Pujols News5.4 - Pujols Family Foundation

Pujols News
SPRING 2010
THE OFFICIAL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE PUJOLS FAMILY FOUNDATION
ISSUE FOUR
Todd Perry, Kristen Perry / PFF: Bernard Okeke, Kathy Redmond / Compassion Int. : Angie Bellon, Nick Bellon, Rebecca Kousky / Nest
Team Evaluates New
Dominican Republic Programs
Team launches
Batey Baseball
and Nest Projects
03-01-10
During the last week of
February, the Pujols Family
Foundation took a short factfinding mission to the
Dominican Republic to prepare
for two major initiatives this
summer. The first is Batey
Baseball. This program is brand
new for 2010 and is directly
from the heart of Albert Pujols.
Batey Baseball is a joint venture
with the PFF, Compassion
International and the community
of Batey Aleman. “We are not
trying to find Major League
Baseball players here,” says
Albert Pujols. “Our goal,
through the Batey Baseball
program, is to share our faith
and to teach responsibility,
teamwork and leadership to
these young men,” Pujols
continues. “And hopefully,
inspire a group of potential
community leaders through the
game of baseball.”
The other focus of this trip was
to introduce the non-profit
organization ‘Nest’ to the
community of Batey Aleman.
“Nest is an amazing
organization who makes
micro-business loans to
women in developing countries
to create vocational skills and
actual products for the U.S.
market,” says Todd Perry,
The Nest team consisted of
Nest Executive Director and
Founder Rebecca Kousky,
with board members Nick
and Angie Bellon. “We were
very encouraged with the
information Nest had
gathered. I truly think we can
work together to make a huge
difference in this Batey,” says
Perry.
Both Batey Baseball and the
Nest project are scheduled to
launch during the Summer of
2010.
Executive Director of the
Pujols Family Foundation.
For more information about
Nest, please visit
www.buildanest.com.
Pujols Picture Party
2010
By Anna Jones
Some moms diligently
worked away, looking deeply
lost in thought as they
arranged and rearranged their
photos and layout designs.
Other moms oohed and
aahed while browsing all the
many scrapbooking supplies
and still others quizzed the
experts on hand or laughed
and gabbed with each other.
For all the special moms,
the Pujols Family
Foundation's second annual
Pujols Picture Party took on
a fun, unique and even hightech scrapbooking escape
that was held March 27,
2010 at Destiny Church in
Town & Country.
The moms-only event was
open to moms with a child of
any age with Down
syndrome, and they were
treated to a calm, relaxing
and supply-filled activity
center full of fellowship, food
and an amazing array of
scrapbooking and craft
supplies, including one of
Cricut’s state-of-the-art
digital personal cutting
machines.
that Julie and her family are
in the process of adopting.
“I take every opportunity I
can get to scrapbook because
I can’t do it at home,”
laughed Tamra Rampold of
Collinsville, who was
intently working on a layout
to celebrate her son Sean’s
move from a green belt to a
brown belt in karate.
Working alongside Julie was
friend Randa Kay Woods,
who began scrapbooking the
traditional way a few years
ago before switching to the
digital format and creating
blog backgrounds for various
blogs, including that of the
St. Charles County Down
syndrome group.
The day was custom made
for rookie scrapbookers as
well as veterans.
“This just seemed like a great
way to get out of the house
with some friends,” said
Julie, who has four children,
her youngest with DS, and
was working on a scrapbook
about the little girl with DS
Among the many items
available at the Picture Party
were:
• Mini classes that covered
everything from getting started
to creating a one-year album to
digital layouts. Experts from
Hobby Lobby, Creative
Memories, Stamp It Up and
more explained many of the
latest fun components,
including the Cricut.
• A Tools Table offered cutting
and stamping and so much
more. Even more tables
offered up big varieties of
paper.
• Inspiration Alley included
numerous books done by Jen
Cooper, Pujols Family
Foundation Program Manager
and avid scrapbooker, as well
as many other samples such as
chipboard books brought in by
volunteers.
• A Scrapbook Resource Guide
was given to each mom and
provided details on how to do
everything from organizing
photos and supplies to
embellishments to a large
variety of layouts.
• Raffle tables had many
giveaway items, including
albums, refillable tape runners
and a raffle table full of
accessories.
“Scrapbooking gives a chance
to celebrate events in your life,
to be able to look back and see
all you’ve done,” said Jen,
who also stressed to the moms
that there’s no wrong way to
scrapbook and to not worry
about being caught up on all
of their photos!
A lunch catered by Fazoli’s
was also provided.
But it was so much more than
a scrapbooking expo. In
addition to sharing their
crafting techniques, moms had
a chance to share stories about
their children, how they’re
doing, what trials they’ve
faced. They could show off
pictures of their children’s
successes and share ideas on
what’s worked and what
hasn’t.
Or they could totally enjoy the
few hours away from all
household duties and get lost
in thought or just laugh and
talk with others about nothing
important at all.
“Life can be very crazy and
hectic, and this is just a
chance for the moms to spend
some time together,” Jen said.
