Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado

'09 Volunteer Appreciation Event

It was a stunning, sun filled Colorado day on February 18th, until around 5 pm, when huge, beautiful snowflakes began to fall. They picturesquely framed the historic Flying W Ranch just as our guests were arriving for the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, 160 strong! We were thankful for overflow seating in the balcony upstairs that allowed us all to be together!

This year, it was our pleasure as staff and Board Members to serve our guests, the incredible volunteers who so faithfully served us over the last year! All were thankful that no one ended up with a lap full of delicious Flying W Ranch fare!

The western bar-b-que dinner was fabulous. All agreed that the show by the Flying W Wranglers surpassed their bar of excellence! Volunteers, staff and Board Members all said it was a memorable evening.

Highlights included honoring RMHC’s Corporate Supporters of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and the presenting of the Spirit of the Charities Award. This is a formidable task, as each volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House and Family Rooms hold very dear places in our hearts. Truly, without the help and support of so many businesses and individuals and groups, our programs would not run as smoothly as they do!

Volunteer of the Year went to the formidable, irrepressible Vivian Holland. All who have had the pleasure of spending time with “stop the madness” Vivian are delighted by her presence! Spirit of the Charities went to Evelyn Aiken. Always faithful in filling her shift at the Family Room, Evelyn brings such a gentle kindness to families. Guests continually express their thanks for Evelyn, as do we!

There were 20 Presidential Volunteer Service Award winners. The Gold Award went to nine year old Kirra Savoy, who donated over 100 hours of her time to RMHC. The Silver Award was given to Fernando Soule and the Bronze Award recipients included Evelyn Aiken, John Mears, Dick Mammenga, George Shimmack, Jean Shimmack, Rex Schulz, Linda Valinho, Pat Reedy, Ivan Rymes, Roberta Rymes, Michelle Curran, Kathie Howell, Marlene Kelly, Sherrin Wang, Sharon Wells, Angie Earle, Maria Pipal and Deborah Montemayor.

Corporate Supporters of the Year were Lynn Boutte with Boutte’s Lifestyle Portraits and Cindy Senger with Senger Design Group. Lynn has donated his time and photography expertise with us over the last year, and we couldn’t be more thankful! If you have need for a professional photographer, please check out his website at www.bouttes.com. Cindy Senger again partnered with RMHC to design the beautiful new Family Room in Saint Francis Medical Center. Both Family Rooms are warm and inviting – Cindy did another excellent job for us making them each unique while maintaining all of the characteristics that provide our guests with a safe place of respite within the hospital. Other Corporate Supporter s that were acknowledged for their services to RMHC included All About Lawn Care, Brentwood Homes, Carpet Care Craftsman, Colorado Coffee Merchants, Dillard’s of Southern Colorado, Double G Carpet Care, Ent Federal Credit Union, Graham Foundation, John and Ruthann Spidell, Lazy Boy Furnishings, Maggie Moo’s, Sam’s Club, Texas Roadhouse, Timberline Landscaping and TOPS Printing. When you patronize these businesses, please express your thanks for the work they do for the Ronald McDonald House Charities! Their contributions to us are so very much appreciated, and speak volumes about their integrity, especially during difficult economic times.