2008 Annual Report7577 Central Parke Blvd. ~ Suite 110

Mason, OH 45040www.bb4k.org

Building Blocks for Kids

Mess

age

fro

m t

he P

resident

Dear BB4K Friends and Families,This has been a year of tremendous growth for Building Blocks for Kids (BB4K)! Ourbudget tripled, we assisted twice as many kids as in 2007, and we were able to fill somerather large requests! In addition, we learned that there was another area of assistanceneeded by many of our BB4K families…Canines. Yes, believe it or not, therapy, service,and seizure dogs can be life-saving for many children with various special needs.Each application package we receive comes with a story about a child and his/herfamily. Throughout the pages of this report, you find words of thanks from a fewparents and sometimes, even the child we’ve assisted sends us notes and/or artwork.

Delbert is a 17 year old boy with severe hearing loss in bothears. His request came directly from him asking for a $60alerting alarm clock to wake him in the morning for school so hecan be more independent and not have to rely on his mother toget him up. (See a personal note from Delbert on page 14) Eight year old David fell from a grocery cart at the age of twoand suffered traumatic brain injury as a result. A call for helpto obtain a one-on-one summer aid at Stepping Stones camefrom his school support educator. She told me how hard hisparents have to work so they have the money to take care ofhim and teared up when she explained the he is the mostsignificantly needy child she has ever had to care for. Just a few weeks after this adorable little guy’s need was paidfor, thanks to a generous donor, he went to modified intensiveTherasuit therapy and for the first time, found himself standingupright and walking.

There were many valuable additions to the board throughout 2007 and 2008. The newleadership has taken the organization to new heights and continues to lift our originalgrassroots organization to a quickly maturing, responsible non-profit. Several of ourvolunteers and board members have stepped into positions such as chairing events and

I would like to tell you about our experience with the hearing aidtoday. First, as far as they can tell, she has probably not been ableto hear since birth out of her right ear. When they put her hearingaid in for the first time and they turned it on, I wanted to cry. Herface lit up and she said I can hear that. She keeps saying when shecan hear something and it is just so awesome. I can not imaginewhat it must have been like for her, but they keep telling me, shedidn't know there was anything wrong because it has never beenright before. The opportunity to be able to give her the hearing aidshe needs just makes me at a loss for words. We have been thru along battle to get to this point! ~ Christine Lewis (mom of Kayla, 17)

Kayla with her little brother, Dillion

weekly volunteering both inside and outside of the office. In fact, one of those weeklyoffice volunteers, Jenny Ensley, has now accepted a part-time position as BB4K’s Directorof Volunteers and Administration. Jenny’s commitment, knowledge, and expertise ispriceless as she continues to add volunteers, assist with administrative duties, and buildinvaluable processes for tracking important data for the organization.We, as most non-profits, expect to see many challenges in the coming year. Ouranticipation based on the last couple of months in 2008 is that many of our families willend up with even more financial strain and will find themselves even more so in theposition of choosing basic needs over the medical and health related needs of their childwith special needs. Therefore, the only way their child’s medical needs are going to bemet is through BB4K. We know that this will mean that many more requests will end upin our hands.Your unwavering support and that of our other sponsors and donors, made this year’saccomplishments possible. We are gratified by your generosity. On behalf of the familiesand children we serve, I offer you our heartfelt thanks.Sincerely,Justin CongerBoard President

Mission

and

Values

Mission Statement

Improve the quality of life for children withhealth-related needs that are unmet through

traditional means by offering grants, referrals,and alternative resources

Core Values

Compassion

Commitment

Hope

Family

From Malia’s mom

Malia did get her shiny new purple hearing aids. She LOVES them…as dowe. They are quite a bit nicer than the loaners we were using.I can’t tell you what a blessing you and your organization is to ourfamily. We can’t thank you enough. OVV is heaven on earth for Malia…she ischanging right in front of us. She is really making great strides because oftheir dedication to teaching her to speak. Thank you for supporting her.From Malia’s grandmother

I am the "Nana" to little Malia Paxton!! We were just informed tonightabout your very generous donation to the tuition for our special little girl!! How generous and kind of youand your organization to make Malia a part of your program!! We are all so excited!! Her parents havehad a lot to deal with this year. When they received the news about the donation for her hearing aides,both of them just couldn't believe it!! Now, the news from your organization about her tuition. The OhioValley Voices School is wonderful! We got to meet the staff and tour the school at a recent openhouse! Malia is doing so well there. She has become our little socialite!! She is such a precious little girl,and we thank God for her!! God Bless You All!! Truly an answer to prayer!!

