NEWSLETTER - David`s House

Home when you can’t be home.
NEWSLET T E R
FAL L 20 15
Ref lecting on the past year, a very
clear theme came to my mind as I
thought about this newsletter: honor
the past and celebrate the future.
I speak for everyone at David’s House who had
the honor of knowing Susan, when I say we will
miss her sense of humor, her grace, humility,
compassion, and unparalleled selflessness. As
one of the most generous philanthropic families
in the Upper Valley, Susan and her late husband
Peter were proud supporters of David’s House
and their legacy will live on.
This sentiment resonates with me because
one of the first things I ever heard Dick Cyr,
our founder, say is “we’ve always had the right
people in the right place at the right time.” Past
and present guests, volunteers, staff members,
and community supporters, who make up the
David’s House family, are truly incredible.
Over the past few months we’ve had visits from
some of the pillars of our past—Jane DeGange,
Kelly George, Rochelle Berliner, and Carol
Shepard. We also said goodbye to one of our
nearest and dearest friends, Susan Williamson,
who passed away in July. I had the pleasure
of sitting with Susan one day while she was
volunteering and I asked what had drawn her
to David’s House. She had many reasons, but,
like Dick, she said it was the people that
drew her most. People like her friends Anne
Sutton and Jere Nelson. Susan served for many
years on our board of directors, representing
the voice of our guests and their needs, in
addition to working with the families directly
as a hospitality volunteer. She also served as
honorary chairperson of the 2011–2013 Keeping
David’s Promise Capital Campaign, donning
a hard hat to take part in the groundbreaking
ceremony in 2012.
Speaking of legacies, January 2016 marks the
30th anniversary of the opening of the original
David’s House in Hanover, NH. Dedicated
individuals of all ages have kept David’s dream
alive and well, and now I’m asking YOU to join
us as we head into a celebratory year. Over the
next year, please help us to continue keeping
David’s dream alive and honoring his father,
Dick, by spreading the word about the wonderful
things happening here and the many ways
to get involved. As one of our amabassadors,
share your David’s House stories with friends
and family, through your school, civic group,
work programs, religious affiliations or social
media . . . because your story has the power to
ensure a strong future for the families who will
be staying here. If you’ve never experienced
the welcoming warmth of this beautiful home,
there’s no better time to visit than during our
30th birthday year!
Jaye Olmstead, Executive Director
Page 1
Fall 2015
GUEST STORIES
Team Sweeney and the Exeter Girls Basketball Team
Jason and Ketti Sweeney and their son, Liam,
came to David’s House to drop off food donations
collected by the Exeter High School Girls Basketball
Team. “Not only was it a great experience to be part
of this wonderful event but it provided us a chance
to go back and show Liam where we stayed when he
was born and then in the NICU. Walking through
the doors and finding our old room brought back
unexpected emotions. I felt my eyes well up as I
looked around and realized what a special place this was for us and for so many families. This is the
place that I came to when I had to leave my child. This was our home . . . and for that I am grateful.”
—Jason and Ketti Sweeney, Liam’s parents.
Thank you from the Leavitt Family
“Our stay last night was absolutely wonderful! From the breathtaking grounds to the warm atmosphere,
David’s House far exceeded our expectations. The whole experience is so relaxing and comfortable you
almost forget why you’re there, and I cannot wait to share our experience with others. It is impossible
not to notice the care and effort that has gone into the House, and the staff do a tremendous job helping
each visitor get acquainted with everything the house has to offer. From snacks and baked goods to
comfy beds and sparkling bathrooms, THANK YOU!”
—The Leavitt Family
Steenbeke Donation
Nine-year-old Rebecca Steenbeke-Pease is a cancer survivor,
and her family stayed at David’s House during her treatments.
Rebecca and her family received so much love and support from
her community that she wanted to give back, so on her birthday
(which happens to be on Valentine’s Day), they collected food
donations for David’s House guests—an entire van load! Thank
you, Rebecca. You are an inspiration to us all. Rebecca is pictured
here with her mother, Cathy Steenbeke and Cousin Alexandria
Desantis. If you would like to donate food or paper goods, please
see our Grocery List on pages 3 and 4.
