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2015 Philanthropists of the Year – LANL & LANS
Kathy Keith, LANL Community Relations and Programs Office, and Kristy Ortega, United Way of Northern New Mexico.
The largest Employee Giving Campaign in Los Alamos and Rio Arriba helps provide funding for area nonprofit programs in our community that address critical needs in the priority areas of health, education, and financial stability. This past year, with no confirmation for a match to donations, LANL employees pledged more than 2.3 million dollars for nonprofits around the world. This rise in the culture of giving is a wonderful sign for local nonprofits as pledges to United Way of Northern New Mexico also raised.
What you might not be aware of is, LANL and LANS invests nearly $200,000 a year for United Way of Northern New Mexico to work on critical community needs in Los Alamos and Rio Arriba and strengthen nonprofits locally.
The LANL Community Relations and Partnership Office played an intricate role in securing the LANS $1 million match again this year and for their commitment over the years to invest back into their communities where it is needed most , for that, we all say THANK YOU!
A Tale of Three Sisters
Twenty-five years ago, three sisters, Theodora, Erlinda, and Suzie embarked on a pilgrimage to Medjugorie. Their journey completely changed the direction of their lives were headed. They knew that they had a new calling that shaped the life goals they once hoped to achieve.
Being already involved in the local pilgrimage the sisters and their friend decided to invest in a more global experience. During a ten day trip they were able to visit Rome and Yugoslavia. Their adventure truly began when meeting up with another church group and garnished an invitation to meet the Pope. Their trip continued being a blessing in Yugoslavia when a feeling of peace washed over them and they knew that our Blessed Mother and our Lord had a plan for them.
During their trip and the spiritual gifts that the sisters had received changed the direction their lives forever. Before the trip the sisters had a catering service but upon their return they were compelled to research the possibilities of helping those in need.
Throughout their research into local opportunities the sisters had the good fortune to be able to learn first-hand what services to their community could take and the challenges that they would be up against. No one organization seemed to be able to gain traction because the community seemed to be afraid of what consequences might come from opening the invitation to those in need. But the sisters knew early on that they wanted to help others and they were going to do it right.
Ultimately the sisters were able to visit St. John’s Church’s Soup Kitchen in Santa Fe to gather ideas, advice and templates. Most useful was the knowledge about the Good Samaritan Legislation that would protect them from what many other organizations feared, the liability.
Once the sisters decided to pursue opening a soup kitchen and they partnered with the Ministerial Alliance to get approval. There was no place to gather on a regular basis but they were able to feed people in recreational halls three days a week. The food came solely from donations.
Finally, thanks to some very special people and a lot of hard work the San Marin de Porres Soup Kitchen opened its doors at the MG Hall in Ranchitos. Tragically, only 16 months later a robbery covered up by a fire took down the whole building and all of the hard work went with it.
Just two weeks later, with the help from the City Fathers and the Director of HUD the Soup Kitchen found a home at the Senior Center of Apple Valley. The facility is loaned rent and utility free by the Espanola Housing Authority. They believe they are right where they are supposed to be. This location is right in the middle of all the people that need a soup kitchen the most.
Their regulars come from the low income communities and the location is close to the hospital so those families can be helped too. Everyone is always very grateful and some have offered services like washing dishes or other skills. Those helped are always good for a story as well. The Soup Kitchen has also become a place to be social and get out of the house and away from life’s realities.
While the San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen might have begun as a small community outreach effort it has now developed into a fully functioning operation. This is in large part to the volunteers and donations rising to the ever growing needs of the community. The Soup Kitchen is now open five days a week, and is operated 100% by volunteers.
Starting out with only handful of volunteers the kitchen now has over 130 active volunteers and are continuously training and recruiting more. Between fundraisers like the Annual Chile Bowl Contest and other donations the Soup Kitchen is able to meet the growing need of the community and keep their doors open.
The San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen was formed in July 1992 to help feed the poor and hungry and will not refuse anyone regardless of race, color or creed.
With the help of countless volunteers and the generosity of donors and supporters, three sisters continue to strive to provide hot meals and food boxes to the ever growing population of the poor and hungry in their community.