In 2002, a local family was in search of funding for a procedure which they hopedwould improve the quality of life for their daughter. A friend of the family learned oftheir hope and became determined to help them reach their financial goal in order togive their precious little girl a chance at a better life. Dynette Clark, friend of the familyand future co-founder of Building Blocks Foundation began working on a fundraisingevent which would come to raise about half of the needed funds. After the event,many guests to the fundraiser expressed interest in helping with another one and/orshared that they had so much fun, they would bring more friends if another eventwere planned.

In the process of planning a second event to raise the remaining funds, Clark sharedwith three others helping with the event that she dreamed of eventually starting a non-profit to help children in some way. The group of four women came to the conclusionthat with the success of the first event and the planning of the second underway, thetiming was right to bring the dream to reality and so began Building Blocks for Kids(legal name Building Blocks Foundation).

Building Blocks Foundation became a 501(c)(3) organization in January 2003 duringthe planning of the second event. That event, with matching funds from the We De-liver Dreams Foundation, not only raised enough money to send the child who inspiredit all for her treatment, but also gave the organization funds to begin filling a need inthe Greater Cincinnati area and beyond. Over the years, BB4K has adapted to fill thevarious unmet needs of those in the special needs community.

2003 ~ BBF helped its inspiration child receive special therapy in the hopes of improv-ing her quality of life.

2004 ~ Seven children were assisted with needs such as a wheelchair ramp, a pros-thetic ear, intensive therapy for a traumatic brain injury, a safety device, acommunication device, speech therapy, and a stair lift,

2005 ~ Twenty one individual children were assisted by BBF in a variety of ways includ-ing 2wheelchair ramps, a TTY machine for a child who is deaf, a security sys-tem for a child who would quietly escape the house, and 2 FM Hearing Sys-tems. In addition, we were able to locate other resources for families wehelped including airline tickets for one child to see a specialist in Texas andanother to receive treatment in Texas, an orthodontist who donated ortho-dontia for a child who needed dental assistance, a car for a family with notransportation, and computers with educational software to help two of ourchildren.

2006 ~ Referrals to other organizations, obtaining donations for materials and/or ser-vices, as well as giving financial support for needs such as special beds, ther-apy sessions, ceiling lifts, wheelchair ramps, nursing support, and displacementcosts, allowed us to improve the quality of life for more than 50 children.

2007 ~ We officially helped about 25 children in 2007. However, with the kick-off inNovember/December of our new Adopt-A-Child Program, those numberswere quite skewed because we received monies to help more than 10 morechildren through the program, but we didn’t purchase their equipment or payfor their therapy until the first part of the next year.

Our H

istory

Building Blocks for Kids (BB4K) serves families who have a child with health-related needs by providing apath to hope and resources. We are striving to improve the well-being and quality of life for childrenwhose parents cannot financially meet a particular medical need due to lack of insurance, insurance cov-erage, and/or family resources.. Listed below are our current programs, a new program for 2009, and are-vitalized program in which we are collaborating.

Therapy for Kids ~ Allows for children to receive needed therapy.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Physical Therapy (PT)

Speech Therapy

Aqua Therapy

Specialized Intensive Therapy

Building for Kids ~ Modifications to a child's home environment.

Wheelchair ramp

Expanded doorways

Bathroom modification

Bedroom modification

Hearing & Communication for Kids ~ Programs and devices that help a child interact with the world.

Hearing aids

FM hearing systems

Communication devices

TTY machines

Medical Equipment for Kids ~ Equipment/supplies needed to sustain and/or improve the quality oflife for a child.