Page 2
THEN AND NOW: The Teixeira Family
“To say David’s House was a blessing would be a vast understatement.
My son was born 8 weeks early and flown almost immediately
to Dartmouth Hitchcock. The flood of emotion and concern
overwhelmed my husband and me. The primary thought was for
our son, but secondarily there was, ‘How are we going to afford this?
Will we have to drive back and forth each night and sleep in the car?’
A nurse told my husband about a place for families to stay when
their child was in the pediatric intensive care unit. This was amazing news that allowed us to focus
solely on the health and well-being of our son. I can’t begin to tell you the worth of that peace of mind.
Our over two week stay would have been impossible
without David’s House and the amazing staff and
volunteers. Incredible accommodations let us feel like we
were staying in the home of caring friends. The gratitude
we have for David’s House is unmeasurable. To have
people and a place that care so much about families during
these difficult times has changed our personal outlooks
and our lives.
My son starts kindergarten this September and there
is not a moment or milestone that goes by that I don’t
attribute part of his achievements to our time spent
at David’s House. Thank you to all who help to make
David’s House the miraculous place that it is!! Because of
you so much has been and will be possible!”
—Bob, Erin, Maggie, and Robert Teixeira
Grocery List
Did you know that David’s House
also accepts non-cash gifts?
These items can always be used.
Gift Cards
ïï Walmart
ïï Amazon
ïï Local grocery stores
(Shaw’s, Price Chopper,
Co-op, BJ’s, & Hannaford)
Paper Products
ïï Paper towels
ïï Toilet paper
ïï Napkins
ïï Paper plates
ïï Facial tissues
ïï Disposable coffee
cups
Page 3
Fall 2015
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS
Herrera Family
Guests at David’s House this
summer were treated to the smiling
faces and culinary creations of
long time Upper Valley resident
Alex Herrera and his daughter
Alexa, a senior at the University of
NH in Durham. Alexa originally
heard of David’s House though her
Therapeutic Recreation and Child
Life studies and knew she wanted to
get involved with the organization. Father and daughter volunteered together at the house two days a
week for eight weeks and took charge of a variety of projects, including a complete reorganization of one
of our quilt closets!
Kohl’s Volunteers
We can’t express enough gratitude for the
community spirit and volunteer support we
have received from our friends at Kohl’s over the
years. When David’s House needs extra support
at a special event, we know we can count on
Kohl’s volunteers to lend a hand, rain or shine.
Pictured here is the Kohl’s team that supported
us at Sundae at the House this summer. Thank
you!
ïï Fresh fruit
ïï Single-serving
C leaning Products
ïï Laundry detergent
(powder)
ïï Liquid hand soap
ïï Bleach
ïï Dishwashing liquid
ïï Dishwasher detergent
(powder)
ïï Disinfecting wipes
ïï Window cleaner
ïï Trash bags
(13 gal. & 30 gal.)
ïï Dryer sheets
Food Items
Page 4
microwavable meals
ïï Coffee creamer
(powder)
ïï Mac&Cheese
(single servings)
ïï Canned soup, stew,
ravioli, SpagettiO’s
ïï Cookies & crackers
ïï Granola bars &
breakfast bars
ïï Pop-Tarts
ïï Fruit snacks
& fruit cups
ïï Pudding cups
& Jell-O cups
ïï Juice boxes & juice
concentrate
ïï Cereal (single
servings & regular)
Event Highlights
Eastman Winterfest is always creative and fun, and the 2015 Cross-Country Color Trek was a huge
success with nearly 100 skiers participating. Live music, hot cocoa and cookies perked up skiers of all
ages after the race. We are grateful for the generosity
and commitment of the Eastman community.
Mt. Sunapee Resort’s Annual Intragalactic
Cardboard Box Race is where imaginative
sledding enthusiasts design and build creative sleds
for April’s big race. Stand-out designs included a race
car and a giant beaver—all made from cardboard
boxes. Sponsored by Mount Sunapee Resort, the
race has raised thousands of dollars over the years.
The River Valley Club’s 4th Annual RVC Tot Trot in
May featured dozens of kids dressed up as their favorite
superheroes for RVC’s one mile walk around Centerra
Parkway in Lebanon, NH. Combining donations raised
by participants and proceeds from a silent auction, RVC’s
Tot Trot raised almost $5,000 to support David’s House.