Winter
Wonderland
2010
2.27.10
By Brian Koenig
It was sunny, it was cool, it was
beautiful…and thank goodness,
this year it was inside.
On Saturday, February 27th,
the second annual Winter
Wonderland—for the benefit of
the Pujols Family Foundation
—had Westport Plaza littered
with animated children and
engaged parents.
Upon entering Winter
Wonderland, visitors were
greeted with winter decorations
and amazing ice sculpture
demonstrations from Ice
Visions. The exquisite
sculptures were scattered
throughout the event—a
smiling bear, a merry
snowman, and a cheerful
penguin—which added an
elegant feel to the enchanting
winter atmosphere.
and winter themed picture
frames that they were able to
take home. Crafts, face
painting, music, and balloon
making were just a few
highlights of the fun filled
afternoon.
As he approached the lifesized, transparent penguin,
five-year-old Caleb bellowed,
“Wow, that penguin is cool!”
Indeed, the penguin was
“cool”, as it sweat from the
inside heat.
After asking young Sophie
what her favorite activity was,
she retorted, “My favorite was
when they drew my picture”; a
professional artist designed
impressive caricatures for the
kids to model and take home.
Alongside Sophie, her sister
Ava declared, “I’m putting
mine in my room!”
Fascinated young boys and
girls surrounded a magician,
while others marveled at a
juggler who wandered the
crowd. Interactive games and
activities, along with loads of
prizes, spotlighted the joyous
winter event.
Participants had fun creating
marshmallow snowmen,
snowflake antenna headbands
Devin, grinning from ear to ear,
exclaimed, “My favorite was
the face painting.” With
orange paint and whiskers
covering his face, he growled,
“I’m a tiger!” The face
painting was a big hit, as
children strolled along, their
faces covered with flowers,
butterflies and snowflakes.
and Starbucks donated the
delicious treats.
As Frilly and Miller sang “I’m
Proud to be an American,”
Fredbird shook his hips and
twirled his arms, trailed by a line
of dancing volunteers and
singing children. Fredbird was
not the only fun friend making
his rounds at Winter
Wonderland. Frosty the
Snowman was also around all
day greeting all the families and
having a good time. The band
played music throughout the
day, and popcorn and cotton
candy were available for hungry
children and parents. Special
trips were also made down to St.
Louis Bread Company for hot
chocolate and Starbucks for
coffee. Both Bread Company
“It was really a great
experience, seeing the kids
smiling and laughing and having
a good time,” said one of the
volunteers. “I can’t tell you how
fulfilling it is to be part of such a
great cause. These kids need us
and what the Pujols Foundation
does for them is astounding.”
This year’s Winter Wonderland
was a blast, and offered even
more opportunities for families
to play games, display creativity
in their crafts and enjoy all of
the entertainment that was
around every corner. A big thank
you to the attendees and all of
the volunteers that helped make
Winter Wonderland possible!
Event Calendar
In keeping with their commitment to
Faith, Family and Others, the Pujols
Family Foundation is teaming with
the local community to host or cohost the following events.
Upcoming Events (all dates subject
to change without notice):
Sunday, May 23rd, 2010
Mother Daughter Bowling
Event
Girls with Down syndrome
and their moms will be invited
to a bowling party at the
Brunswick Zone Bowling
Lanes in Creve Coeur, MO.
This event is INVITATION
ONLY and will be limited to
girls and their moms only. For
questions concerning this
event, please contact us at:
info@pujolsfamilyfoundation.
org
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Home Run Derby and
Albert's All-Star Game
Have you ever wondered what
it would be like to hit a home
run like Albert Pujols? Here is
your chance! Children and
young adults with Down
syndrome can come out and
experience stepping into the
batter's box and taking a home
run swing, just like Albert. The
Derby starts at 2:30pm and
runs until 6:00pm at the
Miracle Field in Chesterfield,
MO. This part of the event is
by invitation only. After the
Home Run Derby, everyone
can come out to cheer on a
special team comprised of
teenagers and young adults
with Down syndrome that will
take on the Bulldogs to defend
their All-Star title. The game
will start at 6:30pm. Please
come out and cheer on the
team in what is sure to be a
great and exciting game!
Please contact Jen Cooper at
(314)878-2105 with any
questions.
people with Down syndrome
and a parent to spend some
quality time learning to cook in
a fun, hands-on setting. The
Dierberg's Cooking School
will be hosting the classes that
will take place from June 21st
through the end of July for
girls and boys 13 and older.
Each child and parent pair will
be able to sign up for one of
the available classes that will
be held at different times, days
and locations. The classes will
last two hours and will end
with enjoying the food that you
have prepared. To schedule
your class please contact Jen
Cooper at (314) 878-2105.
Daytime Classes (West Oaks
location in Creve Coeur)
July 5 -10, 2010
Sound Asleep II / Dominican
Republic Mission
In July the PFF will deliver 70
beds to the community of
Batey Las Pajas, in the
Dominican Republic. The team
will also include Dentists and
Pediatricians. All of the team
members have been selected
for this trip, however we do
request your prayers for
success and safety of the team.