Wheelchairs

Walkers

Prosthetics

Special beds

Medical machines (Pulse oximeter, nebulizer, Tenz unit, etc.)

Medical supplies (medication, special formula, etc.)

Mobility for Kids ~ Transportation assistance required for a child's medical needs to be met.

Van lifts

Wheelchair tie downs

Vehicles

Caring for Kids ~ Needs that improve the quality of life for children.

Nursing care

Adaptive stroller

Adaptive clothing

Displacement expenses

BB4K P

rogr

ams

BB4K Progra

ms

New Program in 2009

Canines for Kids ~ Dogs can be trained to assist a child in many ways. We have helped one child ob-tain a Seizure Dog. This dog knows when the child is about to have a seizure and can alert the child’sparents. Therapy and Service dogs might help an Autistic child who has trouble with social situationsstay calm or assist a child with poor motor skills by maneuvering the child around hazards in their path.This program will bring smiles and comfort to many children. Our primary funding in this area will befor displacement costs for the family to go to the facility for the required two weeks of training withtheir special dog.

New Outlook for an Old Program

Second Home ~ This program, started in 2004, was a collaboration of several organizations. It wasmeant to provide a place where families could give back by donating equipment and/or excess suppliesthat they no longer needed. The program has received many donations over the past few years butreally only helped a couple of the partners in the program as a database of the available pieces ofequipment and supplies was never logged and sent to other partners.

This year, a couple of the past partners as well as a new one, have vowed to make this program workfor all partners as well as the families in the Greater Cincinnati area. There are now two therapistsinvolved in this program who are qualified to assist a family in finding and fitting the correct piece(s)of equipment for their child. In addition, families not only have the option of donating items, but ifthey need the money for that item, they can opt to put their equipment in the consignment businesslocated in the same building with our donated items.

Second Home partners include Building Blocks for Kids, Catherine’s Closet, Cincinnati Children’s Hospi-tal, and the Child Wellness Community Fund.

Number of Children Assisted by BB4K

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Annual

Cumulative

Board of Directors

Justin Conger ~ PresidentG/C Contracting

Richard Goins ~ Vice PresidentCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Melissa Donovan ~ TreasurerMeyer Capital Management, Inc.

Gregory W. Bee ~ SecretaryTaft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Bridget SempsrottDrs Bonded

Robin SkiffMC Mobility Systems

Dennison KellerThe Law Practice of Dennison Keller

StaffDynette Clark **Executive Director/Programs Director

Jenny Ensley **Director of Volunteers and Administration

Sherryl LanglandMarketing

** Denotes non-voting member of the Board of Trustees

FoundersDynette ClarkSuzy HummelBridget SempsrottLiesl Roeder

Honorary FounderJerry Lewis

BB4K F

amily L

eaders

hip

Why B

B4K?

Because we make a

difference i

n kids lives..

.

2008 F

inanc

ial Sum

mary

Profit and Loss

IncomeMiscellaneous Fundraisers 1,058

Foundation and Trust Grants 110,855

Other Types of Income 1,600

Kids Helping Kids 375

Annual Benefit 20,377

Golf Outing 9,402

5K 9,421

Fireworks Cruise 3,575

Adopt-A-Child 52,118

Annual Campaign 8,559

Total Income 218,207

ExpenseProgram Expenses 181,328Operating Expenses 31,578

Total Expense 212,906

Net Income 5,301

$

$

$

$

$

Other Income/Interest 866

Numbers of Interest

84% of total income is spent directly on our programs

Donations made to our Adopt-A-Child Program go solelytowards the fulfillment of a child’s need

52 children were assisted by BB4K in 2008

28%

30%

19%

17%

6%Foundation/Trust

Events

Adopt-A-Child ~ Businesses

Adopt-A-Child ~ Individuals

Annual Campaign

Income Sources

2008 F

inancia

l Sum

mary

24%

34%10%

3%

14%

15% Building

Caring

Hearing

Med. Eq.

