cortneys quarterly newsletter 1st quarter 2011

8
QUARTERLY REPORT January 2011 Issue: 1 Being handicapped is not a life-sentence, but rather a life-style My Inspiration... Cindy Carpenter President and Founder As we begin to venture into a New Year, I tend to collect my thoughts and like so many of you out there, look to the future and reflect on our lives in the present tense. It doesn’t take long to realize how truly blessed we all are, and one doesn’t have to look very far – at least that’s how I feel each and every day of my life. It was only twenty-five years ago, on Thanksgiving weekend that our daughter Cortney was born. She arrived with a host of medical issues, and quite frankly no one knew if she would survive; be it that day, or for how long. Even the doctors weren’t sure. Given the circumstance, the life challenges, prognosis and journey, my husband and I choose at that moment to embrace a positive outlook which would be our mantra for the rest of our lives together. We quickly sought after professionals with a positive attitude; because we knew that in order to ensure Cortney’s survival, her health and welfare, we needed to surround ourselves with those who see the glass as half-full and that possibilities do exist. Through hard work and commitment to those with Special Needs, I will forever dedicate our efforts on behalf of Cortney’s Foundation to see that others just like Cortney will have opportunities to live full and enriched lives through education and inclusion. This is the core of our program, giving way to our belief that… being handicapped is not a life-sentence, but rather a life-style. As we quickly approach our 3rd year of operation at our location in Scottsdale, we express our heartfelt thanks to our staff who exude the warmth and professionalism which makes our program unique, to all our families in our program, and in particular, we are so very grateful to our donors. Without all these moving parts, our program would not be as successful as it is. We continue to grow in leaps and bounds, and now at a maximum student capacity of 17 with a waiting list. The need to enlarge and serve more students brings the program to a juncture where we need to explore all the options allowing us to expand and meet the needs of more students. We will NOT however at any time compromise the distinguishing nature of our program for those with Special Needs. Cortney’s Foundation has become a fixture in the community and together with support and direction of our wonderful Board members, we will no doubt continue to flourish. Board of Directors Cindy Carpenter, President Jim Carpenter Vice-President Benée Hilton – Spiegel, Secretary Pamela Covella, Esq. Counsel of Record Vince Burke, Director Rob Cimato, Director Melissa Lehman, Director Michael Pradia, Director Honorary Event Chairmen Tom Lehman, PGA Tour Professional Jon Flora, President, Fry’s Food Stores CORTNEY’S FOUNDATION Making A Difference

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Cortneys 1st ever quartlery newsletter

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Page 1: Cortneys Quarterly Newsletter 1st Quarter 2011

QUARTERLY REPORT January 2011

Issue: 1

Being handicapped is not a life-sentence, but rather a life-style

My Inspiration... Cindy CarpenterPresident and Founder

As we begin to venture into a New Year, I tend to collect my thoughts and like so many of you out there, look to the future and reflect on our lives in the present tense. It doesn’t take long to realize how truly blessed we all are, and one doesn’t have to look very far – at least that’s how I feel each and every day of my life. It was only twenty-five years ago, on Thanksgiving weekend that our daughter Cortney was born. She arrived with a host of medical issues, and quite frankly no one knew if she would survive; be it that day, or for how long. Even the doctors weren’t sure. Given the circumstance, the life challenges, prognosis and journey, my husband and I choose at that moment to embrace a positive outlook which would be our mantra for the rest of our lives together. We quickly sought after professionals with a positive attitude; because we knew that in order to ensure Cortney’s survival, her health and welfare, we needed to surround ourselves with those who see the glass as half-full and that possibilities do exist. Through hard work and commitment to those with Special Needs, I will forever dedicate our efforts on behalf of Cortney’s Foundation to see that others just like Cortney will have opportunities to live full and enriched lives through education and inclusion. This is the core of our program, giving way to our belief that…

being handicapped is not a life-sentence,but rather a life-style.

As we quickly approach our 3rd year of operation at our location in Scottsdale, we express our heartfelt thanks to our staff who exude the warmth and professionalism which makes our program unique, to all our families in our program, and in particular, we are so very grateful to our donors. Without all these moving parts, our program would not be as successful as it is. We continue to grow in leaps and bounds, and now at a maximum student capacity of 17 with a waiting list. The need to enlarge and serve more students brings the program to a juncture where we need to explore all the options allowing us to expand and meet the needs of more students. We will NOT however at any time compromise the distinguishing nature of our program for those with Special Needs. Cortney’s Foundation has become a fixture in the community and together with support and direction of our wonderful Board members, we will no doubt continue to flourish.