United Way of Northern New Mexico has supported San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen for many of their years in operation. For more information about San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen visit their website www.smdpsoupkitchen.com
To support this organization as well as others who are taking on our community’s biggest challenges invest here.
Nonprofits join United Way to Close out Fundraising Campaign
In the photo from left to right.
Diane Martinez of YMCA, Ellen Morris-Bond of Self Help (2-1-1), Jeremy Smith of YMCA, Paula Gurule of La Clinica del Pueblo de Rio Arriba, Suzan Royal of San Martin de Porres, Kristy Ortega of United Way of NNM, Mona Romero of San Martin de Porres, Susan Mack of Family Strengths Network, Maria Wolfe of National Dance Institute of New Mexico, Carrie Fanning of Family Strengths Network, Stephanie Fresquez of Amigos de Valle.
“The equipment and appliances purchased with Grants received from UNWNNM has made the SMDP Soup Kitchen’s outreach to the poor and needy of our area more effective and efficient. We are ever so grateful!”Suzan Roybal, San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen–“At Self Help,Inc. our programs thrive because of funding and support from United Way of Northern New Mexico. The 2-1-1 Information and Referral Project, sponsored by United Way, has been a great asset our region.”Ellen Morris-Bond, Self Help, Inc. and 2-1-1–“Funding from United Way of Northern New Mexico has made it possible for NDI New Mexico to reach almost 460 children in grades K and 3through 8 teaching them to work hard, do their best, never give up and be healthy! Children are participating in joyful, vigorous exercise and developing skills that will help them succeed throughout their lives, in school and in life.”As one graduate of the program recently wrote and told us: “I could never have asked for a better experience than when I was dancing with NDI. Every instructor helped, pushed and motivated me to become a strong, healthy, courageous and happy individual. And I would like to thank all of you for always being there for me.”Barbara J. Kastner, NDI New Mexico at The Dance Barns
Pat Soran & Ann Hayes – Philanthropy on the Hill
Because of the generosity of residents in our community, United Way of Northern New Mexico is able to provide resources to focus on greater community needs. Helping a neighbor, helping a friend, and bettering our community. Here is an example of how we Live United. We invite you to be a part of making your community a great place to live.
Pat Soran and Ann Hayes have lived and worked in Los Alamos for nearly 50 years. “Los Alamos is a special community that has given us much. Our children had the benefit of good schools and a nurturing environment.” Pat said when we had the opportunity to talk with them recently. “We would like to help ensure that future generations of Los Alamos residents also reap these benefits.” After the Cerro Grande fire some years ago, the couple talked about what they would do if their home been one of those destroyed by the fire. “The pluses of staying far outweighed the cons of relocating.”
Pat is a PhD in Nuclear Engineer., Captain (USNR), University of California employee for 27 yrs. Pat co-founded the Los Alamos Lunch Buddies Board Program (now part of Big Brothers/Big Sisters). From 1997 to 2005 he coordinated efforts to rebuild all of Los Alamos Tot Lots. Pat served on the Board of Directors and Chair of Crisis Center of Northern New Mexico for 12 years. He is a 20 year member of Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos. Pat is a Master Woodworker of boxes, furniture, and wooden vases.
Ann has a Master’s degree in Computer Science and was a LANL employee for 23 years. She is the President of local Foundation which served children of northern New Mexico and is a member of Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos.
“We try to give our charitable contributions to organizations such as the United Way that fund local causes. We also support the American Cancer Society and military service causes. We have volunteered through Kiwanis, the Crisis Center of Northern New Mexico, and the Los Alamos Lunch Buddy Program. We feel we have lived a very gifted life and need to ‘pay it forward’. Our children are all on their own, with their own families, and we now have the time and energy to devote to those causes that we feel help our neighbors and community.”
We all have a reason that we give… What’s yours?
To see how your investment is making a difference in the lives of your friends and neighbors bring us into your news feeds or into your inbox.
A Look Back at 2013
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, here is a link to United Way’s 2013 captured through photographs.
Thanks to community-minded individuals and the generosity of businesses, United Way raised over $500,000 to strengthen our community. Together with your local non-profits, we will work to address the needs of our community and provide the change that our neighbors, friends, and community is looking for.
