President
6
Our Ronald McDonald House
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Healing Garden & Kitchen Remodel
8
Ronald McDonald Family Room
9
Grants
10
Scholarships
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Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
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Cameron Memorial Golf Tournament
13-15
Financial Position
16-19
Donors & Supporters
20-21
Our Volunteers
22-23
The Alvarez Family Story
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
2008 Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President Vice President
Gene Sanchez, Zehcnas Cory Leppert, Central Bancorp
Secretary
Marge Colgan, Community Member
Treasurer
Rob Wrubel, Cascade Investment Group
Past President Members at Large
Mark Kelbel, Broadmoor Golf Treasure Davis, Century 21, former RMH family Darrell Fleck, RMJ Capital Greg Fritsch, Comcast Anne Gale, Broadmoor Golf Beth Gorab, Cheyenne Mountain District 12 Joe Johnson, McDonald’s Bob Limpert, McDonald’s Gloria Long, American National Bank Dale Pelletier, Woodland Wear Jon Visscher, On Vision Solutions Doug Wells, Systems Engineering Services Corp Jill Woodford, Memorial Hospital
Charities Staff
Executive Director Development Coordinator Family Room House
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Beth Alessio Sam Rush-Walton Tina Dewar, Manager Lyn Hale, Manager Susan Wichmann, Volunteer Coordinator Debbie Thomas, Night Manager Donna Beiler, Crystal Castaneda, Lisa Fajardo and Ashleigh Larson, Weekend Managers
From Our President, Gene Sanchez
Dear Friends and Family of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado, I was honored with the opportunity to become part of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Southern Colorado Board of Directors. Prior to that, I had no clue... I had no clue of the impact and passion this organization has for humanity, for life itself. I’ve been privileged to witness the pure faith, hope and love that is the blueprint for the Ronald McDonald House; from the newborn child struggling to make his or her place to live on this beautiful planet, to the other children who are here for only a short time. From them, we learn character and resolve -- to make our lives matter. Certainly, their experience frames our own, helping us appreciate and understand our purpose in life. It was such a pleasure working with this team of individuals whose energy and passion for our fellow Hermanos y Hermanas seem endless. The small staff and many volunteers understand that illness and disease know no boundaries; that when a child is afflicted, families suffer. Watching our staff and volunteers extend hearts to these hurting families has left me speechless. 2008 was certainly a year of GROWTH! Our team worked diligently to bring the worlds first ever “green” Care Mobile, a bio-diesel medical/dental clinic on wheels to our community. Serving five counties along the Front Range, the Care Mobile treats under insured and uninsured children from 0 – 21 in the Pikes Peak Region. In addition, the main kitchen at the House was remodeled along with one of our guest’s rooms. Committees formed and met with the goal of bringing a Healing Garden to the House, a spiritual place where families can find rest, and meditate. Lastly, the Ronald McDonald Family Room inside of Memorial Hospital served as a safe place for families just steps away from their children; there, they can regain their strength and hope, and rest their feet. Between the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room, we served over 13,000 guests in 2008. RMHC funded $17,500.00 in grants, with RMHC Global doubling that amount by matching it’s award to 13 area organizations, with a total of $35,000.00 given back to our community. Fifteen local students were awarded $22,250.00 in scholarships to attend 11 different Universities. RMHC of Southern Colorado is again thankful to RMHC Global for their match of $11,125.00, helping enable the minds of these great young people as they further their education. As adults, parents, grandparents, professionals and educators we must continue to take on the responsibility of building and paving the way for our children and their sense of well being. We are spreading the word -- encompassing the strength needed in, for and by our communities. My belief is that as we continue to move toward one another, we build Passion and Unity; driven by the powerful medicines of the Creator, Family, Culture, Country, Faith and Hope. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we want to thank our Donors and volunteers for sticking with us in this year of CHANGE! They have gone above and beyond, sacrificing their time and talent to “lift children and families in need to a better tomorrow.”
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Our House On February 14th, 1987, the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado opened its doors to serve families of seriously ill or injured children. For the last 21 years, our families have come from Southern Colorado, Northern New Mexico and Western Kansas. Coming to the House from far away presents its own hardships, treatments may last a day, a month, or even longer. Certainly, it can be a long time to be away from home, or to divide a family. “The House that Love Built” offers families a way to stay together in proximity to the treatment hospital, and be comfortable and cared for during their stay. Studies have consistently shown that families are stronger when they are together; it helps in the healing process. By staying at the Ronald McDonald House, parents can also better communicate with their child’s medical team and keep up with complicated treatment plans when needed. Located at 311 North Logan Avenue in Colorado Springs, families are literally just steps away from their little ones being treated at Memorial Hospital for Children in partnership with The Children’s Hospital. In 2008, our families came from 24 Colorado Counties, 10 states and from as far away as Bolivia! Private donations and fund raising account for the majority of funding for the House, with some monies coming from McDonald’s Owners and Operators and the McDonald’s Corporation. In addition, families are asked to make a modest donation for their stay at the House. In our 21 years of operation, no one has ever been turned away for lack of funds. Families stay for free if the requested fee presents a hardship. With over 6,170 square feet, the House boasts nine bedrooms, two kitchens, five bathrooms, a living room, family room, play room, laundry facilities, managerial offices and the apartment of the Resident Night Manager. The beautifully landscaped fenced yard features mature shade trees, seating areas, bar-b-que grill, play equipment, basketball court and the Healing Garden. Since 1987, the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado has served over 7,000 families.