Board of Directors

Cindy Carpenter, President

Jim Carpenter Vice-President

Benée Hilton – Spiegel,Secretary

Pamela Covella, Esq. Counsel of Record

Vince Burke, Director

Rob Cimato, Director

Melissa Lehman, Director

Michael Pradia, Director

Honorary Event Chairmen

Tom Lehman,PGA Tour Professional Jon Flora, President,Fry’s Food Stores

CORTNEY’S FOUNDATIONMaking A Difference

Page 2: Cortneys Quarterly Newsletter 1st Quarter 2011

3rd Annual Golf Tournament Dinner & Auction

Shoot for the Stars EventOur Program’s

Value Statements

• We focus on the

desires, preferences,

strengths and

choices of each

individual first and

foremost.

• We support the

rights, worth and

dignity of all

individuals

Golf Committee MembersHonorary Co-Chairs:Tom Lehman and Jon Flora

Event Chair: Lisa RileyGolf Chair: Jim CarpenterDinner Chair: Cheryl SolanoAuction Chair: Joan RaskinAdvisor: Cindy Carpenter

Jim AdamsSue AdamsLisa BerryVince BurkeBonnie CanigliaRob CimatoMaria HearleyBenée Hilton-SpiegelJoanne Hirsch-Szpaizman

Colleen KatzMarsha KenneyKaren LaDouceurWendy LangermanEloisa LeeMelissa LehmanDebbie LosoleKui Mi OhMichael Pradia

On November 1, 2010, we held our largest fundraising event of the year for the Foundation! Held at the Country Club at DC Ranch, we were blessed with a beautiful day and a sold out roster of 132 players with a waitlist of players. Our Honorary Chairmen, PGA Tour Player Tom Lehman, and Jon Flora President of Fry’s Food Stores, made our event so very special. There was a scrumptious dinner served in the courtyard of the Country Club under the magnificent evening stars which made our night magical. The partici-pants enjoyed the music of Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie, a well known Scottsdale band now headlining in Vegas, and an incredible silent and live auction with items such as private jets, golf at the prestigious Bel Air Coun-try Club in California with two tour professionals, a vacation at Half Moon Bay, and a dinner at the home of PGA Tour Player Duffy Waldorf who was there personally to auction it off! We even had 4 tickets for amazing seats to attend the 2011 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. These were just a few of the exciting items which contribute to making our event exceptional and so extraordi-nary. We appreciate all our wonderful volunteers and applaud their hard work and unselfish dedication to make our annual event triumphant. This year we are proud to report that we raised $150,000, which represents a 30% increase from the previous year. Our annual fundraising is our lifeline to sustainability for the program, and we’d like to acknowledge our roster of sponsors:

Jenna RaskinLinda SchwabaLisa ShugruePaula SmalleyTracy StupiLynn TorrelHolly TruxellJennifer Zwiefel

Page 3: Cortneys Quarterly Newsletter 1st Quarter 2011

Shoot for the Stars Event Sponsors

Presenting SponsorFry's

Special SponsorsHensely Distributing/Anheuser-BuschFrito LayBlue Bell Ice CreamSouthern Wine and SpiritsCo-Sales

Galaxy SponsorCoca Cola

Cosmic SponsorsAlliance BeverageJJAG Sales/AdobeDrywallAmerican GypsumEverett & Paulette DavisDavid and Cindy LorschCemcoCertainteed GypsumMKB ConstructionNational GypsumSouthwest BuildingMaterialsMarc CenterJeff and Diane LehmanMark & Karen LaDouceurShamrock FoodsNikko MetalsBBVA CompassJon & Jane SchwartzmanUnited Metal ProductsDelta DiversifiedGibralterAmerican GypsumDeer Valley DentistryJuan & Cheryl Solano

