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eConnection
September, 2014
Check out this AMAZING story about Rachel, one of the sweet children that Rainbow Days has the privilege of serving.  It just aired on FOX NEWS and will air again on Saturday morning!

 

 

A Letter from our CEO
We've Moved!

Each September we begin our new year.  Thirty-three years ago this fall we began the first Curriculum Based Support Group program for children of alcoholics.  Back then I kept our office contents in a file drawer and a laundry basket full of art supplies!  Fast forward to September 11, 2014 - we just completed an office move that involved over 20 movers (great job Move Solutions), over 300 moving crates and tireless work by the staff who balanced moving with everyday work requirements! 


We feel so fortunate to be in the same building at Campbell Centre and to continue our relationship with Capital Commercial Investments who have been a wonderful landlord over the years.  Our new offices are beautiful, finished out just as we envisioned and on schedule (thanks to Fast-Track Construction, Inc.


 

And even though we only moved 6 days ago everything is in its place and pictures are hung!  We plan on hosting an open house later this fall, but in the meantime please make a note of our new suite number, M-1003 (the rest of the address and phone number stay the same) and stop by if you are in the neighborhood.


 As we begin FY2015 we face some pretty big challenges.  More children and youth than ever need our services and in order to meet these needs we have the largest fund raising goal for private contributions in our history-almost $1 million dollars.  Thanks to the many generous donors who continue to support Rainbow Days' mission we believe we can reach this "big hairy audacious goal" and be there for those organizations, schools and families who have come to depend on our partnership and programs. 


 

We value your friendship!
Cathey
North Texas Giving Day
September 18th
Mark your calendars for September 18, 2014 from 6:00 a.m. to Midnight for a great opportunity to support Rainbow Days.  On this one special day of giving in our community, for every gift we receive through the North Texas Giving Day website, Rainbow Days will be eligible for a variety of bonus prizes and additional donations secured by the Communities Foundation of Texas.  In addition, Rainbow Days generous Board of Directors is putting out a challenge gift of $10,000!  So, for every donation we receive that day will be matched 1 to 1 up to $1,000 thanks to our Board!   Get Ready to Give and please help us spread the word!

 

Auxiliary of Rainbow Days
September 18th - Save the date for the Auxiliary Fall Social at Kendra Scott

This year's fall social will not only be a time of fun with friends as we kick off the new year, but also an opportunity to raise money for Rainbow Days!  Kendra Scott will be donating back 20% of any sales made that day to Rainbow Days!  The event will be on Thursday, September 18 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Kendra Scott store in the West Village.  Invites will be sent out soon, but please be sure to mark your calendars and invite a friend! Click here for the invite.  Thanks to Kendra Scott for hosting this special event!


 

And save the date for the Auxiliary's Fall Luncheon on Monday, October 13th at the home of Mary Jo McKellar.  Details in the next eConnection.
 

Dog Gone...But Not Forgotten
Michele Danches & Rosie

A note from two of our most faithful volunteers:


 

"Rainbow Days' makes an unbelievable difference in so many children's lives and I want to thank you for letting me and Rosie, be a part of this wonderful journey."

Michele and Rosie participated in our Annual Back to School Party in August.  It will be their last event until next summer because Michele and Rosie are moving to New Mexico.  Michele said after the party, "Today was sad but so heartwarming all at the same time. The hugs the kids gave Rosie and I were overwhelming.  Kids were not only telling Rosie that they love her, but also telling me how much they love me."

Michele shared some summer highlights on her Rainbow Days journey:

During Camp Bravo!   "I remember working with a child named Laurie who was having a difficult time, facing many problems. By the end of camp, I had her laughing and hugging Rosie. Today, at the Back to School event she came up behind me and gave me a huge bear hug! She remembered me and Rosie and that we cared. Another child that I will never forget is a teenager Mike, who came up to me the first day at Camp Bravo!, so afraid of Rosie that he wanted nothing to do with her! Surprisingly, by the last day of camp, he was walking her around and showing her lots of affection. As we sat and talked we discussed his future. I told him I had faith in him and knew he was going to be successful in life. The smile he gave me in return was absolutely priceless. The next time I saw him was at Rainbow Days' Outdoor Adventure camp and we did the fist bump which made me the cool old white lady lol. Today, at the Back to School Party I met his mom and told her what a good kid Mike is. I gave Mike one of Rosie's bandana's that I signed for her which he wore right then and there so proudly. I saw that the event.  This is what Rainbow Days is all about. The positive behavior changes, character growth, and courage to face fears, is what I have witnessed with the children involved in the programing. I know that Rainbow Days makes a difference.  

I could go on and on telling Rainbow Days' stories! I have been truly blessed to get to work with Kelly (and her staff) during the past 4 summer camps, and also Christmas and Easter events. I have learned that a kid is a kid. It doesn't matter their living situation, economic status, color, or religion. Homeless kids are still kids despite their circumstances. I hope the efforts Rosie and I have put in to make a difference will inspire one of the kids to go and give back one day. Maybe they will be a part of Rainbow Days when they get older.

Rosie and I love everyone.  Please tell the whole staff thank you for the kindness they have shown us over the years. I will be BACK next summer!"

Love Michele and Rosie
Neiman Marcus' 2014 Top Women of Collin County
Rainbow Days is thrilled that our very own Juli McCready, long-time volunteer, donor and faithful supporter, has been selected as one of Willow Bend Neiman Marcus' 2014 Top Women of Collin County! Juli has been recognized through a series of events over the past two months at Neiman Marcus - Willow Bend, concluding with a special reception and fashion show last night.  Congratulations Juli!
Sign-Up to Help Rainbow Days

 

Kroger Community Reward

  • Link your reward card by clicking the image
  • If you have an existing account, click Sign In, otherwise click Create an Account
  • Click on Community then on Community Rewards, then Enroll Now Complete the form and click Save
  • Rainbow Days organization number is 60427
You must swipe your registered Kroger Plus Card when shopping for purchase to count
You must relink your card every year starting on August 1st to support Rainbow Days

 

Tom Thumb Good Neighbor
  • Link your reward card by clicking the image
  • Complete this Good Neighbor Program form using GNP Charity number 1503 
  • Return completed form to courtesy booth

 

iMyne

  • Sign up at iMyne.com and earn cash back and support your favorite cause.
  • Sign up for free
  • Search Rainbow Days in Supporting Charity 
  • Click on any Retailers listed or use the iMyne plug-in for your desktop web browser and shop directly on participating retail sites 
Parenting Tip

mother-son-hug.jpg As parents we're not able to meet all the needs of our children. It is important that children have other safe adults in their life that they can depend on and feel comfortable asking for help. Safe adults are people who care about them, take the time to listen to their thoughts and feelings, are helpful and encouraging, and would never harm them. Do your children know how to identify safe adults and safe people in their lives? Do they know the importance of having other support systems they can rely on? Asking a safe person for the help or support you need implies great strength and courage and your children recognizing their ability to do so is a tremendous gift.
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8150 N. Central Expwy., Suite M1003
Dallas, TX 75206
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