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Our House Update Healing Garden Plans to create a Healing Garden began in 2008. For over 20 years, staff and volunteers have come alongside hurting families in crisis with the illnesses of their children. We have been privileged to share in both the joys and the sorrows families have experienced. Many children, receiving the best medical care available from Memorial’s Hospital for Children (Southern Colorado’s only level IIIC NICU) improve and are released to go home with their families; however, that isn’t the story for all of the families we serve. Unfortunately, despite receiving phenomenal medical care, their little ones perish, much too soon. The Healing Garden is a restorative place where parents, family members and children can find rest. It invites us to settle; to relish in the moments we have, allowing our minds to clear and our spirits to be refreshed. The Garden is a place to breathe, to drink in the beauty that a garden offers, to remember. It holds opportunity for families to experience life, joy, healing and desire. The Healing Garden also serves as a hallowed place to remember. Entering through an arbor, you’re greeted by blooming perennials, a heart shaped garden with a life size sculpture of children, a cascading water fountain and benches where you can sit and reflect. With the completion of the Garden, the House now provides healing to families both inside and out. Kitchen Remodel In 2008, the Ronald McDonald House was grateful to have our main kitchen remodeled. The “House that Love Built” opened its doors in 1987. After having served some 7,000 families, a mere 21 years later, we knew it was time! Truly, there were occasions when a family member or volunteer would grasp a cupboard handle to open it, only to have the entire door come off in their hand. In addition, the sink was situated on the outside wall on the North side of the House and many times each winter the pipes would freeze with pipe issues and repairs following. The new kitchen is not only BEAUTIFUL but incredibly functional, too! Our families are so very thankful to have a roomy, inviting space where they find sustenance and comfort. Major contributors to this project were the Luther T. McCauley Foundation and the John G. Duncan Charitable Trust.
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Family Room When families walk into a Ronald McDonald Family Room, we want them to forget they’re in a hospital. Literally steps away from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Prenatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatrics, the Ronald McDonald Family Room offers a place of refuge to families in the hospital where their child is staying because of illness or injury. Research shows that having a family’s presence for the hospitalized child helps them heal faster. Staying close by allows parents to better communicate with their child’s medical team and improves adherence to complicated treatment plans. The Ronald McDonald Family Room, the first of its kind in the state of Colorado, opened in December of 2007 as a partnership between the Ronald McDonald House Charities and Memorial Health System. Upon entering, families are greeted by volunteers into a warm, comfortable, home-like environment. Families have the opportunity to relax and recharge; there are comfortable seating areas, food and beverages, laptops with internet access, a kitchen, play room, private lockers, a resource library, and showering and laundry facilities. Open 12 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Ronald McDonald Family Room is staffed 100% by volunteers. Over the last year, the Family Room met the needs of over 13,000 guests.
In 2008, the Family Room: • was open 365 days • served over 1,000 families • had over 13,000 guests
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
• nearly 90% had a child in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 5% in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and the remaining 5% in Pediatrics
Grants Many are surprised to learn that the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado, being a non-profit organization, also awards grants to other area non-profits in the Pikes Peak Region whose work positively impacts children in our community. Dollars raised through McDonald’s canisters and the Cameron Memorial Golf Tournament fully support the Grants and Scholarship programs. Over the last decade, RMHC has granted more than $800,000 - investing in the lives of young people along the front range. These organization’s missions in many ways mirror our own - to lift children and families in need to a better tomorrow. RMHC is glad to partner with these fine agencies and help support the important work they do in our community. Our continued thanks to RMHC Global for their support through matching funds.
2008 grant recipients: • Boy Scouts of America • CASA • Child Nursery Centers • Children’s Literacy Center • Colorado Springs Sled Hockey Association
• Court Care for the Pikes Peak Region • Disability Services of Colorado • KIDPOWER • Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center
• Colorado Springs Teen Court Inc.
• Starlight, Starbright Children’s Foundation
• Community Partnership for Child Development
• Youth Transformation Center (YTC)
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Scholarships Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado awarded fifteen young people $22,250.00 in scholarships in 2008. Believing in the importance of education and wanting to support others in their endeavor of higher learning, RMHC is honored to partner with these deserving candidates. The eleven different Universities the scholars are attending are as varied as they are! From Yale in Connecticut to the Colorado College; from Rice University in Houston to the Colorado School of Mines. In the last decade, RMHC has awarded over $250,000.00 to amazing young people furthering their education. For many of them, they are the first generation in their families to attend college. RMHC of Southern Colorado is thankful to RMHC Global for their ongoing support, providing matching funds for scholarships.