Mobility

Therapy

Percent of Program DollarsUtilized by Each Program

ASSETSCurrent Assets

Checking/Savings $ 32,633Accounts Receivable 475Other Current Assets 1,210

Total Current Assets 34,318

TOTAL ASSETS $ 34,318

LIABILITIES & EQUITY

LiabilitiesCurrent Liabilities

Accounts Payable $ 5,435Credit Cards 1,003Other Current Liabilities

Adopt a Child grant 2,335Payroll Liabilities 482

Total Liabilities $ 9,255

EquityUnrestricted Net Assets $ 19,763Net Income 5,301

Total Equity $ 25,064

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY $ 34,318

Balance SheetAs of December 31, 2008

Ian just completed the IM program with me here at ABC. I just wanted to email you to say thank youfor giving him funding to go through the program. He did extremely well. Dad told me yesterday thathe no longer has to take ADHD medication because if his great improvements in focus andconcentration. You have truly helped to change the life of Ian and his family. Thank you for all thatyou do!

Sarah R. King, MPTClinic ManagerABC Pediatric Therapy Network

I'm very excited about the progress Cole ismaking. Today when I picked him up from therapy hecame over running with his arms in the air sayingmomma.... I was crying inside with joy, thanking God,that my little boy noticed me come in the room, ran overto me and said momma... That was the first time he putall of those things together. My heart melted. I wantedto fall to the floor and thank God.

Every day he does something new and is improving so much. I can hardly wait forhim to get into the full time program. I will never give up on hope in reaching hisgoal. I pray to God every night, day, extra minute, that he will help me find awayfor Cole to get into this program.

Sorry I don't mean to ramble on, I am just so proud of the progress he has madeand I just can't wait to see what he will do tomorrow.

Amy (Cole’s mom)

My family and I are so grateful for the assistance that Building Blockshas given us for Gabriel. It was by far the greatest Christmas gift thatwe received. We are so touched by the generosity of people whohave never even met us. It's truly amazing!

Thanks,Rebecca (Gabriel’s mom)

Launch of a new, more interactive, more up-to-date website.

Our new “Adopt-A-Child” program, started during the 2007holidays, became a huge success in 2008 as it raised over $52,000throughout the year and allowed us to help more than 50 children!

Chosen for a grant which funded a program called the “QualifiedVolunteer Program (QVP)”. This program matched us up with twoconsultants who have helped to develop a more robust and efficientVolunteer Program. It also assisted us in defining a position,Director of Volunteers and Administration, that justified the hiringof a well qualified and exceptional staff member.

Furthered our relationship with a large anonymous foundation whichallowed us to assist two families with needs beyond our grantinglevels. One grant was a $40,000 elevator for 2 brothers who bothhave Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy. The other grant allowed us tohelp a family travel oversees to see a specialist and receive cuttingedge treatment.

All of our events grew in attendance and profit dollars in 2008giving us the ability to keep up with our ever growing number ofBB4K Kids’ requests.

2008 S

upporters

Ahlers, Edward and BrendaAseere, John and DianaAtherine, JenniferAumann, LisaBailey, ChristinaBaird, AlishaBallinger, ConnieBarger, AmandaBee, JohnBee, LeonoraBeeler, LisaBennett, CarolBerry, DeborahBerryman, Randall and DawnBethel, CassandraBisher, OliviaBloemker, Pamela and DaleBollmer, ErinBosworth, JaneBracher, Jill and CarlBrackman, David & CarrieBradley, RitaBrail, TheresaBrandabur, BethBrandabur, LisaBrandabur, SallieBrandt, David & NancyBroderick, AndreaBronner, ChristopherBrophy, TinaBross, TinaBrothers, BonnieBurke, Adla AnnBurklow, TomBurns, Brian and HollyBurton, BryanBuscani, AriBush, Jonathan and KristinCamargo ClubCerreta, Rich and JulieChang, AngelaChelle and Art PrechtChin, NeeOo and ShellyChurch, MichelleClark, John and DynetteCook, Linda and DavidCote, CassandraCrowley, C. Patrick and A. GeniseCullion, LauralCulp, DonnaCurtiss, Timothy and KristenDean, ThomasDicke, WandaDiMaggio, JaneDole, Jean

Donovan, AshleyDornsife, JeffreyDostal, Richard and KathleenDriscoll, JudyEastern Hills Mother of TwinsEckman, ShelleyFarrell, Michelle and RobertFerguson, AshleyFlamm, JustinFlege, MelissaFolger, Elle and AlonzoFrederick, ToniFreihofer Dan and CeciliaFriedrichs, LorraineFriskey, BillFuntjar, AshleiGadbury, EricGalvan, NicoleGarrett, JillGibbs, Karen and JackGiblin, PaulineGilliam, KelliGlassmeyer, EmilyGoins, RickGordon, Chris and SharonGorsek, MichaelGriffiths, Thomas and RondaGrogan, LoriHall, EllenHammons, EricaHastings, CherylHawkins, JoeHayes, MissyHecht, JoanHeger, Cam and KathyHerrin, StephanieHibner, LaurieHines, MishaHood, RobertHuesing, John and CarolHumes, Laurel and MelIler, KevinIrvin, DonaldJackson, John and AmyJackson, KelliJackson, TeriJenkins, Will and NelmieJohnson, DavidJohnson, KathrynJohnson, MelanieJuillerat, LeighaKallmyer, KathyKennedy, CindyKibbey, TammyKirk, Emily

Klarquist, JanKlei, MaryKnight, RobinKobylack, SueKrabbe, Jennifer and RayKrumm, PatriciaKrumpack, KimberlyKuhlman, NatalieKunz, BeverlyLangen, Tamara and DanielLeser, CharmaineLouder, CynthiaMacridin, CorinaMalling, LisaMartella, BaileyMasters, AnnetteMatey, CourtneyMcClure, MollyMcDermont, RickMelia, ElissaMenkedick Ionno, MaryMenner, Robert and JulianaMiller, Douglas and AdelineMiller, TanyaMoloney, AmyMoore, AmyMurphy, JoanMyer, Charles and VirginiaNapler, PatrickNeill, Scott and ReginaNordbloom, Kirk and PattyNorris, JillO'Neil, TracyOwens, BrendaPalmer, DarlenePampered ChefParish, KristiPatton, FloPawlak, Robert and KarenPediatric DenistryPennix, CharlenePohlman, Roger and ChristinePowell, James and BonniePrice, JenniferProws, Daniel and AngiPurdy, JuanitaRahn, AlRahn, BJRamos-Richey, PilarRamsey, BrendaRanson, George and DeborahRay & Kay Family InvestmentsRetzler, DavidRidge, MaliaRingler, Jason

Riverwood Trading Co.Roberson, KristieRosen, MelRussell, TabSanchez Boedo, MilagrosSand, KarenSanders, MarySanderson, JenniferSandy, LainaScholtz, BarbSchwallie, NancySempsrott, BridgetSenior, AmyShearer, Brian and RachelSimmons, KimSmith, JeffreySmith, Russell and SusanSmith, StephanieSnyder, Michael and SusanSpadafore, LaurenSpaulding, EdenStark, KathyStefanski, KimberlyStegeman, GeorgeStegeman, MaryStewart, AmandaStewart, JadeStewart, TracyStuckey, Eric and LisaTaylor, NancyTechau, TracyThomas, KarenTodd, JeffreyTolle, MaryTraster, ChristiTurner, DougVanstiren, LisaWilson, Gregg and CarlaWood, SueWood, WilliamWright, RamonaYoder, NancyYoung, LeslieZimmerman, AngelaZimmerman, Anne and Terry

Individuals/Businesses (up to $100)

2008 I

ndivid

ual Sup

port

ers

Arsenault, SandyBailey, Rick and Ruth Grant-BaileyBonifas, BarbaraBorrero, MelindaBoyd, RickBundy, Brent and Joan

Buscani, ElynCampbell, RickCarey, Paul and LorriCarras, BetsyCilurzo, KelliClark, John & SueCole, Steve and LoriConger, Larry and GuinniaCooke, WayneDodd, Doug and KarenDonovan, Don and JoDouglas, JenniferEllison, Bob and TerriForester, Lael and Heather

