NONPROFITS AROUND TOWN: New Horizons Band and Care and Share Food Bank

There was music in the air.

And in the hallway. And backstage. And on the dance floor. And even at the dinner tables.

As music lovers gathered for the New Horizons Band of Colorado Springs’ first fundraising extravaganza Oct. 17, it didn’t matter if it was jazz, show tunes, line dances or lively ditties, as long as it was music.

Several hundred packed Julie Penrose Hall at St. Paul’s Catholic Church for entertainment, a buffet and a silent auction.

Accolades went to Ed and Mary Nuccio, local New Horizons Band founders, who have inspired more than 175 people to play in six bands, from highly experienced to always-wanted-to-play newcomers, 18-year-olds to the senior musician, who’s 94.

It’s part of a national organization but the local group is the largest in the country and still growing.

Entertainment was by the Kicks Jazz Band, a top-flight audition group; Vocal Fusion; the NHBCOS Jazz Trio; and dance caller Gregg Anderson added some fun with group-participation dances.

“Our first band, in 2002, we had about 43 people, and most had never played an instrument before. I’m excited about our future,” said Ed Nuccio. Today there are bands at every skill level. There’s also a new band for those ages 18-39.

Thanked for their work on the inaugural fundraiser were committee chair Joy Jones, Sue and Jeff Ader, Val and George Bardis, Jane and Jim Hines, Jeff Richardson, Helayne Tabrah and Vickie Tiffany.

Families and friends had an evening out in support of those who have taken up instruments in the bands, including a large group from First Presbyterian Church, whose friend Corat Moran plays trombone in Kicks Jazz Band.

Care and Share Food Bank

When it started in 1974, Care and Share was a telephone clearinghouse to help the poor find food sources.

As the food bank celebrated its 35th anniversary on Oct. 20, it charted currently providing 15 million pounds of food and supplies to 119,000 people in 31 southern Colorado counties.

The Penrose House Pavilion reception was also the opportunity for a public introduction and champagne toasting of new president/CEO Deborah Tuck.

“We are in an extremely challenging time,” Tuck said, “and we need to do a better job of making sure we serve all the children.”

She grew up in a farm family, Tuck said, “and this has given me a lifelong interest. Let’s have a direct partnership with our really wonderful farming community.”

Tuck’s challenge: “In the next five years, if there is a person in our area who is hungry it’s because they have not gone to an agency for help.

“Besides food,” she said, “this agency (Care and Share) gives people hope.”

The anniversary also provided a time for Care and Share to present annual awards:

Wal-Mart contributed more than 510,000 pounds through the rescue food program this year.

Doherty High School contributed more than 2.8 million pounds of food over 13 years through the Harvest of Love Food Drive.

Richard Paine donated 9,804 pounds over four years, the most of any individual in the food bank’s history.

Rocky Top Resources raised 281,095 pounds of food and $80,481 since 2001, contributed by people who then recycled their grass clippings and tree stumps for free.

Ernie Lykins volunteered in the warehouse for 5,178 hours over nine years.

Cathryn John has served 14 years on the board.

El Pomar Foundation this year pledged more than $1.5 million to Care and Share.

KKLI (106.3 FM), represented by David Black, has provided 12,000 Thanksgiving turkeys over four years through Take a Turkey to Work Day and Black promised even more turkeys this holiday season.

GE Johnson cyclists

Twelve GE Johnson employees hit the Utah trails Sept. 19, raising $15,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the Moab Century Tour bike ride.

Johnson teams have raised about $80,000 over the past three years. All funds raised benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Riders, led by the boss, Jim Johnson, were Michelle Groscost, Adam Biddle, Chris Henry, George Harris, Howard Tapia, Keith Decker, Michelle Robinette, Nikki Smith, Robert Gervais, Ryan Ivis, Thomas Elliott and Ben Schlick.