Congratulations, students! We wish you well! • Karen Ast
• Loren Lopez
• Brittany Brown
• Alyssa Mitson-Salazar
• Veronica Carrillo
• Lauren Paff
• Cassandra Cordova
• Kimberly Romero
• Travis Garoutte
• Jeffrey Rosado
• Joel Garner
• Uriah Valdez
• Samantha Harrison
• Iliana Zavala
• Ryan Jones
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Care Mobile • More than 51 million hours of schooling are missed annually among American children due to dental problems resulting from the lack of proper dental care. • Each year, nearly 10 million children die worldwide, mostly from preventable and treatable causes. • Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States today, five times more common than asthma.
These numbers don’t have to be this high. In fact, we don’t want them to exist at all. A collaborative relationship was formed in 2008 between the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado and Peak Vista Community Health Centers in Colorado Springs to operate the world’s first bio-diesel “green” Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. The Care Mobile services the medical and dental needs of uninsured and under insured children, from birth to twenty-one years of age, living in the Pikes Peak region. Currently, the Care Mobile treats patients in El Paso, Teller, Douglas, Park and Elbert Counties. The mission of this project is, “To provide exceptional health care to children and their families by reducing community-wide geographic access barriers” by bringing the care to their area. RMHC believes it is a travesty when families along the Front Range feel as though they have to choose between feeding their families and getting the necessary medical and/or dental care their children require. The 40 foot-long Care Mobile is equipped to provide a full continuum of primary medical and dental care. It is staffed by part-time medical and dental providers, including additional clinical support staff. Referrals to behavioral health and other services are also provided, when needed.
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Golf Tournament The 16th Annual Cameron Memorial Golf Tournament was held on October 3, at the Broadmoor on the beautiful East Course, home of the 2008 Senior Open. The Golf Tournament has been a major fund raiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado, having raised just over $50,000 in 2008 to help support the programs of RMHC. With the help of our key sponsors, Lexus of Colorado Springs, McDonald’s, Stan Phillips and American National Bank, over 100 golfers participated in the two day event. On October 2nd, golfers and their guests enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Famous Dave’s at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame with entertainment provided by the renowned Flying W Wranglers. Attendees had opportunities to bid on travel and golf packages as well as gift certificates, jewelry and a big screen TV in both the live and silent auctions. On October 3rd, golfers enjoyed a fabulous day of golfing at the Broadmoor’s East Course, with ‘Mother Nature’ fully cooperating! Upon completion, golfers attended the catered luncheon and awards ceremony.
Brent and Marcie Cameron were members of the McDonald’s “family” in Colorado Springs for over 10 years. They died in a mountain climbing accident in 1992. Brent was a founder at McDonald’s. His vision and hard work were the driving force in growing the International Division of the company into the world-wide powerhouse it is today. He decided to retire in Colorado Springs by purchasing 10 restaurants from the late Dick Faulkner. He then skillfully began the transformation of McDonald’s locally and pioneered dozens of new concepts. Marcie met Brent when he was an executive at A & W Root Beer and she was a flight attendant. From that point on they were inseparable. They were partners in life and their relationship served as an inspiration to everyone who met them.
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Financial Position December 31, 2008
(Audited)
Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash) Prepaid expenses Total current assets
779,694
Long-term investments
560,900
Property and Equipment Furniture and Equipment Building and improvements Memorial Hospital Family Room Healing Garden Land Less accumulated depreciation
132,155 810,265 23, 647 3,000 50,000 (428,455)
Property and equipment – net
TOTAL ASSETS
771,242 8,452
590,612 1,931,206
Liabilities and net assets Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
10,259
10,259
Total current liabilities
NET ASSETS: Unrestricted Unrestricted – board designated Temporarily restricted Permanently restricted Total net assets TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
1,240,520 30,000 75,427 575,000 1,920,947 1,931,206
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Financial Position Contributions Nothing is more important to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado than maintaining our donors trust and confidence. Accountability for RMHC and our community supporters is maintained through regular finance and program reports along with an independent audit. Our consistent standard demonstrates RMHC’s ability to remain a trusted partner; those who strive to make our community a better place to live witness RMHC’s financial transparency. If you’re interested in receiving a complete copy of our audited financial statements, please contact us.