Dollars for David’s House raised over $3,000
during a state-wide fundraiser! Member clubs in the
NH Chapter of USA Gymnastics embraced the idea of
supporting David’s House. Joni Bjorkman, mother and
coach at Tri Star Gymnastics in Dover, said, “David’s
house was a blessing for my family as it allowed us to be
close to our son.” Jennifer Pelland, campaign coordinator,
added, “gymnastic community individuals have benefited
from David’s House.” A challenge was made to all NH
gymnastics clubs, families, friends, and fans and we thank
everyone who participated.
Tuck Business School’s Annual Run for
the Kids has supported David’s House every
spring since 1996. This year, over 100 runners
and walkers of all ages participated in the 10K,
5K, and 1K events, and next year, you could run
for the kids, too! It’s a healthy way to welcome
spring and to support area charities including
David’s House.
Page 5
Fall 2015
The 3rd Annual Brookie’s Challenge was hosted by
the majestic Mountain View Grand Hotel in Whitefield,
NH, in June. Held in memory of Brooke Ramsdell, this
run/walk was organized by staff and students from the
Mountain View Academy Hospitality Management
Program that Brooke was a member of when she was
in school. This year close to $5,000 was raised! Special
thanks go out to the Ramsdell Family, the Hotel and its
collaborative and the corporate sponsors who made this
event a success.
The 2nd Annual Mag-A-Palooza event was graced with perfect summer weather for this family
fun music festival in Mancheseter, NH. Mag-A-Palooza is the
vision of young cancer patient, Maggie Philbrook, who passed
away at age thirteen in 2014. To honor her memory and spirit,
Maggie’s family started a nonprofit called Maggie’s Beat to raise
awareness of childhood cancer and support several nonprofits,
including David’s House, where the family stayed during Maggie’s
treatments at CHaD.
Covered Bridges Half Marathon was started back in 1992 and now boasts over 2,300 racers
supported by 500 volunteers. By asking friends, co-workers, and family for donations, Team David’s
House runners raised nearly $30,000 this year. We invite you to be on our team for 2016.
Canaan Hardware’s Spring Expo Day in June saw a lot of folks coming and going and not
everyone was looking for power tools, paint or plants. Each year a delicious bake sale is hosted on site,
with proceeds going to David’s House. Thank you to the bakers
and the buyers of all those goodies!
The 3rd Annual Lindsey Frank Memorial Golf Tournament
saw both rain and sunshine during this year’s outing in June at
Ridgewood Country Club in Moultonborough, NH. CruCon
Cruise Outlet was once again the corporate sponsor for this great
day of golf and the event raised $13,500. Thank you to Nick, his
fiancée, Lindsey, Adam, and all of the players and event sponsors
who made this a special day in memory of Lindsey Frank who
passed away from cancer at just six years old.
Bear Ridge Speedway’s Annual Fundraiser for David’s House had a special flare and sparkle
this year, because it was held on the Fourth of July! It was a star spangled celebration as race fans and
drivers rallied their support and raised $2,295. During a break in the racing, kids showed their support
by leaving colorful hand prints on the track’s water truck. To April May, Butch, Ernie, and the rest of
the staff and fans at Bear Ridge, we thank you for your unwavering support!
Page 6
The Champion’s Breakfast drew ardent fans who were excited to meet Kevin Harvick, 2014
reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion. Crowd favorites Krista Voda, Dick Berggren, Joey Logano
and Chase Elliot were also on hand at the event, a collaborative effort between David’s House, CHaD
and Speedway Children’s Charities. A huge Thank You to NH Motor Speedway for hosting the event
and serving up a scrumptious breakfast!
Sundae at the House is all about community spirit and this year over 400 parents and kids joined
us at David’s House for ice cream, burgers, hot dogs, cotton candy, and dozens of activities. We are
grateful to our sponsors: Mascoma Bank, Price Chopper, Home Depot, Lakes Region Coca-Cola,
Great Eastern Radio, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, Henniker Septic Service and Under Cover Tents. We also
appreciate the support we received from our volunteers, board members, and activity sponsors who
made the day memorable and fun! We hope to see you next year.