Community Partners join United Way staff in final rising of the campaign thermometer. From left to right, Bob McDonald, Tiffany Grimm, Mary Yamada from Los Alamos Retirement Community. Kristy Ortega, United Way. Stella Terrazas from Aspen Ridge. Diana Martinez from YMCA. Marie Marroquin from United Way. Susan Mack from Family Strengths Network.
Small Business Saturday Helps Raise the Thermometer
From left, Daniel Deschamp of High Desert Carpet Care, Randy Mock of Home Run Pizza, Eric Garcia of Home Run Pizza, David Jolly of Metzger’s, Rose Nyenhuis of Fusion Multisport and Andy Fox of CB FOX
An estimated $2,000 was donated to United Way’s Community Action Fund from sales on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30.
Los Alamos businesses that donated 5 percent of their sales include:
- Art Center at Fuller Lodge
- Blue Window Bistro
- Bennett’s Fine Jewelry
- CB FOX
- High Desert Carpet Care
- Historical Museum Gift Shop
- Home Run Pizza
- Fusion Cafe & Coffee Roasters
- Fusion Multisport
- Metzger’s
- Uli’s Cottontails
- Upex
- Village Arts
- Warm Hearts Yarn
Moving on Up!
From left to right: Soumyo Lahiri-Gupta, Justin Dunn (United Way Youth Team), David Woodruff, and J.C. Dugger (Zia Credit Union & Youth Team Sponsors) do the honors of raising the Community Action Fund thermometer.
Thanks to all of the generous gifts from community minded individuals, investments from local organizations, and work of countless volunteers – United Way of New Mexico was able to raise the mercury on the Community Action Fund thermometer. Well it is actually a plastic sticker, but you get the idea. Investments in local non-profits through the Community Action Fund are momentarily at $255,000. Tuesday, November, 12th, Justin Dunn and Soumyo Lahiri-Gupta from the United Way Youth Team were joined by David Woodruff and J.C. Dugger from Zia Credit Union to move up the thermometer. United Way is almost at 25% of it fundraising goal for the year. Be part of helping a neighbor, helping a friend, and bettering your community.
Philanthropy Series – Bennett’s Fine Jewelry & UPEX
Tina Martinez and Alison Bennett of UPEX and Bennett’s Fine Jewelry.
“We care about the people in our community and surrounding areas.” Is why the Bennett Family gives back to our community. Self Help, Kiwanis, United Way of Northern New Mexico, American Cancer Society, and the VFW is just a small list of organizations Upex and Bennett’s Fine Jewelry contribute to. As with all local businesses, they are approached for donations throughout the year. “It isn’t always easy to pick and choose but we do try and give what we can, when we can. We keep a list of organization and charities that have approached us for a donation and select from this list for the donations from our special events.”
What special events you might ask? One of their annual special events is the holiday gem stone cake. They donate cake and the gem stones that are placed on every slice of cake. Customers purchase the gem cake slice and all proceeds are donated to a local organization or charity. As icing on the cake, Bennett’s matches the proceeds from the gem stone cake.
UPEX has donated printing, posters and fliers, and gift cards for future purchases.
Remember UPEX for shipping, packaging, photos, and cards. Bennett’s offers a fine selection of local artisan pieces, fine jewelry, Indian jewelry, pottery, various gift items, watch battery replacement and full service jewelry repair including watches and custom work. Small Business Saturday is November 30th.
United Way of Northern New Mexico sees generosity throughout the community. We feel it is important to talk about some of the great things people do to give back to our community. Please enjoy these stories about philanthropy in our community.
Hamburger Night Had Great Support – Thank you all!
Not the Thermometer You’re Used to Seeing
Have you seen the United Way thermometer in front of the post office in Los Alamos? No, have you really seen the thermometer board? There are some new features on this year’s board. The “talk bubble” will convey positive messages and updates throughout the campaign. The “chalk board” on the reverse side lets passers-by answer comments/questions of the week. Next time you’re in Downtown Los Alamos stop by and check out the new thermometer board.
United Way of Northern New Mexico 