2008 Total Support and Revenues: $311,126
Contributions and grants $320,074 Special events and fundraisers $92,595 Unrealized loss of investments ($159,134) Investment income
(includes permanently restricted)
$33,828
Room Rental $21,116 Miscellaneous income $2,647
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Financial Position Use of Proceeds
2008 Total Expenditures: $385,819
Program services (House) $256, 612 Fundraising $32,629 Supporting services: General and Administrative $42,393
Ronald McDonald Family Room $25,053 Grants $17,500 Scholarships $11,632
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Our Donors 2008 Supporters Pillars $10,000 + Alberta Drake Jacqueline G. Archer Trust Lexus of Colorado Springs New Horizons Foundation World Children’s Day 2008 Architects $5,000 +
Children’s Circle Builders $2,500 +
Albertson’s Community Partners
America’s Charities David & Barbara Cloud Colorado Springs Utilities Colorado Springs Utilities CFF (Community Focus Fund) Ken & Rae Driscoll East Balt Bakery of Denver, Inc. Carole & Fredrick Freeman John G Duncan Charitable Trust Lexus Pursuit of Potential Norris Foundation North Colorado Springs Rotary Club Six Flags Elitch Gardens TYSON Wise Recycling
American National Bank Assembilies of God Foundation Colorado Springs Civitan Club Entegris Corporate Citizenship Committee Kaiser Permanente Foundation Luther T McCauley Charitable Trust McDonald’s Southern Co. CO-OP McOpCo
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Ronald Ronald McDonald McDonald House House Charities Charities of of Southern Southern Colorado Colorado
Children’s Circle $1,000 + All state Foundation Atmel Semiconductor Corporation Castaways Foundation Chief Petroleum Coca Cola Enterprise Collins Wealth Management Employer’s Resources of CO, Inc. Ford Motor Company Fund GMS, Inc Cunsulting Engineers Gulf Coast Western LLC ISSAC Corporation ITW Jay Hawk Enterprises Kiwanis Club of Pikes Peak
Kohl’s Store #0728 Kohl’s Store #1064 Kohl’s Store A Team KT Napier Investments, Inc L & S Enterprise, Inc. L & S Enterprises Carol J. Martin Memorial Hospital Mitchell High School Napier Enterprises, Inc. Octagon Pueblo Chieftain School District #11 Struna Plumbing & Heating Taylor Farms Colorado, Inc TeleMatrix
The Richard L. Petritz Foundation USA Today Walker Wear Doug Wells Gold Circle $500 + Antelope Trails Elementary School ARINC Charitable Team (ACT) B & L Carpet Sales Carpet Care Craftsman Colorado Springs Health Partners Katharine Cornelius Terry Cretsinger & Tom Purdy Treasure Davis Dillard’s, Inc.
Frank & Deborah Dowis Dr Pepper Dura Clean Master Cleaners Jim & Sandra Duve Girl Scout Troop #78 Francis & Mira Herbert Pat & Paul Kelly Brent Louzon Manpower International Tom O’Neal Kevin Olson Dale Pelletier Phelan of Colorado, LLC Pikes Peak United Way: Intel Employees Casey Parker
City of Colorado Springs Employees Drew Smith Felicia Crull Rampart Plumbing & Heating Supply Diana Rischling Anne & Jeffrey Schofield Reid Schotanus St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Women Thrift House ECW Volunteers Jon & Donna Visscher Voice Data Wireless/Trinity Communication Wal-Mart #01-1273 Wal-Mart Foundation Mark & Debra Witte Silver Circle $250+ Adams Bank & Trust Air Academy High School Allstate Giving Campaign Anonymous Jahana Badger Bob Beveridge Daniel & Debra Bowers Doug Brewer Jeff Brizie Bev & Steve Brodie Century 21 Performance Cheyenne Mountain Junior High Lonnie Cooper Nicole & Scott Cummings El Paso Corporation & Employees: Nancy Stepp Anonymous El Paso County Medical Society/Office Managers Assoc.: John & Vicky Bonato Carol Walker Norman & Patricia Cole Diana Somerville Jack & Joy Wade Firefighters Charitable Foundation First Bank of Colorado Springs First Community Bank Fraternal Order of Eagles #145 Dr. William Freedman & Ms. Diane Wood Greg Fritsch Buddy Gilmore Edward & Marylou Gonzalez Taylor Grant Peter & Helen Hadjis Cory Edward Leppert Tony Leveque LexisNexis Rob Lynch Tim, Barb, Brent & Ben Lytle John Marroney McDonald’s Leading Edge Inc. Todd Morris Mountain of Love Pop Tab Event 2008 Parkview Medical Center