The Chester Norman Thomas Memorial Motorcycle Ride, started in 1998, is named after a
boy who lost his battle with cancer and whose family once stayed at David’s House. The Monadnock
Harley Davidson Owners’ Group coordinates the ride and this year over a dozen riders raised nearly
$2,000 for David’s House. Thank you to all riders for your generosity and charitable spirit.
Tristin’s Live, Laugh, Love Run honors the memory of
Tristan Roy who discovered David’s house when her daughter
Erica was hospitalized as an infant. Tristan, who lived life to
the fullest and “never held back” according to a friend, was
tragically hit by a pickup truck shortly before her 33rd birthday
in 2011. Her husband, Dan Roy, and Erica, now aged 7, were on
hand in Lebanon to start the run and give out prizes. Tristan
was a volunteer cook at David’s House, a vivacious spirit, an
outdoor enthusiast and a beloved employee at TomTom in
Lebanon, the corporate sponsor of this great event.
The Lindsey Frank Memorial Motorcycle Ride is an event that year after year garners amazing
support and generosity in honor of Lindsey, a very special little girl who passed away in 2002. The ride
started at Hart’s Turkey Farm in Meredith, NH, for a fabulous breakfast where a crew of young servers
donated their tips to David’s House. After a ride through NH, over 100 motorcycles rumbled into the
David’s House parking lot. Special thanks to the organizers and all the wonderful attendees who once
again made this a 5-star event, raising $26,825 this year!
Page 7
Fall 2015
Upcoming Events
JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL EVENT!
October 17, 2015: Valley Music Entertainment’s
Annual Karaoke Contest, Moose Lodge, Newport, NH,
5–11 pm. Practice and warm-ups start at 3pm. Entry fees
and raffle proceeds will support David’s House. For more
info: davids-house.org or call Shirley at 603.477.8112
November 23–December 4, 2015: David’s House
Holiday Auction. Find perfect gifts! Viewing starts on
the 23rd. Online bidding opens November 30th and
ends December 4th. Pick up items at David’s House on
December 5th. Have an item to donate? Call 603.643.2298
December 5, 2015: Holiday Extravaganza, David’s
House. The whole family is invited to our holiday themed
celebration! More info coming soon!
A David’s House Night Out
on the Town!
October 15, 5:30–7 pm at the Montshire
Museum (Porter Community Room)
Socializing 5:30–6 pm, hors d’oeuvres
and our presentation “Honor the Past
and Celebrate the Future of David’s
House.” Attire is business casual.
RSVP by October 8: 603.643.2298
or [email protected]
The Montshire has extended a special $5
rate for museum entry from 4:30–5:30 pm.
Special thanks to Service Credit Union
for sponsoring this event!
November 27–December 31, 2015: Mitchell’s Magic Christmas, Claremont, NH. See
50,000+ lights that transform the home of Brian and Joyce Mitchell into something magical.
Voluntary donations are collected and given to David’s House. Info: claremontchristmaslights.com
April 2016: Annual Intragalactic Cardboard Box Race, Mt. Sunapee. Stay tuned for more info!
THEN AND NOW: Carol Shepard
Carol Shepard was diagnosed with cancer when she was a
young child, and now at age 18 she has recently celebrated
the 5th anniversary of being cancer free. Carol and her
family stayed at David’s House frequently over the years of
her treatment, and Carol was one of the first members of
our Junior Advisory Board from 2010–2012.
In addition to serving as an honorary community ambassador and
speaking at various events on our behalf, Carol celebrated many of
her birthdays by holding fundraisers for David’s House that raised
close to $15,000.
In August, Carol, her mom, and her fiancé, Albert, stopped by for
two visits including a special lunch with our founder, Dick Cyr. We
are pleased to share that Carol is now in college studying to be a
nurse specializing in caring for hematology/oncology patients.
Page 8
DONOR SPOTLIGHTS
Bradford Elementary School
An enthusiastic group of students from Bradford,
Vermont made a special trip to present a combined
donation of $500 to David’s House. With the
help of their inspiring teachers, Jessica Loeffler
and Christine Smith, the students learned about
nonprofits, and they chose to support David’s
House and even included baskets of trail mix for
our guests!
