Shriners Parade

New Year's Eve bash planned to benefit Shriners hospitals | Menifee | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:16:00 +0000

New Year's Eve bash planned to benefit Shriners hospitals | Menifee | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California

New Year's Eve bash planned to benefit Shriners hospitals | Riverside County | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:44:00 +0000

New Year's Eve bash planned to benefit Shriners hospitals | Riverside County | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California

Big Elf makes toys for Shriners Hospital for Children-Salt Lake

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:08:00 +0000

Making toys the way elves would
Sandy couple find joy in building, donating old-fashioned toys to hospitalized kids.

By Katie Drake, The Salt Lake Tribune(for more pictures and compleat story go to
http://www.sltrib.com/southvalley/ci_14053389

Grant Chapman shows off some of the toys he has created in his basement work shop. Each year,...

While holiday shoppers are frantically picking up last minute gifts, Grant Chapman has already started on next year's Christmas toys.

For more than 20 years, Chapman and his wife Ruby have donated hand-crafted toys to the children at Shriners Hospital, hoping to brighten their holidays despite their medical challenges.

Chapman has devoted an entire wing of his Sandy home to the project and spends hundreds of hours creating new patterns for trains, Hummers and race cars.

This year's donation was a personal best of 140 cars and nine six-car trains. The couple also makes wooden blocks and sometimes doll cradles, complete with a teddy bear, for little girls.

The toys can have a huge effect on a child, said Shriners child-life specialist Carolyn Duerden.

"Children in general love a toy or something that makes them feel good, especially when they are away from home," Duerden said.

She began placing the Chapman's toys under the clinic Christmas tree on Monday, and they were an immediate hit. Many of the Shriners children do not have many toys, Duerden said. Hand-crafted toys are even more special as donations to the hospital are down this year.

Chapman is glad to have found a good use for his woodworking hobby. The octogenarian "can't stand to be idle" and has to be making something useful. He also hates waste, and uses scrap materials to create his toys.

Wood is the biggest cost, but Chapman spends only about $150 each year on the toys, thanks to wood donations from West Truss Inc. The company gives him free rein in its lumber yard, where he is welcome to any piece of wood less than two feet long.

"It's awesome for us, because we're not throwing it away," said Chet Jensen, the company's design manager.

Chapman always gives samples of his work to the children of West Truss employees, Jensen said, as a way of saying thank you.

The couple is hoping to top their record next year, and have already completed some cars. Ruby has painted hundreds of headlights and wheels while Chapman refines his designs to create more realistic cars and trains to brighten the holidays of children stuck in the hospital.

kdrake@sltrib.com

The East-West Shrine Game: Resource for the NFL

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:29:00 +0000

When the 2010 East-West Shrine Game teams take the field at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Jan. 23, it will be the final event in the players’ week-long “interview with the NFL.”

For the players, an invitation to the East-West Shrine Game is a chance to showcase their abilities to play in a professional-level game before representatives of all 32 NFL teams. The professional level of the event is reinforced by the presence of an NFL-affiliated coaching staff, NFL officials and rules, ESPN network television coverage and even official NFL footballs…“Just Like on Sunday.”

“The East-West Shrine Game is an interview, an audition. This is a very, very important game to NFL scouts, who have a chance to see the players up close,” said Doug Williams, director of pro personnel for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a member of the East-West Shrine Game Hall of Fame. Williams is just one of many NFL greats who played in the East-West Shrine Game; the list includes Brett Favre, Tom Brady, John Elway and 62 NFL Hall of Famers.

“Coming from a small school, the Game was a stage for me; an opportunity to show what I could do,” said Williams, who played in the 1977 East-West Shrine Game and was a first-round draft pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1979.

The East-West Shrine Game provides that same opportunity today. The 2008 Game’s Offensive MVP, Josh Johnson, is now a quarterback for the Buccaneers.

For the NFL, the East-West Shrine Game is a resource.

“All-star games are vital to our clubs,” said Ron Hill, vice president of football operations for the NFL. “Scouts get a week to look at and visit with the players and see how they react in a different setting.”