Charles Paul McKenna Dawn and William & Alesha Petoskey Charles & Patricia Powers Stephen & Donna Rempelos Retired Enlisted Association Jerry Riley Scott Rodgers Sam’s Club Foundation Dr. M Leigh Shapleigh Barney Smith Sokol & Brewer St. Francis of Assisi Parish Stars Gymnastics Village Steve Thompson Jerry Tolve John Wahl Richard Wallner Webb Family Fund of the Pikes Peak Community Foundation Wells Fargo Bank Tom Wells Joe & Linda Woodford Bronze Circle $100 + Ron & Wendy Arant Kelly & Georgia Askew Austin Bluffs Sertoma Club,Inc Clyde Baldwin Dr. Christopher Bartlett & Dr. Donna Mumma David & Bonnie Baswell Bates Elementary School Larry & Lynette Belkin Diane & Mike Bell Dale & Janie Berkbigler Robert Branson Annelle Briesh J Richard & Marilyn Brusenhan Rebecca Buchanan Hamilton & Marie Buell Paul & Sherry Clarkin Lee Clement Norman & Patricia Cole Carl & Ellen Cox Joann & Eddie D’Aurora Harold & Vivian Darden Thomiana & John Davis East United Methodist Church East United Methodist Church Women O’Neal & Nettie Easterlin Eastern Star Centennial #58 David & Jodi Eggert Facilities Services & Management James & Leslie Fitzgerald Darrell & Kim Fleck Fountain Creek Productions Betty Francis Nancy & Dan Freeberg Fremont Industrial/Supply Inc. Bonnie Gavin German American Cultural Society Ramona Gilbreth
Orion, Jr & Barbara Ginn Good Shepherd U. Methodist Church Beth Gorab Leonard & Faith Gouger Jay & Mary Jane Harmon Jack & Grace Heath Hewlett- Packard Company Deborah Manzanares Paul Acosta High Plains Drifters Holly United Methodist Women Janet & Donald Horning Joe & Denise Johnson Alan & Shelly Kline Henry & Donna Kortemeyer James & Cheryl Larkin LDS Church Stetson Hills Ward Bob Limpert Chris Makela Market Check, Inc John & Lena Maroney Marianne & Harry Martin Joseph & Renee Mattuski Dr. & Mrs. James A. McCoy McDonald’s Corporation John & Wanda McGill Paul & Marna McLain Becky & Jon Medved Ernest & Tomiko Moneymaker Charles Morse Nunn Construction Company, Inc. Bruce & Lynn O’Neill Scott & Linda Perry Peterson Spouses Club Patrick & Susan Phelan Rose & Joe Pollard Prima Pronto Ann Ransom Bob & Lisa Rennick James & Karen Riegert Mark Riha & Marianne Lincoln Dr. & Mrs. Clifford Sherwood Doug & Mary Lou Sieben Erin Sokol Nicole Spain
Corporate Supporters of the Year:
Steve Stiltner Agency, American Family Insurance Dr. C. Milton & Betty Waldron Gina Wiant Windsor Concrete, Inc. Zeta Tau Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sue Steffers Clara Madden Alice Robinson Billie Eastham Helper’s Circle Under $100 40+ Motorcycle Club Beth & Shawn Alessio Bruce Almy Alpha Delta Kappa Gamma Chapter American Legion Post #5 Barbara & Mark Anderson Dr. & Mrs. Russell & Sarah Asleson Sara & Carl Austin Delbert Baker Raymond Barela Patrick & Natalie Barton Barbara Bastian Rita & Jerry Bay Jack & Linda Beagle Richard & Suzanne Benton Beth El Alumni Association Harvey L. Beyer Wilma & Lew Biegelsen Ralph & Becki Boedigheimer Bruce & Josie Boreson Hilbert & Lucille Brinkman Mr. & Mrs. L. Michael Burns John & Roberta Burrington Randy & Janet Campbell Frank & Annie Carter Robert Castle Betty Chapman Russell Chapman continued on next page . . .
American furniture warehouse’s Jake Jabs with Beth Alessio, RMHC Carpet care craftsman’s Allen Shipley and Ronald McDonald
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Marty Clark Wayne & Ellen Clausen Alberta Clinton Leslie & Paul Clough Comcast Conscious Culture Enterprises Pene’ Coplen Kaki & Todd Crystal D.A. Diversion Program Jean Davern Jean Davidson Dee & Bernie Dell Cynthia Demetry Bill, Ann & Polly Doran Mark & Carol Duster East End Senior Citizens Eastern Star Minnehaha #48 Eastern Star Snowflake #153 Gary & Cindi Elsberry Daniel J Erickson Ed & Suzie Ernest Al & Joanne Ernster Ryan & Michael Essaf William Falcone Paul & Kay Feemster Fine Line Carpet Cure Ft. Carson Middle School Anne Gale Lance Gale William Gallegos Michael & Dusty Gamble Clifford & Lola Gares Lee & Joyce Garman John & Darlene Garnish Donald & Barbara Gazibara June George Grace Gerard Evelyn Graffis Grand Mesa Campers Gray Wolves Family Campers & RVers Judee Guilmette & Kevin Emmons Steven & Linda Hammond Jill Hand Dr. J R Hanson Ed & Sharie Harmon Sandra & Ed Harris Gloria & Wilson Haughton Vernon & Retha Hensley Pam & Chad Hessel Nancy Howard Mary & Michael Hurtado Walter & Debra Immer Martha Jewell Dan Johnson & Lynola Dedual Richard & Jean Johnson Ernest & Eleanor Jones Kelli & Jacob Jones Joseph Jurak Carolyn & Lyman Kaiser
