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NONPROFITS AROUND TOWN: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Teen Court, Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation, Home Front Cares
“Be Big” is the rallying cry.
“Be Big,” it urges the community.
It’s all for Big Brothers Big Sisters — Pikes Peak and asks big folks to help the little folks by mentoring or volunteering or donating.
This year 415 boys and girls will have a mentor and there’s a waiting list.
Big Brothers Big Sisters — Pikes Peak honored its donors and volunteers Oct. 8 at Central Bancorp.
Top individual donor for the year, announced emcee Shannon Brinias, was Steve Hunsinger. The “Distinguished Alumnus” was Molly Mayfield.
Marvin Olberding was named “Big of the Year” and Caine earned honors as “Little of the Year.”
Company of the year was TriWest Healthcare Alliance and the award was accepted by vice-president Don Brown.
Later in October, teams from companies and groups took to the lanes at Mr. Biggs for the 27th annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake, raising nearly $20,000 in the organization’s largest fundraiser, said BBBS Executive Director April Speake.
The 150 Air Force Academy Cadet “Bigs” were recognized Oct. 27 at the AFA as mentors for 75 “Littles,” many of whom are the kids of single or low-income parents or whose parents are incarcerated.
Nationally, the organization serves about 255,000 children.
Accepting the award from national BBBS President Karen Mathis were Falcon Club Cadet In Charge Erin Keane and Cadet Carlos Sandoval, who is in his second year as Big Brother to 11-year-old Cory. Sandoval had a Big Brother when he was growing up at the Air Force Academy.
As they celebrated 15 years of Teen Court Oct. 23, the 203 supporters and volunteers at the Antlers Hilton for breakfast also had a bit of fun with Colorado’s balloon-boy saga.
Earlier this year the group chose the theme “Taking Off to New Heights” and they had filled the ballroom with shiny silver balloons anchored to the centerpieces. It was their most successful event, said Executive Director Pat Ruffini, “even if we did have a tribute to the balloon boy scandal at each table. Maybe he will have to go through Teen Court and we will be able to come full circle.”
Teen Court is “Justice for Teens by Teens” and this year 94 student volunteers worked with at-risk peers.
Honored by the group with its Gary Allen Seckman Award (for Outstanding Volunteer Service) were Tillman Clifton, coordinator of the Straight Talk program, and Ernest D’Ambrosio, fundraising coordinator.
The David W. Enoch Award (for Outstanding Volunteer Service by a Member of the Bar)went to Gordon Heuser, mentor attorney and student attorney trainer.
Receiving the Founders Award (for Long-Term Volunteer Service to Colorado Springs Teen Court) was Ruffini, who has served on the board for nine years and was a case manager, committee member, volunteer coordinator and event planner.
Certificates of appreciation went to:
John Kistler and Kerri Schmitt, Restorative Justice Mediation Program and Community Impact Panels; Colorado Springs Police Department School Resource Officers and Tillman Clifton and Carrie Williamson, development of the Straight Talk Program;
Breakfast sponsors included Ent Federal Credit Union, Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado, The Gazette and American National Bank.
PENROSE-ST. FRANCIS HEALTH FOUNDATION
Thelma Morici retired from nursing but didn’t go far. Over 17 years she has volunteered 6,500 hours in the Emergency Department at Penrose Hospital and trains all volunteers, earning her the top annual award Oct. 30. She’s formidable, said Penrose-St. Francis Health Systems President/CEO Margaret Sabin, “If Thelma decides she wants to do something, don’t get in her way.”
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Terrance “Mac” McWilliams of El Pomar Foundation was named THFC Hero for his work as liaison between the military and the community. Gen. David Petraeus was the keynote speaker at the annual dinner Nov. 4 which drew 980 guests. Saluted were 112 Sam’s Clubs, which raised $264,000 for the nonprofit supporting families of deployed soldiers.