All 32 teams will have at least three to five scouts at the Game; several general managers and head coaches will also be on hand.

“All the GMs should be there, unless their teams are still playing,” said Hill. “I’m looking forward to being there for the practices. It’s important. If this game was on the moon, the NFL would be there.

“The quality of the players invited is very, very high. The game is very important to the NFL and to the players – it’s another chance for them to show their ability and an opportunity for our scouts and coaches to spend time with them and see what we need to see,” said Hill.

What they see is a lot of potential.

In April 2009, 90 percent of players from the 84th East-West Shrine Game – played on Jan. 17, 2009 – were either drafted or signed as free agents by NFL clubs.

The League provides significant support to the Game, including assistance assembling the coaching staff. Both the East and West teams will have one head coach and eight assistants with NFL affiliation.

Agents are aware of the benefits of the Game for their clients, as well.

“The East-West Shrine Game is unique; it’s surrounded by a cause and has a particular identity,” said Keenan Davis, president of 75 South Management Group and former NFL executive. “And, it has a premier relationship with the NFL that makes it a little larger than life. We have a player in the game – I’m ecstatic. The game is a platform for him to demonstrate he has the mental and physical abilities to excel at the next level.”

The cause behind the Game is important to everyone involved, as well.

“Every year, we hear from the players and the coaches that the highlight of the week is going to the hospital to be with the kids,” said Hill. “We’re absolutely excited that the Game supports Shriners Hospitals for Children; we’re pleased to be part of it and to help make it a success.”

Shriners Hospitals for Children is an international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, without financial obligation to patients or their families. The organization depends on the generosity of donors and funds raised by special events, such as the East-West Shrine Game.

For more information about the East-West Shrine Game, visit www.shrinegame.com.

http://support.shrinershospitals.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Semi_trailer_Advertising_story

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:11:00 +0000

http://support.shrinershospitals.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Semi_trailer_Advertising_story

Bright Shriners

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:24:00 +0000

by Kati Garner,

A Christmas tree of lights brightens the front entrance to Sacramento's Shriners Hospital for Children during the holidays.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is an international health care system providing high quality pediatric specialty care to thousands of kids each year. All care is provided with no financial obligation to the patient or their family. Their mission is made possible solely through the generosity of donors.

There are many ways to give from direct gifts to planned gifts. All gifts, big or small, make a differenc

Engineer-Physician Shriners Team help Change the World

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:52:00 +0000

DUBLIN – It is up to design engineers to change the world, says Steve Robbins, CEO of Level 5 Communications and executive editor of Desktop Engineering Magazine.

So the magazine launched its Change the World Challenge, soliciting innovative ideas from design engineers across the world to change the world for the better.

Robbins said the contest recognizes the design engineers behind the products, who often get little recognition.

What Robbins found interesting about the designs submitted by mechanical CAD companies was how people had solved problems because they had tools today that allowed them to do 3-D modeling and 3-D design more easily.

For instance, 3-D scanning technology is already helping children who have cleft lip and palate, and could help millions more.

An engineer-physician team at Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield, Mass., won first place in the rapid technology category for a less invasive, breakthrough procedure in treating cleft and lip palate.

Through 3-D scanning, the child's palate can be scanned and an exact model created. A series of corrective appliances can then be created using a rapid-prototyping machine to help reduce cleft width before surgery without inhibiting upper-jaw growth.

The comparative ease of the procedure means children suffering from cleft lip or palate in Third World countries may be more likely to receive treatment.

For story by By GRETYL MACALASTER, Union Leader Correspondent go to www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Designers%2C+change+the+world&articleId=ff204ca6-e9d5-4f27-a215-2de723de1767

CSI Men Focus on different season

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:13:00 +0000

CSI head coach Steve Gosar, left, and center Aziz N’diaye pose Friday with a patient at Shriners Hospital for Children in Salt Lake City. (Contributed photo)

The College of Southern Idaho men’s basketball team will face some of the toughest competition of its season at the Holiday Hoops Classic in Las Vegas today and Sunday.