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Colin Kearns Lois Keller & Sue Gubser Joseph & Helen Kelly King of Kings Lutheran Church (WELCA) Angie & Jon Kingsolving Donald & Judith Kinsley John & Sandy Kirk Kit Carson United Methodist Women Joyce & Jay Dean Krueger Ladies Auxiliary VFW Pikes Peak Post #4051 Keith & Debra Langill, & Family Barbara Levinsky & Roslyn Blick Lewis-Palmer Schools D-38 Roger & Shirley Lohse James & Karen Madsen Ronald & Audrey Markon Doug & Becky Martin Suzanne Martinez Thomas & Jane McCarthy Sally McDonald Craig & Bernita Meads Don & Sue Meyer Marcelle Midkiff Sally & Gene Mills William Modlin, Jr Mark Modzelewski Frank & Lorrie Molli Cheryl Moore Tom & Sue Murphy Doris & Harry Myers Gary & Karen Neet Barbara Nisar Noe Quarter Horses Bunny & Red Noland Ornamental Man Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Jonathan & Carol Patten Joshua Paul Gerald & Diane Pfalzgraf Bill & Emily Phillips John & Amy Pilger Richard & Natalie Porter Aimee’ & Paul Rankin Dr. Laura M. Reich Ann & Doug Reinelt Retired Enlisted Association Gwenda Ridenour Norma & John Robinson Lucy O. Ross William & Joan Ross Sandie & Bill Roth Joanne Ruth Sage Hospitality Resources Sand Creek 4-H Club in Colorado Marshall & Sandy Sanders Jutta Scarry Glen & Barby Schlabs Donald & Sandra Schneider
Sheryl Stephens David Supperstein Dean Taylor Bruce & Barbara Thompson Mary & David Tilney Walter Timmer Trinity United Methodist Women Dave & Mary Ulmer Trix Van Zwieten-Miller Verizon Wireless Walmart #3805 Christine Warfield
Vincent Scully Guy & Mary Shafer Jan Shoobridge Paul & Ellen Simmons Mrs. Suzanne Sindt Jerry & Beverly Slaughter Drew Smith Ronald and Myrna Spicer Sherry Spotts State Beauty Supply of Pueblo Joni Steiner Stellick Electric
TRIBUTES Andrew By Kristen Uveges
Deborah Dowis By Doris Ollestad
Mr. & Mrs. Mac McElhaney By Delores Burger
Nora Brachtenbach By Connie Brachtenbach
Don Rose Drenth By Dennis & Eileen Krummel
Mothers In My Life By Mary Cortese
Trey Brown By Bill & Sandie Roth Judi Bruns By Dennis & Eileen Krummel
Megan Gonzales By John & Elvira Gonzales Clarissa Gutierez By Ramona C Gilbreth
Mildred Burr By Reuben Burr
Glenora & Luke Henderson By Judy Bosin
Calin Cascaval By Anonymous By Sorin & Dana Trumbitas By Liviu & Gyongyver Bulz By Corina & Radu Cascaval
Hannah Holder By Ed & Lou Ann De Valois
Mallory Rose Cline By Lora Cline
Cory Lyn Johnson By Sondra Johnson
Todd & Kaki Crystal By Anonymous By Mrs R G Crystal
Tucker King By Melissa & Clark King
Travis J Cuchares By Jim & Shawne Cuchares & Family Sebastian Cummings By Jeannie Kemper Nicole, Scott, & Sebastian Cummings By John & Ellen Cummings Sebastian Cumming’s Mommy & Daddy By Anonymous
John By Jeune Reinhold
Pastor & Mrs. Robert Kippley By Helen & Darwin Dalzell Melanie Kukuk By Joan Kukuk Brook Lee By Fred Bland Lindquist-Miller Family By Jay & Mary Harmon Molly Mabie By Sidney & Patricia Mabie
Austin & Andrea DeValois By Ed & Lou Ann De Valois
Michaela Joy Manfredo By John & Teresa Manfredo
Ed & Lou Ann DeValois By Lisa Colen
Hillary & David Markowitz By Delores Burger
Marion Nash By Rex & Dana Nash MacKenna Petoskey’s 4th Birthday By Beverly Holt By Michael Shanbrom By Pamela & Gary Abbs By William & Alesha Petoskey By Amelia Fish Mesa & Lily Pinto By Paul & Joanne D’Onfro Grace Reinelt By Erin Reinelt Ronald McDonald House Staff & Volunteers By Lynn Langan By Dennis & Eileen Krummel Karolyn Smith By Brien Smith Mike Tait By Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Tait William T Undem Now 6 Years Old By Mary Nudge Eric Wasserman By Kathleen Goldie Rex Yocam By Katherine Yocam Carly Blake Yocam Marion Werner Blithe Zaun 6th Birthday By Mary Jane & Jay Harmon
Ellis & Eleanor Weir Marylin & Don Werschky Terese Whittemore-Dills Widefield Elementary School Kathy Wilson Sabrina Wilson & Christopher Gonzales David & Ann Woodruff Worldwide Church of God
Special Thanks We know it’s a tough economy, and that these are hard times; thus, we appreciate your donations to partner with us, knowing that the kids in our community can’t wait until the economy improves to get better. We’re here, now, providing the exceptional services to families throughout Southern Colorado, just as we’ve done for the last 22 years.
