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1 Fall 2023Fall 2023 HopeNotes MagazineHopeNotes Magazine Meet Joseph’sMeet Joseph’s FamilyFamily champions of hope meet three individuals with a huge heart for HopeKids and learn about the ways they serve our families2 Jos h, HopeKids Preside nt, wit h Ric h Contents Volume 6, Issue 3 Fall 2023 Features 3 Champions of Hope: Meet Rich 4 Champions of Hope: Meet Mark & Dave 6 Program Partners 8 Get Involved On the Cover Cover photo of Joseph’s siblings, Lexani and Javier, by Bob Wesolowski Photography Joseph is 9 years old and has a super rare enzyme deficiency. There are less than 20 documented cases worldwide; only three in the United States. His family describes him as spunky, independent and a jokester. Joseph loves to make others laugh! He’s fascinated with cars and music. Joseph’s favorite movie is The Lion King because of Simba. His family joined HopeKids this summer and has already made new memories together at seven events! “Our family really enjoyed the Grupo Frontera concert. Joseph was singing his heart out, while his little brother and sister were dancing! It was so beautiful to see them signing and playing with friends without any judgment. Our HopeKids families are a village that understands what one another are going through and we stand stronger together.” - Morgan, Joseph’s mom3 Jos h, HopeKids Preside nt, wit h Ric h Meet Rich Hirstein, who has been volunteering for the Minnesota chapter for over 16 years. He’s one of HopeKids’ longest-serving volunteers. What drew you to volunteering with HopeKids? I met with Josh Taylor when he first came to Minnesota to start HopeKids here [over] 16 years ago. Helping kids and their families have a bit of fun during what must be some of their most difficult times, is the best thing ever. Josh delivered a simple message of love and hope and I was committed immediately. I was fortunate to have healthy kids, so I decided that I needed to help. What is one of your favorite moments from an event you’ve volunteered at? I think the “Cookies with Santa” event is the most heart-warming. Kids get to spend time talking with Santa and families can enjoy the games and have some family fun. It’s great to see the kids so excited to see Santa. What would you say to someone considering volunteering with HopeKids? I have never had a bad day at a HopeKids event. It’s always fun and rewarding to make kids smile. I leave each event “floating on air” and full of happiness. Champions of Hope This month, we want to introduce you to few of our “Champions of Hope”. These are individuals who have a true passion for HopeKids and have faithfully served alongside us for many years. We are honored to call these people friends and to have them as a part of our community. Take a minute to read their interviews to see what partnering with HopeKids has meant to them! We encourage you to think about what your gifts are, what you have access to, what you are passionate about, and then find a way to bring those together! If you are interested in using your resources to bring hope to families in our community, please reach out to your local chapter staff. We can’t wait to partner with you! Ric h an d Bria n, Minnesota Exec utiv e Dir ec to r4 Mark and his wife, Bev Meet Mark Nuessle, who has been a volunteer and long-time donor for HopeKids Arizona. Mark hosts the annual Boots & Bling fundraiser event and served as a National board member for six years. What drew you to partnering with HopeKids? In 2006, Tom Lehman invited us to his home for a fundraiser for HopeKids. I thought the idea of helping the entire family get away from the day-to-day hospital visits and the stress that a child with tremendous physical needs can place on the family was a great idea. I had no idea that from that humble start, we would be serving families in seven states and still growing. The heartfelt reports from the families about how much this means to them is overwhelming. What is one of your favorite moments from Boots & Bling over the years? My very favorite moment every year is when a HopeKids family shares with the guests about how HopeKids has literally held some amount of sanity in their home by getting out to an event, as well as the impact of the volunteers that will just show love and deep care. I see many guests show so much emotion as the families share their journeys. What would you say to someone considering supporting or partnering with HopeKids? If you have a heart for what HopeKids is all about, you will be blessed more that you could imagine. Just take a step out and follow your heart. These families are extremely grateful, thankful, and humbled to be a part of HopeKids. M ark an d Hope Kid James in 201 7 Ma rk, Bev & Andrea, Arizon a Exe cut ive Dir ec to r Mark’s fours om e at the Ch arit y G olf Cla ssic Dave opening Boots & Blin g in Pra ye rDa ve an d his wife, Melinda Meet Dave Chapman, who previously served six years as a National board member, three of those as Chairman. Dave is back on the National board serving as Chairman again. He’s HopeKids’ longest-serving board member. What drew you to working with HopeKids? A few things drew me to HopeKids. The first was that Josh Taylor (HopeKids President) and I are good friends. I knew that an organization he led would be well-run and principled. That is important in any organization and especially so in the non-profit world. Second is the Vision. Quite frankly who couldn’t be drawn to the idea of providing hope for these wonderful children and their families? Finally, I felt like I could contribute to the overall success of the organization. What is something that you feel is unique about being a part of HopeKids’ leadership? I believe the most unique thing about being a part of HopeKids leadership is that, because of our biblical worldview, we believe that we serve all stakeholders involved in the organization. Certainly, the children and our families are our primary focus, but we believe that we also serve our staff, volunteers, donors, and communities. Do you have a favorite story/moment from your time at HopeKids so far? I have had so many stories and moments that it is difficult to pick just one. I have cried tears of joy and tears of sorrow through the years. I continue to be amazed at the resilience of the children, families, and our staff. I have heard stories of recovery and stories of grief. In every case, there is hope and whatever small part that I get to play in helping provide hope regardless of the circumstances is an absolute privilege. I have said it before and I will say it again – I wish we lived in a world where an organization like HopeKids was not needed, but since that is not the case, I am extremely happy that we exist. What would you say to someone considering supporting or partnering with HopeKids? Go to an event and spend time with our wonderful children, families, staff, and volunteers. If you choose not to become involved afterward, we wish you nothing but the best. But if you choose to become involved, you will be a part of something that is really special. You will be helping to provide hope to others and, trust me, you will find it as well. M ark an d Hope Kid James in 201 7 Dave opening Boots & Blin g in Pra ye r Da ve m ee tin g Ho pe Kid s fam ilies at the Charity Golf Class ic6 Virtual Capsll Denton Spider-Man Jai Dee Wellness Living Spirit Therapy Services Misty Rose Gold Party Belles of Nashville Thyme & Date Arizona Actors Youth Theatre Allied Global Marketing Alta Climbing Arizona Cardinals Football Club Arizona Diamondbacks Arizona Ice Peoria Arizona Science Center AZ Pain Doctors Butterfly Wonderland Foundation Commercial Plus Community of Grace Church Desert Diamond Arena Desert Stages Theatre East Valley Children’s Theatre eeCPA FatsCats Feed My Starving Children Frost Communications Galaxy Theatres Game Day Memories Jay Hawrysh Lennon Equine Therapy Lily’s Pad Main Event Majestic Cinemas Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 661 events were provided by 213 different program partners in June, July and August. These generous people, companies and organizations helped provide hope through an ongoing calendar of events. If you’re interested in becoming a program partner, please contact your local chapter. Take a look at the June, July and August HopeDay, HopeCommunity and Virtual Program Partners. Merlin’s Magic Wand Foundation Mesa Community College Theatre and Film Arts Phoenix Suns Charity Roadhouse Cinemas Stratosphere Tabitha and Mark Theony Tucson FC Tucson Speedway Uptown Jungle Valley Youth Theatre Colorado Cart-Driver Casa Bonita CH9 Racing Colorado Rockies Colten Cowell Foundation Denver Botanic Gardens Dream on 3 Game Day Memories Grace Mountain Church Guided Hope Ranch Pikes Peak Kiwanis Club Kroenke Sports & Entertainment Lincoln Hills Cares Little Man Ice Cream Merlin’s Magic Wand Foundation Red Rocks Church Rocky Mountain Vibes Speed EFX Stick and Feather The Urban Farm Uplifting Athletes Urban Air Kansas City American Theatre Guild Andy’s Frozen Custard Azura Amphitheatre Chuy’s Mexican Food Colten Cowell Foundation Commemorative Air Force Dave & Buster’s Dominos Pizza Donutology Garmin Kansas City Air Show Hallmark Kaleidoscope Hampton Inn & Suites in the Plaza Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Current Kansas City Monarchs Kansas City Royals Kansas City Zoo KC Northern Miniature Railroad Kearny Community Firehouse LaMar’s Donuts Main Event Miller Theatres MLB Players Alumni Pinstripes RoKC S & S Stables Shawnee Civic Center Sporting Kansas City Starlight Theatre Sunset Trails Stables The Jewish Community Center The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Tiger Rock Martial Arts Studio Topgolf Visitation Church Special thanks to our Program Partners7 661 events were provided by 213 different program partners in June, July and August. These generous people, companies and organizations helped provide hope through an ongoing calendar of events. If you’re interested in becoming a program partner, please contact your local chapter. Take a look at the June, July and August HopeDay, HopeCommunity and Virtual Program Partners. Middle Tennessee Colten Cowell Foundation Converged Technologies Cosplay Collective Cotton & Moss Fat Bottom Brewing FELD Entertainment Flour Power Game Terminal Jenkins Family Life’s Big Adventures Nashville Predators Foundation Nashville Sounds Nashville Zoo Party Belles