But for a couple of hours on Friday, the Golden Eagles were focused on a different season, namely that of Christmas.

CSI’s players and coaches spent some time at Shriners Hospital for Children in Salt Lake City, interacting with the young patients and handing out gifts.

“It was awesome,” said CSI head coach Steve Gosar. “It was fantastic. You get a chance to see the kids’ faces light up and see our guys interact with them.”

For full story go to www.magicvalley.com/sports/local/article_f8ab6e9e-3df0-576d-86e7-6c07a8372fbb.html

Project Still needs $2.7 Million

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:14:00 +0000

Marsland Foundation gives $1M to aid Shriners' project

Shriners Hospital for Children yesterday received a $1 million donation from the Marsland Foundation, the hospital announced.

The donation will go toward a $73 million capital improvement project of the Shriners hospital on Punahou Street.

With the donation, the hospital has raised $11.3 million from the community for the hospital.

It still needs about $2.7 million in community donations.

Shriners has committed $59 million to the work. Construction at the hospital started in August 2007, and is in the second of three phases of work. The hospital is expected to be completed by summer 2010.

Justin Timberlake beat Oprah

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:49:00 +0000

by: Ani Esmailian
Justin Timberlake Named Most High-Impact Celebrity for Charity

When you think of celebrities and charities, what's the first name that comes to mind? Angelina Jolie? Bono? Brad Pitt? Well it turns out they're not even close to being the most high impact celebrities when it comes to raising money.

Believe it or not when it comes to raising some serious cash, Justin Timberlake is the man! According to The Daily Beast, JT raised over $9 million dollars for the Shriners Hospital for Children in 2009 alone. He even beat out Oprah! Go JT!

Check out the list of celebrity endorsed charities go to www.hollyscoop.com/justin-timberlake/justin-timberlake-named-most-high-impact-celebrity-for-charity_22484.aspx

Exeter restaurant, its workers raise money, collect toys for Shriners hospital

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:39:00 +0000

The Breakfast Hut in Exeter Township raised $2,755 and collected a few thousand donated toys that will be given to patients at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.

Reading Eagle: Ryan McFadden
From left, Tammy Hassan, co-owner of Breakfast Hut in Exeter Township, and Shriners James Strunk and William Coldren on Thursday with the toys collected by the restaurant for patients at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. The restaurant donated all its proceeds Thursday and workers donated all their tips to the Shriners.
Top story of 2009
The restaurant donated all of its proceeds Thursday and the servers donated their tips for the day, all of which totaled the $2,755.

The new, unwrapped toys and $500 were donated by customers and others during a fundraising drive the restaurant has conducted since mid-November.

Members of the Shriners were at the restaurant to assist, and Exeter police conducted a child ID registration.

SKDT Makes a Difference at Shriners

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Althea’s Blog: December 16, 2009 by Althea

On Sunday Becca, Candace, Jeannie, Katie, Kelly and I participated in a Kings pizza party at Shriners Hospital for Children to bring smiles to the Sacramento youth who’ve been affected by burn accidents.

Heading to the hospital, I didn’t know what to expect because it’s hard to see kids, or anyone, hurt. But now I can see why some of my teammates told me it’s their favorite appearance of the year. The kids, who ranged from two years-old to teenagers, were excited to see us and showed us a lot of courage as we met them one by one. Many of them told us their stories. The most memorable story was a boy who was only two years-old and had been in the hospital since Thanksgiving. Due to precautionary measures at Shriners, kids must be at least 16 years-old to visit, so the boy’s twin sister hadn’t been able to visit him at all. Hearing the story from his parents reminded me how lucky I am to be able to see my sister and all of my family and friends whenever I want.

Kings players Kevin Martin, Sean May, Jason Thompson, Jon Brockman and Sergio Rodriguez also attended the pizza party and made a lot of the children’s day by playing games like Wii, pool and mini basketball with them. Along with handing out pizza and punch, the young Kings fans were given Kings goodie bags filled with a comic book, foam finger, notebook, Wells Fargo stuffed animal and a basketball for the players and us to autograph.