MEMORIALS Atiana Isabella Aguirre By Adriana Aguirre
Freddie Drenth By Dennis & Eileen Krummell
Rudy Aldrich By Cardon & Joyce Berry
Claudia & Jaime Ellis By Roger & Norma Merten
Carl Ambrosier By Tina McDonald
Richard H Faulkner By Iris J Faulkner
Sarah W Bake By Barrylyn Headquist
Ellina Rigg Fox By James R Fox
Arthur R Baker By Barrylyn Headquist
Friends & Family Lost By Sally Little
Brandon Borish By Patricia Borish & Brent Hegg
Nancy B Fritzsche By Bruce Fritzsche
Kelti Brinkman By Robert & Dorothy White By Sharon & Don Dodson
Jonathan Gabriel By Jane & Steven Gabriel
Ollie D Burden By Shirley Burden My Mother Edith Luedeking Caris By Nina C Brooks Bill Cass By Carol Green Sandra Marie Chastain By Bill & Norene Piquette My Son James M Ciccone By Jeanette & Jennifer Ciccone John Couture By Alfred & Marie Couture Nancy R Croom By Curtis Croom Sterling Michael Davis By Vicki Cates By Angela Young Janet Davis By Anonymous Eddie De Santiago By Patricia De Santiago By Yolanda De Santiago Sylvia Diamond By Seymour Diamond
Agnes Gossner By Edith Ida Sheldon Dolores Grant By Beverly Watson-Goodwin The Guy Triplets By Astek Corporation Maxwell & Eleanor Hall By Brian & Linda Hall Gen. James E Hill By Mary Hill
Linda Mattiesen By Betty Boone Wolfe & Wallace Wolfe By Gregory & Lesley Flaks By Therese Thatcher Jason McCracken By Ken & Charlene Thompson Evan L Medina By Debra Moreno Katherin Mercer By Carver Elementary School By Barbara Abrams By Ronald & Becky Duden By Karee & Marion Kopyto By Donald & Virgina Mathews By Dennis & Debra Moreno By Linda & Michael Sauve By Dael & Kevin Schrader By Armande Smith By Sheryl Stephens of Pediatric Assoc. By Dawn Thompson By Mary & Steve Velasquez By Richard & Paula Wray Christopher Barden Moore By Susan & Greg Moore
Mr & Mrs Mike Stricca By Duilio A Stricca, DDS Mary Belle Thompson By Janie Churchwell Al & Debbie Uhalt’s Mothers By Al & Debbie Uhalt Frank & Frances Versage By Clyde & Frankie Dudley Lindsey M Weber By Mira Herbert Timothy David Wells By Bill & Polly Wells Mrs Larry Wiebe’s Dad By Lila Steyert Jordan Zamora By Dennis & Eileen Krummell Dylan Zaun Twin Brother of Blithe Zaun By Mary Jane & Jay Harmon
Bill Nichols By Kenny & Ada Beth Finkner Lois Whitehead Parker By Carolyn Hutton & Mary Ellen Roth By Patricia & Norman Cole
Florence Hoffman By Mr & Mrs John Marvel By Jerry Sell By Mike Komaroski & Family By The Sell Family By Elizabeth Bell
Jonah Paschall By Paul & Norma O’Donnell By Richard & Caroline Lee
Karen Johnston By Beth Salvo Cecilia Marie Knight By Jacqueline D King By Knight Watch & Jewelry Company By Mike Knight
J Robert Peters By Nancy Brummett
Norma Peak By Darline & Rob Head
Ed Sandoval By Marjori Sandoval
Lindsay Mar By Sharon & Don Dodson
Jared Shuey By Thomas Shuey By Willis & Janene Shuey
Charles Lee Martin By Harry & Marianne Martin
Mrs Smith’s Mother By Maureen & George Poirier
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Ronald Ronald McDonald McDonald House House Charities Charities of of Southern Southern Colorado Colorado
Our Volunteers “The purpose of life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others. Only then have we ourselves become true human beings.” —Albert Schweitzer
Ronald McDonald House Charities volunteers fully live out that mindset. Our volunteers are integral to the day to day operations of RMHC, serving selflessly and faithfully; they are the backbone of our organization, helping the programs of RMHC run as smoothly as they do. Volunteers serve in a myriad of ways; some come alongside families offering support, while others answer phones. Some do fix-it-up projects and others bake, cook or clean. RMHC’s staff is assisted in countless ways by volunteers giving of their time. Ronald McDonald House Charities volunteers logged nearly 8,000 hours in 2008. We can’t thank them enough! Presidential Volunteer Service Awards: Gold Award: Chris Makela Silver Award: Fernando Soule Bronze Award: (Pictured on Left) Angie Earle, Barb Aylward, Bob Lorentz, Danette Thurston, David Lundy, Dick Mammenga, Evelyn Aiken, George Schimmack, Jean Schimmack, Joan Godbey, John Mears, Joy Bostian, Linda Valinho, Madeline Cook, Maria Foletto, Mary Ulmer, Rex Schulz, and Sharon Wells Youth Award: Kirra Savoy
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Ronald Ronald McDonald McDonald House House Charities Charities of of Southern Southern Colorado Colorado
I have volunteered for many organizations over the years, but always on the organizational side, so when I felt the need to volunteer again, I wanted to do something that would directly benefit persons in need. I found Ronald McDonald House on Volunteer Match and immediately knew that this was what I wanted to do. Although my forte is cleaning and I mostly work alone, I love the feeling that every thing I do in a room is making it better or more comfortable for a family that is in distress. It touches me that everywhere I look, I see donations from groups that support the House from little baggies of pop tabs collected by school kids to homecooked meals prepared by families for people they don’t even know. And working with the staff is so much fun; they know what to do in every situation, yet they are relaxed and so easily approachable. I am thankful that I have been given this opportunity and hope to be able to help here for a long, long time. — Joy Bostian
I get great joy from helping people, especially those in need. The parents and family members of the babies and small children need someone who can listen or just care for them. It’s fulfilling to help, even in small ways. Meeting the other volunteers and working with our Coordinator has been awesome; RMHC volunteers are some of the most selfless people I’ve met -- they give of their time and themselves to the families in need, ensuring that the Family Room stays open for families to find rest. — Kathie Howell
I just want people to know how much I have grown since working at the RMFR. Over the summer I am able to work multiple shifts each week. This allows me to get to know some of the ‘long term’ families. Over the past summer I got to know a mom, dad and big sister who were preparing to take home a ‘special needs’ baby.. By seeing this family every few days I was able to share their progress with them. Sometimes they just wanted to talk about current events and not their child’s illness. Other times the big sister wanted to discuss teen bands and movies that a mother of three teenagers would be familiar with. Sometimes they wanted to share their baby’s progress. No matter what we talked about they knew I was listening and I knew that I was making a difference in their day. They have been gone from the Ronald McDonald Family Room for several months now but they are not gone from my memory or from my heart. — Barb Aylward
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
The Alvarez Story Team effort comforts family in time of need Excerpts reprinted with permission from Academy Spirit.