$500,000 Hole-In-One SponsorTom and Melissa Lehman

Lunch SponsorDelta Diversified

Cart SponsorsPete King ConstructionRoadrunner DrywallTOCA

Valet SponsorAmerican Gypsum

Media SponsorSo Scottsdale

Virtual Golf Ball Drop SponsorCDS Insurance

In-Kind Donors123 PrintAlanna Mack, PLCBrett RobersonThe Country Club at DC RanchJennaRaskin.comEdit AlchemyGordon GallowayZowie BowieBB Smokes

VolunteersMichelle Erickson, Carmen Portela, Courtney Siddoway, Deb Brunke, Michelle Dominquez, Crystal, McPhee, Lisa Klemo-bage, Janice Wagner, Bev Nuessle, Lisa Meline, Joan Spar-ber, Diane Lehman, Laura Condon, Jim Bell, Jerry Lehman, Arlene Lehman, Ken Melnick, Helene Melnick, Jo Ellis, Chelsea Carpenter, Austin Lehman, Shari Hilton, Eva Hilton, Madison Raskin, Dillon Shugrue, Emily Stupi andDara Mandell.

Page 4: Cortneys Quarterly Newsletter 1st Quarter 2011

Adaptive Technology AssessmentIn October the program welcomed a physical therapist who came to evalu-ate our facility in order to make recommendations on how to ‘Engineer our Environment’. Highly specialized and attuned to our needs, suggestions were made so we could find ways to continue our user friendly atmosphere for all our students. One such proposal was a touch screen for our computers; and large keyboards accessible for those with visual impairments, sight restrictions and/or limitations. It would also help to engage with communication restric-tions, as some non-verbal students would be able to express their needs using these devices as well. Implementation of suggestions and ideas help us to cre-ate a more adaptive world for those with special needs. After the assessment, the therapist came in to train our staff on the implementation of the suggested ideas. This includes high tech and low-tech forms of communication as well as changes to the environment in order to better serve the needs of our student population. This training process is necessary for the growth and advance-ment of our program; however it is one facet which can be cost prohibitive. We will continue seek funds in order to acquire more training which definitely sets our program apart from others.

Our Program’s Value Statements

• We support eachindividual to achievetheir highest level ofpersonal indepen-dence.

• We support eachindividual to activelyparticipate incommunity enrichedexperiences as part of his/her daily life.

• We ensure thatfamilies are activelyengaged with theprogram in supportof the individual.

• We provideindividuals with amodern innovativeenvironmentproviding stimulation in orderto procure growthand development.

Page 5: Cortneys Quarterly Newsletter 1st Quarter 2011

The Snoezelen RoomCortney’s Foundation is so excited and pleased to announce that we are finally able to build and furnish our sensory integration room which is trademarked by the name ‘Snoezelen’. This long awaited addition to our program was received via a grant from an anonymous donor. We extend a huge thank you, as this will make a marked differ-ence in the everyday lives of our students. The Snoezelen Room is a multi-sensory adaptive room which houses soothing sights and sounds highly developed for those with Special Needs. Oftentimes, over stimulation occurs for these individuals, and this type of room provides the necessary down time for relaxation, refinement, and awakening of the senses as needed. The concept of the Snoezelen Room has a proven record of success for all types of individuals from traumatic brain injuries, those whoare developmentally delayed, autistic, all the way to Alzheimer’s patients. This is truly a remarkable addition, and we are anxious to open it up so our community of studentscan begin to see its benefits. No doubt this highly anticipated adaptive technology is another facet which reflects the uniqueness of our program.

Calendar HighlightsEach day is special and distinctive at the program center. From the Special Olympics, holiday celebrations, computer labs, and art programs, our students enjoy variety all of which add depth to their daily lives. At our Thanksgiving Holiday Feast, our students decorated and hosted for their families and program staff a special get-together. We all shared our personal blessings; what they were thankful for and what they looked forward to. When Cortney’s Foundation is mentioned as the blessing in someone’s life, we know that we have a responsibility to continue to make a difference. It is the program’s dedication to find meaningful and distinct ways to empower their personal capacity.

Our Program’s Value Statements

• We empower theindividuals to havecontrol over theirenvironment.

• We create apositive andnurturingenvironment whereindividuals aretreated withcompassion.

• We encourageindividuals to buildrelationships withfamily, peers,friends, andcommunity.