It was a lot of fun meeting all of the children and wonderful to see them receiving such good treatment from the Shriners staff. I hope the remainder of their treatment goes well. I wish them all a special happy holiday!

Shriners shop with kids

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:03:00 +0000

Chuck and Kay Leon, back, and Santa, (George Krob) visit with kids during the Shriner's Clothe-a-Child event.
Courtesy Photo

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Bradshaw Mountain Shrine Club and brother club, Yavapai Shrine, took 100 children shopping for Christmas presents for themselves and family members bright and early on Dec. 6.

Shriners met the children at school at 6:30 a.m. and volunteer bus drivers took them to Walmart on Highway 69, where McDonald's provided breakfast.

Then volunteer shoppers, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ROTC cadets, local high school students, friends and family, helped each child spend $100.

After the shopping spree, Santa Claus (Shriner George Krob) presented each child with a toy, candy and fruit.

The Yavapai Shrine Club will bring 100 more children to Walmart to shop this coming weekend.

"We would like to thank all our volunteers, and especially Walmart and their cashiers, along with local people who were generous with their donations," said Fred Boehm, Bradshaw Mountain Shrine Club president. "Their efforts helped the kids have a Merry Christmas."

Start off the Year right in Arizona

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:20:00 +0000

On January 11, 2010 Sarah Cramer, one of our Shriner children who sang
the National Anthem at "The Night of the Child" and the "We Ride so
kids can Walk" event with the Arizona Rattlers will start out the
opening session of the House of Representatives with the National
Anthem.

We would like to get as many Shriners as we can to attend it and sit
in the balcony in back of the floor of the House. We would like to
have everyone there by 11:00am and should be over around 1:30. There
is parking off of 19th Ave by Washington and parking by 17th Ave and
Washington. The reason we'd like you to get there early is due to the
seating. We'd also like everyone to wear your Fez.

If you haven't been to the Capitol before, the House and Senate are
right across from each other and you'll go into the House of
Representatives. When you come into the Lobby, they will direct you to
the balcony which is on the 2nd floor. Tell them that you are here as
guests of Representative Jerry Weiers.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Mick Degn
602-312-4554

Shriners Hospital for Children -Salt Lake takes care of bone infection

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:53:00 +0000

By Bradley Guire - Times-News writer Sunday, December 13, 2009

The scar runs the length of Igor Jozelic’s right thigh, but it doesn’t hurt.

It didn’t stop him from playing varsity football and basketball at Canyon Ridge High School. It didn’t stop him from coming off the bench against Filer in the Riverhawks’ first ever game on Dec. 1 and throwing himself around the floor, going for rebounds and loose balls and breaking up passes in his first varsity game.

The scar represents the journey he’s made since birth, one that started on another continent during the hell of the Bosnian War, which tore his homeland apart.

Igor was born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina (formerly Yugoslavia), in 1993 to Rudolf and Enisa Jozelic. For a while, it was up to Enisa to care for Igor and his older sister, Nina.

“My father was in the war (as a helicopter pilot),” Igor said. “He wasn’t there when I was born.”

It wasn’t long before doctors realized something was wrong with Igor’s right leg, and the hospital stay, Enisa said, lasted five months.

“He had an infection, a bone infection in his hip,” Rudolf said. Doctors initially thought it was only a dislocated hip as Igor walked without pain, playing like any other baby. The infection was later diagnosed, and the Jozelics knew that the care Igor needed was available in America. When he was only 11 months old, they left their home behind and made their way to Idaho. Upon arrival, American doctors further identified the problem and sent Igor to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Salt Lake City.

Igor required four surgeries through the first three years of his life to correct the problem, and none was easy. He doesn’t remember a lot about the situation because he was so young, but Rudolf and Enisa recalled the effort that went into the surgeries.

“They said it would be a two-hour surgery,” Rudolf said of the first surgery in 1994. “It was more like six hours. The hip had practically become dust. What they did was a bone transplantation for his hip.”

As the family struggled with their status as refugees — Rudolf could not find work as a pilot, and Enisa spoke little English upon arrival — Igor’s strength grew. While Igor could walk with a large cast, Rudolf said the usual form of transit was scooting around the floor on his backside.

After the final surgery in 1996, doctors placed no restrictions on Igor’s activities. He had pain for four or five years after surgery, sharp pains, but they faded, and he soon followed big sister’s lead and picked up a basketball. Igor was in fourth grade when he played on his first organized team.

“That was my first year in rec,” Igor said. “My sister played for Twin Falls (High School), and she’s an inspiration for me.”

Igor also plays football, which worries Enisa despite the fact that she sees him become stronger as the time passes.

“I’m going all the time and watching Igor’s basketball games,” she said. “He’s better every year because he had lots of surgery.

“Sorry, but I must say that I hate football. It’s a very hard sport. I go a couple of times and watch Igor’s football games, and I’m scared.”

Mike Ridgeway, head coach of the Riverhawks basketball team, is impressed by Igor’s work ethic and the fact that one could never tell the 5-foot-11 sophomore guard endured so much surgery with the way he plays.

“He’s just a hard worker,” Ridgeway said. “What he does (in the classroom) carries over to the court and everything he does. I wish all my kids were like him.”

Igor would love to spend this year learning the finer details of basketball so he can earn a starting spot next season. He sees plenty of minutes off the bench, but he knows there’s a ways to go.

“I’m comfortable playing down low, but I know there’s a size difference,” said Igor, who has the build but lacks the height for the post, “so I could play a little more perimeter, shooting guard or something. I just have to get my ball handling down a little more.”

Once every year or two, Igor makes the trip down to Salt Lake City for a medical evaluation, and the family is always mindful of their good fortune.

“Who knows if he stayed (in Bosnia and Herzegovina)?” Rudolf said. “Everything crumbled. Who knows what kind of health care he got there? It was the best move for us. It was a mess. It was war. Like every war, it was dirty. Somebody’s always going to suffer. We were just one of many families that suffered, but I will tell you that we were very lucky.”

And now Igor gets to help a new school start a new tradition just as his family started a new life in America.

Bradley Guire may be reached at bguire@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3229.

Carpet Squares- Shriners

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:37:00 +0000

Nobles
The Mohave Shrine Club in Bullhead City Arizona is in need of carpeting squares to carpet our banquet room. We are looking for the two or four foot squares that are rubber backed and can be removed and replaced if a single spot gets damaged.

Our current carpet is totally worn out. Replacing it with regular one piece carpet has proven to be a constant reoccuring expense. In order to cut long term expenses we are attempting to replace the existing carpet with a more maintainable option even though it may cost a little more up front.

New, used, clean, or Dirty but cleanable are all an option. If anybody knows a convention center, hospital, hotel etc that may be replacing thier existing with new maybe we could get the old carpet squares.

Does anybody have a good contact for new carpet squares. Your assistance would be very appreciated in this matter.

Tim Umphress, Mohave Shrine Club President 2010

shrine@mohavebb.com

Legendary Shriner Remembered

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:44:00 +0000

NOBLE ALBERT LANIER HORTMAN DIED DECEMBER 6, 2009

AL WILL BE BEST REMEMBER BY MANY AS THE SHRINER WHO CARRIED A SMALL CHILD WITH HER CRUTCHES BECOMING THE SYMBOL OF WHAT THE SHRINE STANDS FOR.

6,000 Riders- 28degrees- 30Years for Shriners Hospital for Children

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:01:00 +0000

30th Annual Shriners Toy Run

December 7, 2009 by mac

2009 Shriners Children Hospital Toy RunThis past Saturday was Portland’s annual Shriners Children Hospital Toy Run.

The major organizer and motorcycle advocacy group for the event is ABATE and this year marks 30 years.

The weather was dry, but it was cold. In fact, the temp gauge registered a new low (28 degrees) on the motorcycle. As I left the neighborhood I noticed leaving tire tracks on the frost covered asphalt. I met up with the posse for breakfast and the main roads had already received a quick spray of glycol-based de-icers on the overpasses and bridges. By the time we finished breakfast and drove toward the Tri-Met parking lot the frost had mostly evaporated.