Photo: Staff Sgt. Roman Alvarez and wife, Jamie, bond with daughter Adriana Dec. 26 at Memorial Hospital Photo by Ken Carter
While many military families around the globe were preparing for joyous holiday celebrations, one active-duty Air Force Staff Sergeant assigned to F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming and his new bride from Pueblo were on the threshold of personal and family tragedy. Further contributing to their emotional distress – he was thousands of miles away on a 179 day deployment in the United Arab Emirates . For Staff Sergeant Roman Alvarez and his wife, Jamie, both 25, the 2008 holiday season was full of anticipation and hope. Three weeks into Roman’s deployment, the couple discovered Jamie was pregnant. A week later, they learned that Jamie was carrying twins! These would be the first children born to the newlyweds, married May 1, 2008. It was in late October when Jamie had her baby shower and Roman had completed 5 ½ months of his six month deployment. On a routine exam, doctors discovered that something was terribly wrong and the young mother was required to report to Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs on October 23, 2008, where she was immediately admitted. For more than two weeks, the twins were monitored 24 hours a day, leading up to their birth on November 9th. Delivered at 28 weeks, Amaya and Adriana had a combined weight of less than four pounds. Patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Amaya passed away from medical complications just two days later. Adriana continued to make good progress and was released in December to go home with her parents to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Roman said, “When they took Jamie to Memorial, the Hospital took over since the babies were at such high risk. My first sergeants, both from my deployed location and from F.E. Warren were able to get me home within three days to be with my wife.. the Air Force has taken such good care of us.” Outstanding medical care and the Air Force weighing in quickly were major factors for the young couple, matched by their staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Colorado Springs.
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
The Ronald McDonald House, a home away from home for families of seriously ill children, was instrumental in meeting the daily needs of the Alvarez family. Opened Valentine’s Day, 1987, the 6,900 square foot House supports nine families simultaneously. The House is affectionately referred to as “the House that love built”. Roman and Jamie said, “The love there is real. The staff made a world of difference in our lives at a time when we needed compassionate human contact the most.” Roman and Jamie observed that for staff and volunteers, “working alongside families with ill children seems to touch a tender place in their hearts.” Staff concurs, “The courage and tenacity of these families is amazing. More than 7,000 families have engaged in battles that most of us pray will not touch us, let alone our children. Yet, they are here, day after day, loving their precious little ones, giving them the gift of their presence, all while encouraging one another. It is truly inspiring to witness.” Seeing Mrs. Alvarez gift wrapping Christmas presents in the family room, particularly during such a difficult season for their family, caused a staff member to comment, “There’s something to be said for the sentiment of ‘being home for the holidays’. It’s a universal theme most of us yearn for - to be at rest, to be with those we love, to feel like we’re home.” For this inspiring young couple, the Ronald McDonald House literally became home for Jamie and Roman. As new parents, their hearts were appropriately devoted to a tiny beautiful girl in the NICU at Memorial. Something about their resolve – to press on, to love well, to continue with tradition – in spite of their circumstances was so poignant. Their steadfastness in the midst of this turbulence left an indelible imprint. Jamie and Roman said, “We can’t thank the Ronald McDonald House enough. Having a comfortable, inviting place to stay that was so close to Adriana and being taken care of so well by staff and volunteers made such a difference in each of our lives during this difficult season. Words can not express how comforted we were by staff and the House itself. We will forever remember your kindness to us.” Adriana will one day, no doubt, reflect back on a very special photograph taken at the hospital of her and her deceased sister, Amaya, shortly after she passed. To Jamie and Roman, the photograph is precious, as it represents simultaneous signs of birth and death, love, loss and hope.
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado 311 North Logan Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado