So Thankful!

"If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily." ~Gerald Good
A spirit of thankfulness is in the air as we approach Thanksgiving. We at the charity are so thankful for the opportunities we are daily given to impact the lives of those around us. All children dream and sometimes the happenings of life convince children that it is safer not to do so. We get the privelage of telling children that not only is it safe to dream but dreams really do come true. How thankful we are for that!
Thanksgiving Day is a day set aside for all people to join in one voice and express their gratitude for the blessings they have received. How often do you take the time to intentionally think of what you are thankful for? I find that the more I look for reasons in my life to be thankful the more aware I am of how much I have been given. Take the time right now and ask yourself "What am I thankful for?"
We want to say a great big "Thank you!" to all of you who have supported us. Whether you have given money, time, prayers, references, or something else completely, you have played a part in changing many children's lives and oh how grateful we are for you!

Why should businesses be sponsors?

As we're gearing up for our 5th Annual Mardi Gras Fashion Show, one of our first steps is to approach local businesses to become sponsors. The first question we're asked is why? Why would a business want to sponsor a fashion show - especially a business that isn't involved in clothing sales or accessories? The answer is simple, and we broke it down for you into 5 reasons. Enjoy!

1. Reach new people! Good event organizers will be able to tell potential sponsors the demographics of the attendees of any given event. For example, our demographics for attendees of the fashion show are primarily women, ages 35-55, with household incomes at $75,000 + annually, and all from northern Colorado. Marketing directors from local businesses know that this is exactly who they want to reach. They know that we will provide them with over 300 people in this group that may not have heard about their business before. Here's to more people knowing your brand!
2. Feel good! When a business decides to rally behind a non-profit, it helps the business build their corporate culture of generosity. This is an idea that has to come from the organization as a whole. When generosity is present, the entire climate of an organization changes. Postivity reigns, and the employees are more likely to be giving of themselves in new and exciting ways.
3. Recognition in the community! When a business decides to sponsor a non-profit fund raising event they get the benefits of the event's marketing for their own business. Radio, television, newspaper, and web communication all have been put together strategically to draw people to the event, and in turn, the business that is supporting the event.
4. It's easy! Many non-profits are able to process credit cards, but of course checks and cash are always welcome. If a business goes into their fiscal year with a set marketing budget for sponsorship opportunities, they are able to evaluate all of their possible sponsorship opportunities, find the ones that hit their target demographics, and determine their return on investment from there. Sponsorships are generally offered in a range of opportunities, and with that, the ability to tailor a sponsorship package to your distinct business.
5. It's fun! Most sponsorship opportunities include tickets to the event itself. Make it something to thank your staff by providing them with tickets, or use the seats to thank a valued client of your own. Not only are you showing your client and staff appreciation, you are helping the non-profit make new friends that may eventually become donors.

All in all, event sponsorships for businesses are a win-win. They increase their business recognition, create a corporate culture of gratitude, and make a difference, all while having fun and supporting a cause. What could be better than that! While we're at it - call me at (970)667-6119 if you'd like to know more about our Mardi Gras Fashion Show sponsorships! Get in on the benefits!

Katie

A big part of dreaming requires... sleep!

Macdonald Family Charity makes dreams come true. However, what if you're having a hard time sleeping? It makes it pretty difficult to dream, doesn't it? The following are some great tips on how to get some rest from Help Guide. Put them to work, and let us know if it works!

• Keep a regular sleep schedule.

• Make your bedroom sleep friendly.

• Create a relaxing bedtime routine.

• Get stress and anxiety in check.

• Eat right and get regular exercise.

• Try not to worry about sleep.

• Know when to see a sleep doctor.

Hopefully these tips and tricks will get you sleeping well and dreaming big!

Upcoming Dream Kids

Gabriel is a 5 year old boy living in a low income family. His life has not been easy lately. His mom is struggling with illness and life has been tough for the family with dad not being around. That's a lot to live with for a little boy. His dream is to go to the Denver Zoo with his family and that dream is going to become a reality this month!
Casey is a 14 and he had a very rough childhood. He is now living in the foster system and doesn't get the chance to do many fun things. He loves ice cream and the Broncos. His dream is to ride in a limo to Dairy Queen and then to see a Bronco game. He's about to see that happen!
What fun these boys will have when they see that though life has hard times, dreams do come true!
These dreams will be funded by the upcoming Spurs and Pearls wine tasting on September 18.

September Newsletter Information

If you're on our mailing list, you received a copy of our newsletter yesterday! If you aren't on our mailing list - why not? :) Here's the newsletter for you so you are sure to stay in the loop! The main thing is our wine tasting on September 18 - do you have your tickets yet?

Our wine tasting is set,

And we're ready to bet

It'll be a great night

Filled with wines that delight!

Put on your spurs and hat

And great clothes that go with that

We'll toast to great wines

And eat delicious food while we dine.

RSVP as soon as you can,

Spaces are limited so be a fan,

Enjoy a wonderful evening of fun,

Making dreams come true until we're done!

Tickets are $75 per person or $135 per couple,

So bring a friend and go double!

We'll have a cork pull, silent auction and surprises,

With things so wonderful, you're sure to be baffled.

We make dreams come true,

But without you we'd be blue.

Our donors and friends make things happen,

So grab a friend - there'll be no rappin'.

Dove Valley Called - We Answered!

What do you do when two boys have the same dream? As a dream maker, you rejoice! The task of approaching a celebrity athlete is difficult, but when you can make two dreams come true at the same time, it's awesome!

The dream fulfillment team got to work on making JJ's and David's dreams come true when they began to approach Champ Bailey of the Denver Broncos. Champ Bailey is a 12 year football star whose talent is inspiring to watch on the field. Wait until you meet him in person - he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet!

On August 17 the first of our two dream kids had his one on one time with his hero! Here's JJ sitting in awe of his hero! JJ is a young man from Greeley who struggles with Cerebral Palsy. He recently underwent extensive surgery to help him walk, and he has been walking to all of his classes at school. Way to go, JJ! He walked all the way from the VIP tent at Dove Valley to the team practice facility where he met his hero. He was in such shock, he couldn't think of anything to say! The two of them just sat, smiled for pictures, and enjoyed companionable silence. Judging by JJ's face, I'd say he loved it!

Day two with Champ Bailey was with David, a 6th grader from Fort Collins. David's life has been filled with struggles from a very young age. He was bounced from home to home during time in foster care until his mother was able to have him back. Her time in jail made her realize what a special kiddo David is and want to give him everything she never had. David's dream was to meet his hero, Champ Bailey. After JJ's quiet time with Mr. Bailey we prepped David. "What are you going to ask him?" was the topic of discussion down to Dove Valley in the limo. David came up with great questions. His first - will you throw me a pass? Because of the current conditions with Mr. Bailey's shoulder he couldn't right then. Don't worry - once he can, he will! The second question was if the Broncos teammates get together and play Madden. If they do, Champ Bailey isn't one of them. The final question was his favorite ice cream flavor. Any guesses? Vanilla. Yum! Here's David and Champ during their time together.

The month of August has seen some amazing dreams, and these two were some very special ones.

Spurs and Pearls is right around the corner!

The wine tasting is right around the corner on September 18! Be sure to get your tickets for this great event - we are going to have 6 wines paired with 6 amazing appetizers, live music, a live auction and a silent auction. It will be a western wear evening with class and sass - don't miss it! Tickets are $75 per person on $135 per couple. All of the proceeds from this event will go to make dreams come true for struggling children in northern Colorado. Make this "dream date" evening have a lasting effect on a child!