This year’s turnout was nearly as large as last which brought out more than 6,000 riders. But, more importantly it’s a lot of toys collected for sick kids. The Toy Run brings together Harleys, Hondas, clubbers, and even the occasional Vespa. The ABATE members held a motorcycle raffle to help raise money for the hospital and shortly after noon the police escorted riders followed a Tri-Met bus full of toys to the Shriners Hospital.

It was a great toy run and I want to provide a major shout out to the organizers and sponsors: ABATE; Tri-Met; Paradise H-D; Latus H-D; Columbia H-D; Thunder Mountain MC Rescue; Star Rentals; Megan James Band; H.O.G.; Schulz Clearwater.

For More history on this Run go to nwhog.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/30th-annual-shriners-toy-run/
Thanks for the Story Mac.

Palm Springs Shrine Club and KMIR6TV work together

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 08:06:00 +0000

Shriners International See how Palm Springs Shriners are making a difference and how you can, too. http://www.kmir6.com/global/Category.asp?c=169134&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4322172&flvUri=&partnerclipid=
or www.kmir6.com/shriners making a difference in the Valley

Couple’s nonprofit work benefits Kenyan children Art sales will help pay boy’s way to U.S. for surgery

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:35:00 +0000

When Paul and Connie Zimmerman were tourists in Kenya, they quickly fell in love with the country and its people. Just about as quickly they discovered incredible poverty and a seemingly endless need for education and medical help. Not to mention how difficult it is for many Kenyans to access clean water.

Shortly after he arrived in Kenya this summer, Zimmerman met a boy named Kevin Wafula.

“His face is so badly burned, he’s disfigured,” said Zimmerman. “I took pictures of him right away, sent them back to Rotary and said, ‘Hey, we have to fix this kid.’ ”

First Friday, downtown Spokane’s business and arts festival scheduled to take place near the week’s end, is expected to include an art sale to benefit Wafula’s trip to Spokane this spring and the reconstructive surgery that awaits him at Shriners Hospital for Children. Zimmerman is hoping to staff every First Friday venue with a Rotarian and some of the African art pieces he has imported from Kenya. The festival is scheduled for this Friday.

“Every penny we make will go 50 percent to Kevin Wafula and 50 percent to Shriners Hospital,” said Zimmerman, who hopes to raise $5,000.

“Kevin is 10 or 11 – they are not really sure – and he got burned when his stepmom pushed him into a cooking fire,” said Zimmerman. Wafula is missing part of his left hand and he has scars around his mouth, nose and eyes. “They told me that it’s socially OK for stepmothers to hate their stepchildren and treat them terribly, while they dote on their own kids,” Zimmerman added. “Kevin’s dad and stepmom ran away. They are now fugitives from the law, I guess.”

A neighbor found the boy and took him to the hospital. From there, he went to St. John Bosco, where he’s been living for four or five years.

Doctors at Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane agreed to treat Wafula.

“They are fairly certain they can do something good for him,” said Zimmerman, who already has two families lined up to host the boy when he makes it to Spokane in early spring. “He doesn’t speak any English at all, but I’m sure he’ll pick it up fast. And he’s traveling with a chaperone.”

The artwork being sold to benefit Wafula – Christmas cards, watercolors and posters – also comes from Kenya.

Zimmerman said he brought back more than 200 pieces of Oduya’s hand-painted watercolors.

“We are hoping we can get into a lot of different First Friday venues, and when people hear about Kevin Wafula, hopefully they will help him.”

