Category: Partnerships
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Supporter Spotlight | Gail Nussbaum
On her 2nd anniversary of being declared cancer-free, Gail Nussbaum decided to give back to the community that had supported her. Now, 13 years later, Gail Pays It Forward is an annual event that donates nearly 200 Build-A-Bear bears to kids at Brent’s Place and Ronald McDonald House each year.
“My parents always told me that it’s not enough just to live in a community. It’s important to give back to the community in which you live,” Gail shared.
The first Gail Pays It Forward event wasn’t an event at all—it was just Gail and 40 friends making Build-A-Bear bears for kids who needed them. But when she dropped the bears off at Ronald McDonald House, the staff thanked her and said, “We’ll see you next year!”
“I didn’t realize there was going to be a next year!” Gail said. When her next cancer-free anniversary came around, Gail once again rented out Build-A-Bear Workshop and invited even more of her friends to help. The second year, she also donated bears to Brent’s Place, and has ever year since.
Over the past decade, Gail Pays It Forward has blossomed into a nearly 200-person event, donating nearly 100 bears each to Brent’s Place and Ronald McDonald House.
“It’s not just for little kids,” Gail shared. “We have 18-year-olds getting bears. We do a great job customizing them, too. There was a 17-year-old who wanted a cool bear and loved black and navy blue. So, we went to the ends of the earth to track down a blue bear, then dressed it in a leather skirt and blue top. She loved it. You’re never too old to appreciate a personalized bear.”
Gail’s generosity has expanded to not just bears, but books. During the pandemic, when connection was especially difficult for those with compromised immune systems, Gail began reading children’s books virtually. She also donated books to Brent’s Place, hoping to offer comfort and connection to children who needed it more than ever.
Several years ago, Gail lost both of her parents in quick succession. Recognizing the lessons her parents taught her about paying it forward, she wrote her own children’s book called Paisley’s Pay It Forward Adventure. The book follows a cheery teddy bear named Paisley, who moves from family to family, comforting children going through difficult times along the way. Through Paisley’s story, children learn the power of small acts of kindness.
Proceeds from her book go to Brent’s Place, Ronald McDonald House, and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
“Touching lives, one life at a time, can and does make a difference,” Gail said. “Whether it’s a teddy bear or money or a cooked meal, those small things make a huge impact.”
Gail is proud to support Brent’s Place and the work we’re doing for families in crisis.
“It’s a unique facility that meets an unmet need,” Gail said. “I’ve traveled to other cities and talked to people, and a safe environment with the services Brent’s Place provides is a very rare thing.”
We’re deeply grateful for Gail’s support of Brent’s Place! Her generosity has changed countless lives and comforted hundreds of children navigating their most difficult days. You can learn more about Gail and purchase her book, Paisley’s Pay It Forward Adventure, on Amazon or BookBaby.
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Growing Hope | The 2022 IREM Day of Beautification
Teamwork truly makes the dream work, especially when that dream is a refreshed courtyard! Earlier this month, our longtime corporate partners at IREM Greater Denver and more than 50 volunteers from nearly 30 member organizations donated some serious sweat equity to beautifying the family courtyard of our Aurora campus. From carting wheelbarrows of mulch across the property to weeding, planting, and painting, this group of caring individuals braved the 95 degree heat to provide a place of respite for our families as they navigate a life-threatening diagnosis. Along the way, they reconnected with old friends, expanded their industry networks, and came together as a team to give back. Here are just a few of the stories behind their generosity and compassion.
Over at the garden beds, Jeanette from Baceline Group spent the morning sanding boxes in preparation for a new coat of stain. “To me, this is making a difference. I didn’t know what Brent’s Place was before I came but now I’m so grateful there’s a place like this for families.”
Friends Lisa and Brandy quickly learned the importance of teamwork and laughs to get the job done, quipping: “Friends who mulch together, stay together!” Lisa and Brandy have a combined volunteer history of more than 20 years. Lisa’s interest in supporting Brent’s Place stems from childhood. Growing up, Lisa remembers how her parents struggled when her brother contracted a life-threatening virus. “My parents had some [health] coverage, but if they hadn’t received government assistance, we wouldn’t have been able to do it. So I know all about how important it is to help out families when they are having a hard time.”
That personal connection drives Roberto’s volunteer work, too. Serving as team lead at the Day of Beautification since 2018, Roberto (below, left) said, “My son spent a week in the ICU and just that short period of time made me wonder how these families do it. I know from personal experience that having a place to call your own during a crisis takes some pressure off.”
On the mulching and weeding teams, Bonnie and Ellen (above, center and right) from CBRE appreciated the opportunity to support an organization they believe in while building new connections: “It’s always nice to give back and I love the kids!” Bonnie said. “Plus, this gives us a chance to build relationships with new vendors.” Ellen added, “Bonnie has been a volunteer here for years. It’s so nice to have the support from her to be able to take this day to go serve!”
This collaborative experience was exactly what organizers Ira Coleman of Integrity Fire and Debbie Reece of IREM Greater Denver were hoping for: “It’s about sweat equity, hard work, laughs, and teamwork. Their commitment to hard work is providing peace.” Debbie agreed, adding: “We keep coming back and bringing more volunteers to make an even bigger impact! Brent’s Place is part of our family now.”
Because of IREM Greater Denver and every volunteer who sweat with purpose in support of our families, our courtyard is now ready to welcome families back, providing a healing connection with nature during a time of great uncertainty. For this and their year-round, multifaceted support, we extend our sincere thanks to IREM Greater Denver!
Looking for ways for your group or company to get involved? We’re seeking corporate and community group volunteers to support our summer special events, including Block Party. Indicate your interest here.
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Partnership Expansion | Jason’s Friends Foundation
Since 2017, Jason’s Friends Foundation, a non-profit Wyoming-based cancer support organization, has been a valued partner in our mission to uplift families facing the life-threatening illness of a loved one. Recently, this partnership has expanded, with the fourth floor of our Founder’s House building now dedicated exclusively to housing families supported by Jason’s Friends.
Sean Meyerhoffer, CEO of Brent’s Place, had this to say: “It’s an honor to work with the team at Jason's Friends Foundation. Like Donn and Linda Eley, Jason's parents have taken their tremendous loss and turned it into a beautiful source of support for families during this difficult fight. We look forward to continuing and growing this partnership in the spirit of helping even more families.”
Thank you, Jason’s Friends, for your continued collaboration in this important work!
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