Thank you Bradford Elementary and Adam Boffey at InspiringKids.org
for bringing us all together and matching the school’s $250 donation!
Girl Scout Desk Donation
Kudos to Girl Scout Troop 13903 from Keene, New
Hampshire. The David’s House Hospitality Team
thanks these community-minded young girls for raising
and saving money to purchase our brand new welcome
desk. Under the supervision of troop leaders Melissa
Stroshine and Melanie Greenwood, they assembled the
desk with help from House volunteers. On the day they
arrived at David’s House, they also unloaded a van full
of paper goods and cleaning supplies. We are so grateful
for your thoughtful generosity and hard work.
Go Girl Scouts!
There are many ways to design
a legacy gift, including:
ïï IRA’s
ïï Bequests
ïï Charitable Gift Annuities
ïï Trusts
ïï Life Insurance
Leave Your Legacy
Did you know that you can
continue supporting David’s
House beyond your lifetime?
Page 9
Fall 2015
BEHIND THE SCENES: Welcome Krista Katz
Krista Katz joined David’s House as Director of Development in August.
She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Mexico and
a Master of Science from Antioch University New England in Organization
and Management with an emphasis in nonprofits. Her previous position was
as Director of Advancement, Marketing and Communications for WVBBTS
Snowsports Educational Foundation in Waterville Valley, NH. She has
extensive nonprofit experience in New Hampshire, New Mexico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands and Florida. Krista grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has called New Hampshire
home for nearly 14 years. In her free time she enjoys hiking, painting, traveling, reading, photography,
cooking and ice skating. She has three grown children, a young huskey dog and an older tuxedo cat.
“Such wonderful work is being done by David’s House and I am honored to be part of the team.”
Staff
Jaye Olmstead, Executive Director • Cathy Labonte, House Manager • Don Dutton, Finance Director
Krista Katz, Development Director • Georgie Sawyer, Volunteer Services Manager
Mark Olson, Development Assistant • Barbara Bailey, Paula Welch, Housekeeping
Susan Newhouse, Jillian Burdick, Resident Managers
Board of Directors
Richard A. Cyr, President Emeritus & Founder • Stacey Chiocchio, President
Tracy Evans, Vice President • Ethan Frechette, Vice President • Amity Ollis, Treasurer
Terry Durkin, Assistant Treasurer • Sue Vickers, Secretary • Kinson Craft • Rob Daley
Sean Gorman • Richard Mounce • Nichole Romano • John Sands • David Watts
Newsletter, Fall 2015: Does your address or contact information need to be updated?
Would you rather recieve our newsletter the green way, electrionically?
If so, please contact Mark at 603-643-2298 or [email protected].
Design: Nomad Communications
Did you know . . . It is becoming more and more common for people of all ages and means to leave legacy
gifts to a charity in their wills and estate plans. This thoughtful foresight is evident in the generosity shown by
people from all walks of life—with different income levels, professions, and passions.
LEAVE A LEGACY® is a public awareness campaign designed to inspire people just like you to make a
charitable bequest. David’s House participates in this effort because we believe that everyone can make a
difference. If you work with a financial planner, lawyer or accountant, talk to them about your charitable
wishes. They can help you achieve your goals.
If you want to learn more about Legacy Giving, but aren’t sure where to start, please
visit davids-house.org/legacy, or call David’s House and ask to speak with Jaye.
Page 10
Please consider supporting David’s House.
Click here to make your
contribution today.
David’s House Holiday Auction:
November 23–December 4
Click here for details
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Families Served
Since 1986
9,183
305
29
85
13,501
United States
13,458
Other Nations
43
Bolivia, Brazil, Canada,
Congo, Croatia, England,
Georgia, Germany, Guam,
India, Indonesia, Israel,
Italy, Morocco, Nepal,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama,
Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia,
Slovakia, Somalia,
South Korea, Sudan,
Switzerland, Ukraine
July 1, 2014–June 30, 2015
5 nights
Average Length of Stay
4,061
Room Nights Utilized
56%
Average Occupancy Rate