For compleate story go to http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/03/couples-nonprofit-work-benefits-kenyan-children/

Fall-line motorsports raise money for Shriners Hospital for Children

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:34:00 +0000

"On December 5-6 in Willows, California, Fall-Line Motorsports, Trim-Tex Drywall Products, WeatherTech, and Barrington Concours will participate in the Drive for 25 charity event at the Thunderhill Race Track. The longest endurance race in the world, participants drive through the night for 25 hours straight. The team with the most laps at the end is declared the winner. Fall-Line will be bringing 2 cars to the event. The #70 BMW M3 will be driven by Joe Koenig, Mark Boden, Gunter Schaldach, and Mike Borkowski. The #72 BMW M3 will be driven by Jim Hamman, Tom Herb, David MacNeil, Cooper MacNeil and Randy Pobst. By participating in the race the team hopes to raise $50,000 for the Automotive Safety Project at Shriners Hospitals for Children -- Chicago.Shriners Hospitals for Children -- Chicago specializes in treating patients with spinal cord injuries
: many of which were sustained through a motor vehicle accident. In order to reduce injuries and fatalities from motor crashes the Chicago Shriners Hospital launched the Automotive Safety Project. This initiative provides adaptive car seats to children with disabilities, adaptive car equipment to drivers with disabilities, and promotes safe driving to the public.

A HERO FOR THE CHILDREN AT THE SHRINER'S HOSPITAL

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:17:00 +0000

By Jamie Brady, Journal Contributor

Bill Berman, owner of Shelbi Ranch in Solvang, is much like his hero Roy Rogers. They are both cowboys at heart. They both appreciate the values that built America. And they both have been active Freemasons and Shriners and support their charities. Inspired by his hero, Berman opened Shelbi Ranch 10 years ago to raise funds for the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Shelbi Ranch, located in the Hans Christian Andersen Square, donates all its profits to the charity hoping to help the children and families that turn to the hospital in their times of need.

“One trip to the Shriner’s Hospital to see the kids gets you hooked,” says Berman of his passion in supporting the hospital. The Shriner’s Hospital for Children accepts children up to age 18 who have orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. The children receive care in family centered settings at no cost to the families. Berman says it costs $1.7 million a day for the care the hospitals provide, and that is with all doctors volunteering their time and resources.

Berman and his wife, Shelley, reside partially in Los Angeles where they own a clothing manufacturing company called Jody California. Berman says he heard about the Santa Ynez Valley 25 years ago in an article in the Los Angeles Times. After visiting the area, the couple fell in love with the small-town feel of the area. They purchased 20 acres of land and began coming to the Valley on weekends.

The couple decided that the Santa Ynez Valley would be a perfect place to start their non-profit business because of how friendly the community is. “It just felt natural to open the business here and not in Los Angeles,” Berman explains. The couple came up with the name by combining their names Shelley and Bill together. Shelbi Ranch is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

It originally began with the Cowboyland Museum and expanded from there. The museum is filled with western memorabilia and tours are given free of charge to groups, however a donation is appreciated. Now “The Ranch” consists of the Water Wheel Café and a hodgepodge of clothing and fabric stores. The café continues the western motif with a real player piano that plays tunes such as “Happy Trails.”

The menu is composed of classic American favorites such as hot dogs, hamburgers and French fries to name a few. The best part? Most of the menu items cost just a buck. Berman and his wife volunteer their time running the business and employ two waitresses to assist customers. “I love working here because it’s for a charity,” says Sarah Gach, an employee for four years.

The clothing stores in the building consist of apparel from the couple’s clothing manufacturing company, which is sold below cost. Berman’s daughter designs all of their clothing, including formal dresses and a western wear line. The couple says the formal dresses sold at Shelbi Ranch would be sold in retail stores for at least $60; however, here they cost just $10.

“I feel like we are providing a service to the community and raising money for the children,” says Berman. He adds that by selling the food and clothing at such reasonable prices, perhaps it will help those who couldn’t normally afford them. Berman says the economy is definitely affecting his clothing business right now, but Shelbi Ranch continues to thrive. “When people know what we are all about, they become regular customers,” he says. “Even if they don’t live here, they will come when they visit Solvang.”

Another part of Shelbi Ranch quickly growing in popularity is its discount fabric. The fabric is sold for 99 cents per yard, whereas many fabric stores can be $3 or more per yard. First-time customer Shelle Hendrix of Santa Maria was delighted to discover the place. “I am absolutely in love!” she says. “The prices are good and the fabric is good quality.” Hendrix says she will have a hard time going back to a regular fabric store where prices are so high.