• We support andencourageindividuals todiscover newinterests andactivities and to trynew skills.

Page 6: Cortneys Quarterly Newsletter 1st Quarter 2011

Community Outings & EventsWhat a treat! Our students in the program recently attended a performance of the Radio City Rockettes in past December. Making this type of outing a reality for those with Special Needs was not only stimulating, but added another dimension to their life experience. The capacity to be part of something in our wonderful and exciting community only goes to prove that everyone should have an opportunity. When you witness the depth of smiles and laughter from our students, you understand the need for programs which are dedicated to their inclusion within the community. We also participated in the Special Olympics for Bowling, where some of our students received medals in gold, silver, and bronze. Events such as these build self-esteem, and help an individual with Special Needs experience and excel to their personal potential. This is an important part of our intrinsic program and a key to their daily lives. In addition, and keeping with our traditional monthly Cultural Day, our students continue to learn about the customs, foods and culture of various countries like Brazil, Israel and Mexico. We appreciate our parents who have volunteered their time to teach this to our students. We continue to do our weekly grocery shopping at Fry’s where our students select their menu with the assistance of pictures and continue to learn life skills through choice making and the utilization of money. Each day the students prepare a hot meal and enjoy the ‘family’ atmosphere of eating together as a group. In doing so, they continue to work on their social skills and nutritional well-being. Unique to our program, there is no fee for any of the activities.

Future DatesFebruary 26th 2nd Annual Event

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLLFeaturing fabulous prizes, a better-than Vegas

experience, and a whole new way of supporting Cortney’s Foundation. This year we expect a SOLD OUT CROWD

featuring celebrity appearances, incredible entertainment, and an unbelievable location!

For more information concerning sponsorships,please contact Michael Pradia at 480-202-9464

Make sure to visit our website atwww.CortneysFoundation.org

Our Program’s Value Statements

• We celebrate selfworth andindividualizedaccomplishment.

• We maintain anongoing awarenessof the evolvingindividual needs ofthose withdisabilities.

Page 7: Cortneys Quarterly Newsletter 1st Quarter 2011

Issue: 1 January 2011

Please Accept My Donation

$100 o $250 o $250 o

$1000 o $5000 o Other o

Together We Can Make A Difference

Name:

Credit Card #:

Expiration Date:

Signature:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Email:

Detach and Mail to: Cortney’s Foundation • 7000 E. Shea Blvd. Suite #1430 • Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Cortney’s Foundation

is a 501 ©3 not for

profit charity.

Tax id #42-1745079

Phone: 480-419-582

Fax: 480-451-1506

Tyler Ludwig:Design

Contributors:Kay Ziplow:Writer

Karen LaDouceur:Photos

From the Heart.............................

So many times those with Special Needs like my daughter Claudia, are forgotten as they get older.

While there are programs for those as adults, they are limited and none compare to the program

like Cortney's Foundation. With a family feeling, the program provides guidance, education,

support and a lot of stimulation. Most of all, Claudia herself feels that she is doing something

worthwhile in her life. She has always been a happy young lady and now with the program and

support, she is able to achieve many of her wonderful dreams post high school. Claudia has made

many great friends and blossomed in the short time enrolled at Cortney's Foundation. As a parent,

I always wondered what my daughter's life would be like as a young adult; I never imagined she

would be part of such an amazing program and such a nurturing environment.

Maria Rodriguez

Page 8: Cortneys Quarterly Newsletter 1st Quarter 2011

Cortney’s Foundation 7000 E. Shea Blvd. Suite #1430Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Inside this IssuePg. 2 Shoot For The Stars Event 3rd Annual Dinner & Auction

Pg. 3 Shoot For The Stars Event Sponsors

Pg. 4 Adaptive Technology Assessment

Pg. 5 The Snoezelen Room Calendar Highlights Pg. 6 Community Outings & Events Future Dates

Pg. 7 Donation Information From The Heart...... A Mother’s Thanks

What is Cortney’sFoundation?

Cortney’s Foundation 7000 E. Shea Blvd. Suite #1430Scottsdale, AZ 85254www.CortneysFoundation.org

Find Us

Being handicapped is not a life-sentence, but rather a life-style

Cortney’s Foundation is dedicated to providing physically & mentally challenged persons an

array of opportunities through education and programs for life.