NONPROFITS AROUND TOWN: Newborn Hope helps the tiniest ones

Little Haley Moore caused a lot of anxious moments for her parents when she was born at only 27 weeks. Her father and mother, Jason and Nichole, remember crying a lot.

Now Haley’s 16 months old. “She’s walking and talking, and she’s already costing me a lot of money,” said her father, laughing.

Haley’s the success story that means so much to those who volunteer for and are patrons of Newborn Hope, which over 38 years has raised more than $4 million for programs to help prevent premature births.

Many are familiar with the traditional high-fashion Newborn Hope luncheons. This year it’s a single luncheon on Dec. 11, but for 10 years there has also been an evening event.

On Aug. 22. Haley, her family and 120 others went Western for “Rhinestones & Rattles” at Norris-Penrose Event Center. Besides having an evening of fun, the supporters raised $24,000 to start the season.

“In spite of the uncertain economy, we continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of the people in this community,” said co-chairs Michelle Reich and Karen Tibbetts in a joint statement.

Greeting guests as they entered were Spencer Smith and Valerie Petersen who gave tours of the brightly colored AMR pediatric transport used for tiny patients.

Doing check-in hostess duty were Elizabeth Venner, Ann Pearson and Chris Schneider, who directed guests inside to the silent auction tables — and the live longhorn steer who patiently allowed folks to sit atop him for keepsake photos. Auctioneer Pete Husak punked the dudes, telling them that when steers like this big guy are 5 years old they turn into oxen.

KKTV’s Don Ward, the evening’s emcee along with Shannon Brinias, was one of the brave few who tried their luck atop a mechanical bull operated by professional bull rider Colby Ledford. Ward made several successful turns but the bull won. (See him on the photo slide show). With a little help from Ledford, Judy Kaltenbacher took a successful ride.

Sponsors of the lively evening included Allen and Holly Oliphant, Brad and Christy Baker, Memorial Health Systems, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, Summit Catering and Sovereignty Wines.

“Rhinestones & Rattles” committee members included Sheree Ahrendsen, Kim Carlson, Jenny Craddock, Anne DeVries, Claudine Fair, Judy Fleming, Cindy Fowler, Monica Gallegos, Kristin Guggenhime, Melody Hall, Mary Herriott, Carla Kenny, Sarah MacGuire, Marianne Mason, Tobi Mondejar, Crista Muchmore, Amy Ochs, Ann Pearson, Monica Peloso, Susan Quirk, Sarah Ross, Chris Schneider, Emilie Simon, Kappy Stewart, Susan Suslow, Pam Thatcher, Carrie Trookman and Elizabeth Venner.

A Family afFaire

The summer rains didn’t deter an estimated 450 people headed for the fifth annual A Family afFaire on Aug. 31.

It’s a tradition as a 10-acre family ranch near The Broadmoor hotel is opened up for pony rides, inflatables, fortune telling, games, face painting, hair braiding, a General Store and a pie-eating contest, followed by a barbecue supper with homemade chocolate chip cookie-ice cream sandwiches.

The family fun raised more than $100,000 to help those with multiple sclerosis, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and spinal cord injuries.

Founder Heather Fitzgerald said, “After five years and incredible support from our sponsors, donors, volunteers and community businesses, A Family afFaire has taken on a life of its own!”
Funds are disbursed through the Grace Fund, a nonprofit affiliated with The Pikes Peak Community Foundation.

Soriano heads board

Retired Lt. Gen. Ed Soriano has been elected president/chair of The Mountain Post Historical Center Association, replacing Lou Mellini, who held the position for 10 years.

Send information about nonprofit events and fundraisers to linda.navarro@gazette.com.