“Many people will say that their experience here was the highlight of their trip to Solvang,” Berman says, agreeing. He says this is because he works hard and never gives up, which are values he learned in his 40 years as a Mason. The best piece of advice he says he ever received is, “’The harder you work the luckier you get,’ and now it’s time to give back.”

Berman says many of today’s kids are getting the wrong message because they have the wrong kind of heroes. He says when he was a kid his heroes were Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy, who were positive examples. This is why he chooses to help the children at the Shriner’s Hospital, so that they too, may have some positive heroes of their own.

Shriners Hospital for Children-LA Administrator receives Award

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:24:00 +0000

Terence T. Cunningham III, FACHE, hospital administrator at Shriners Hospitals for Children— Los Angeles received the American College of Healthcare Executives Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Regent's Award in conjunction with the 2009 Health Care Executives of Southern California Fall Conference.

The award recognizes ACHE affiliates who are experienced in the field and have significantly contributed toward the advancement of health care management excellence and the achievement ACHE goals.

Affiliates are evaluated on leadership ability, innovative and creative management, executive capability in developing their own organization and promoting its growth and stature in the community, contributions to the development of others in the health care profession, leadership in local, state, or provincial hospital and health association activities, participation in civic/community activities and projects, and participation in ACHE activities and interest in assisting ACHE in achieving its objectives.

Cunningham has served as hospital administrator of Shriners Hospitals for Children— Los Angeles since 2006.

Cost cuting at Shriners Hospitals for Children -Erie,Pa.

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Hamot, Shriners Partner
Erie Shriners Hospital is moving its inpatient surgeries and procedures to Hamot Medical Center.

Same-day surgeries and outpatient services will continue at the Shriners hospital on West Eighth Street.

The announcement comes four months after Shriners International voted to keep all 22 Shriners hospitals open, but encouraged them to partner with other area hospitals to reduce costs.

http://www.hamot.org/about/news_view.php?article=241

Jr. Falcon cheerleader, players at Shrine Bowl Nov.21

noreply@blogger.com (G-wiz) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:27:00 +0000

courtesy • colfax record

Colfax Jr. Falcons participating in this weekend’s Shrine Bowl, standing from left are Mario Margherita, Michael Wilson, Jack Baldoni, Chancey Trentman and Michael Calleja. In front is Sara Holderman.

Five Colfax Jr. Falcon football players and a cheerleader will participate in the annual Shriners Bowl at 5 p.m. on Saturday at California State University, Sacramento.

This is the fourth year the Jr. Falcons have been invited to participate.

Representing the Jr. Falcons cheer squad will be backspot Sarah Holderman.

An eighth grader at Weimar Hills School, this is her first year on the cheer squad.

The daughter of Mark and Lisa Holderman enjoys reading and video games.

Michael Calleja currently plays nose guard for the Jr. Falcons. He has been active with the Jr. Falcons for four years and also enjoys wakeboarding.

An eighth grader at Colfax Elementary School, he is the son of Kathy and Steven Calleja.

Chancey Trentman has played for the Jr. Falcons for three years. Currently, he is the team’s running back.

In addition to football, Trentman enjoys playing basketball and baseball.

The son of Mike and Melodee Trentman is an eighth grader at Weimar Hills School.

Jack Primo Baldoni has been a Jr. Falcon for five years and is currently the team’s linebacker.

He is an eighth grader at Weimar Hills and is a member of the swim team.

His parents are Danny and Wendy Baldoni.

Michael Wilson is the quarterback for the Jr. Falcons. He has been a member of the organization for four years.

An eighth grader at Weimar Hills School, he enjoys playing PS3 and shooting hoops.

His parents are Dan and Debbie Wilson.

Linebacker Mario Margherita has been with the Colfax Jr. Falcons for five years.

An eighth grade student at Colfax Elementary School, he is the son of Andrew and LeAnn Margherita.

The game is a fundraiser for Shriners Hospital, which provides free medical care to children with orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries and burns.

Tickets are $12 per person. For more information, call Debbie Goodrich at 613-0634.