Foy, Roger & JulieGalvin, KerriGoodman, EricHendy, MichelleHoying, DanJohnson, MicheleJordan, ScottJurgens, Matthew & MelindaJustin Brittian Memorial ScholarshipKucia, Marcia & DavidKuhnhein, Christopher & JulieLane, Kent and MelissaLayer, Matt and KimLee, Dustin and AlysonLouder, Jim and KarenMeineke, StevenMerchant, Toby and JenniferMullinger, MikeO'Brien, Ian & LauriePatrick, Jenn and Scott

Ponte, JameyQueener, HeidiQuesnell, BarbaraRoss, Andrew and TiffanyRoss, Steven and BarbaraRummler, MargaretSchulte, Gary and TerrySteinberg, Cora and DonnieStouffer, JoanStrebel, Stacy and JeffStuller, GJ & AnnetteSturdy, Thomas and KathiSvirbely, JohnWaldrep, StephanieWard, George & JeanneWaring, HeatherWeisenborn, Jeff and HeatherWilliams, Darcy and JeffZagrabski, Ruthie

Bee, DanielBrandabur, JackieChristman, TeresaCompton, CoyConger, Justin and EmilyDonovan, Melissa and ChrisEmily Kelch Memorial FoundationFlaxmayer, AmyGalluzzo, LarryGroth, Jeffrey & JacquelynHarris, Paul and TeresaHummel, David and SuzyMcKenzie, DonaldPauken, Scott and SabrinaReckner, WilliamTracht, RandallVaracalli, Gregory and Amy

Bee, GregBien, Kevin and DeidreGranger, Alex and PamelaRummler Jr., Ernest and KarenZimmerman, Michael and Lisa

AnonymousLeak, Jerry

BB4K Buddies ($100 - $249)

BB4K Friends ($250 - $599) Silver Sponsor ($600 - $1499) Diamond Sponsor (> $1500)

I had no idea that Chris would be so very excited to see our completedramp yesterday. He had been talking about it in anticipation. As we droveup, we wondered if it had actually happened or if there had some kind ofdelay. Up until yesterday, of course he could not ride his scooter into thehouse, we had to walk very carefully and slowly together. Yesterday hejumped on his scooter, drove up the ramp, entered our house, turnedaround, came back out and repeated going in and out at least six timeswith a big smile on his face. We phoned Mike Tanner Construction andChris thanked Mike for his part as he continued driving up and down theramp.I guess I didn't truly appreciate how much it meant to Chris.We're so grateful for your help. Many, many thanks for blessing us withour new ramp! We know this will really help Chris avoid falls and prolong hisability to walk.~ Dan & Becky (parents of Chris, 17)

2008 G

roup/Busine

ss Supporte

rsAdvanced Computer Graphics Hillside Small Animal Hospital Miguel's RestaurantBenchmark Masonry Contractors Interior Supply of Cincinnati Model BehaviorC & C Investments Kiwanis Club of Mason Reece-Campbell Inc.Camp Bowwow LaRosa's Inc. Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory, LLCCCHMC ~ Accounts Payable LCNB National Bank Signature Sales Group, LLCCrawford Subs Corp. Liberty Mutual Skilled Care PharmacyDreamscapes Landscaping Mason Early Childhood Center Staff Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLPE.A. Motor Sports Mayfield Clinic Inc. The Beach WaterparkEngineering Dynamics MC Mobility Systems Inc. WealthQuestFat Head Davis McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital Zimmerman & Co.George Steel Fabricating McD ConcreteHaumesser Chiropractic Michael Insurance Planning

Clough United Methodist ChurchG/C Contracting Corp.

Leap Beyond TherapyMeyer Capital Management, Inc.Robert W. Baird and Co. Inc.Saturn of Kings AutomallSmith Trailers and Equipment Inc.Thoma and Sutton Eye CareTop Gun Sales Performance

Gpi Solutions

BB4K Buddies ($100 - $999)

BB4K Friends ($1000- $7500)