of Nashville Pins Mechanical Co. Thrivent Financial Topgolf WayFM Nashville Minnesota Amazing Scott Balloons Ames Construction Carbone’s Pizza Bar & Grill - Lakeville Colten Cowell Foundation Dairy Queen Dan “The Common Man” Cole Don Berry Ecolab Edinborough Park Edinburgh U.S.A. Elizabeth Cameron Emagine Eagan Emagine Rogers Emagine White Bear Game Day Memories Gilda’s Club Twin Cities Goldy Gopher Hilary Lunke Just Jump Inc. Kidsdance Productions Let’s Go Fishing - Eden Prairie Merlin’s Magic Wand MiniSota Play Cafe Minnesota Gopher Football Minnesota Gopher Women’s Basketball Minnesota State Fair Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx Fastbreak Foundation Minnesota Twins Minnesota Twins Community Fund Minnesota Wild Minnesota Wind Chill Ultimate Frisbee Minnetonka Power Squadron Nordy Occasions with Character Papa John’s Picnics with a Pup Premier Lacrosse League Relentless Sharbee Hoskins Shockwaves Adaptive Ski Squad Stages Theatre Company Steve and Michelle Anderson The Birkholz Family The JP4 Foundation Tickets for Kids Tradition Companies Tradition Wealth Management University of Minnesota Foundation Urban Air Adventure Park Wayzata American Legion Post 118 Wayzata Sailing Wild Mountain Winnesota Regional Transport Wissota Auto Racing Ziggy’s Art Bus North Carolina Big Air Charlotte Children’s Theater Charlotte Public Library FC Charlotte Soccer Mint Hill Events Topgolf Urban Air North Texas Alamo Drafthouse AT&T Performing Arts Center Back A Bit Farm BizCloud Experts Chicken N Pickle Colten Cowell Foundation Cotton Patch Cafe Dallas Legion Dallas Stars Foundation, Inc. DCA Inc. Denton Diablos FC Dallas Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Galaxy Theatres Gloria Palfrey Good Shepherd Helping on Horseback Insperity JMEG, LP Kari Johns LeAnna Schooley Lennar Linnybird Bakeshop Merlin’s Magic Wand Nicole Vess NRH20 Water Park RISE Adventures, Inc. Sweet and Sassy Texas Rangers The Leaders Institute Topgolf8 GET INVOLVED Interested in sharing your time as a volunteer? Are you a dedicated prayer warrior? Complete a volunteer application or join our prayer warriors team at www.HopeKids.org/get-involved GI VE Facebook Fundraisers Looking for a new way to get involved? Host a Facebook Fundraiser! Whether you choose to ask for donations for your birthday or just want to share your passion for HopeKids with 500 of your closest friends, you can create a fundraiser in less than five minutes. The funds you raise provide hope through an ongoing calendar of free events to families in your local chapter! To create a fundraiser visit www.facebook.com/fund/hopekidsinc Provide hope every day of the year. For $30/month you can help provide a HopeKids family with an unlimited calendar of free events for an entire year. Join our Hope365 monthly giving program at www.HopeKids.org/Hope365. Have a company suite, tickets, food or other items to support our HopeDay and HopeCommunity programs? Contact the Executive Director for your local chapter listed on the next page. Employer Matching Gifts Many companies offer programs to match charitable contributions made by their employees. Through corporate gift matching, your employer can multiply your gift to HopeKids, giving it an even greater impact. Consider asking if your employer offers this program. United Way/Employee Giving Campaigns Does your company participate in United Way’s annual campaign or host its own employee giving campaign? Please consider arranging for a HopeKids representative to speak during the campaign cycle. Your coworkers can help provide hope to our families by designating their pledge to support HopeKids. (HopeKids, Inc. EIN: 86-1042378) Donor-Advised Funds You can recommend a gift to HopeKids through your donor-advised fund and support the chapter of your choice! For more details on what information to provide your sponsoring organization, visit hopekids.org/other-ways-to-give today. Legacy Giving Legacy Giving, such as a bequest in your will or life insurance designation, allows you to make a powerful impact for years to come on families who have a child with a life-threatening illness. Learn more about leaving a legacy of hope by visiting hopekids.org/legacy-giving today. Donate online at www.hopekids.org9 Connect with us LOC AL CHAP TER S National PO Box 240721 • Apple Valley, MN 55124 josh@hopekids.org 612.345.0933 Arizona PO Box 28471 • Scottsdale, AZ 85255 andrea@hopekids.org 602.317.1511 Colorado PO Box 7073 • Denver, CO 80207 robbin@hopekids.org 303.887.5949 Kansas City PO Box 11947 • Kansas City, MO 64138 kristin@hopekids.org 816.372.0311 Middle Tennessee PO Box 210961 • Nashville, TN 37221 deb@hopekids.org 615.430.9190 Minnesota PO Box 44712 • Eden Prairie, MN 55344 brian@hopekids.org 952.270.8271 North Carolina PO Box 79282 • Charlotte, NC 28271 amanda@hopekids.org 704.793.8698 North Texas PO Box 1628 • Keller, TX 76244 bridget@hopekids.org 817.739.8123 SOCIAL MEDIA @HopeKidsInc EVENTS Join us for one (or all) of our fundraising events! Purchase tickets or become a sponsor at www.HopeKids.org/special-events SUBSCRIBE Receive this quarterly magazine and updates on the impact you have on HopeKids at www.HopeKids.org/subscribe10 HOPE IS A POWERFUL MEDICINE.Next >