10:00am - 12:00pm
Monday, June 21st
Thursday, July 1st
Friday July 9th
Tuesday, July 13th
Monday, July 19th
Wednesday, July 28th
Evening Classes (Clarkson/
Clayton, Ellisville)
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Thursday, June 24th
Wednesday, June 30th
Wednesday, July 7th
Thursday, July 15th
June/July 2010
Wednesday, July 21st
Batter Up! Cooking Classes
Monday, July 26th
This summer will feature a
wonderful opportunity for
June/July 2010
I’m Not Afraid Of The Big
Bad Wolf: Self-Defense
Classes
Let’s face it, people are not
always nice to each other.
What should I do when
someone calls me names?
What if someone shoves or
trips me and laughs?
What happens if I get
punched?
What if I can’t just run away?
Please join us for a six week
class to promote conflict
resolution and self-defense
within the Down syndrome
community.
Enrollment is free for anyone
with Down syndrome, fourteen
years and older.
Classes are held at:
The St. Louis Family Martial
Arts Academy
15825 Manchester Road
(Upper Level)
Ellisville, MO 63011
June 15, 22, 29, and July 13,
20 and 27, 2010,
2:15pm till 3:15pm each day.
Space is very limited. Please
do not sign-up unless you can
commit to attending all six
weeks.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Hitters & Splitters, Father/
Son Bowling Event
Sixth Annual O' Night Divine
Christmas Celebration
We know he can hit the long
ball…but can he bowl? Boys
with Down syndrome and their
dads will be invited to a
bowling party with Albert
Pujols at the Brunswick Zone
Bowling Lanes in Creve
Coeur, MO. This event is
INVITATION ONLY and will
be limited to boys and their
dads only. This event will also
include a silent auction. For
questions concerning this
event, please contact us at:
info@pujolsfamilyfoundation.
org
We invite you to join St. Louis
Cardinals All-Star First
Baseman Albert Pujols and his
wife, Deidre, for O’ Night
Divine, a Christmas event
benefiting the Pujols Family
Foundation. The event is set
for Saturday, December
4, 2010 at the Chase Park
Plaza in St. Louis, MO.
Tickets for this event will go
on sale in October 2010.
Tickets are very limited and
will sell out! Sponsorship
packages are also available.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Autumn Prom
Get dressed up and boogie!
After such a successful event
last year we had to do this
again! This event will be
invitation only to people with
Down syndrome, ages 16 and
older. For questions
concerning this event, please
contact us at:
info@pujolsfamilyfoundation.
org
Fourth Quarter Sponsors
We would like to thank all of our sponsors for their contributions and for
making our fourth quarter of 2009 a wonderful success!
Winter Wonderland
Golub and Company
Lace Images
St. Louis Cardinals
Pujols Picture Party
Fazoli's
St. Louis Bread Company
Destiny Church
DNT
Hobby Lobby
Yvonne Daly - Creative
Memories
Rita Parker - Stampin' Up
Jessica Stern
Other Sponsors:
DICOM
Gwins Corporate Travel
Lace Images
Lucas Design
Deck the Walls
Ben Matthews
Special Thank You:
Beverly Hills Sports Council
Compassion International
Golub
Mueller & Prost
Nest
Sports Service
St. Louis Business Journal
St. Louis Cardinals
Pujols 5
Mission Statement:
To live and share our commitment to faith, family and others.
To promote awareness, provide hope and meet tangible needs for
families and children who live with Down syndrome. To provide
extraordinary experiences for children with disabilities and life
threatening illnesses. To improve the standard of living and quality of life
for impoverished children and orphans in the Dominican Republic
through education and tangible goods.
Pujols Family Foundation
Albert Pujols — Chairman
Deidre Pujols — President
Danny Lozano — Advisory Board
Jeanette Bax-Kurtz — Advisory Board
Norv Beffa — Advisory Board
Todd Perry — Executive Director/CEO
Jennifer Cooper — Program Manager
Contact us:
The Pujols Family Foundation at
314-878-2105
[email protected]
Executive Director
Todd Perry at 314-878-2105 x 202
[email protected]
Program Manager
Jen Cooper at 314-878-2105 x 201
[email protected]
Pujols Family Foundation, Inc.
111 Westport Plaza, Suite 255
St. Louis, MO 63146
www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org
The Pujols Family Foundation is a
501(c)(3) - Public Charity.
From the Director’s Desk
Dear Friends,
On May 5, 2010, two things
happen. The Pujols Family
Foundation turns five years old,
and I turn forty-eight. Yes, we
were both born on the same day
(and no, I did not plan it that way).
Most of you know the God story
about us, by random happenstance
launching the Foundation on
05/05/05, but I’m sure some of
you had no idea (or even cared)
that it was also my birthday.
I’m not telling you this so you will
buy or bake me anything, nor am I
implying that ‘I was born to do
this job’. I just think that it is
interesting that five years ago, I
receive a “job” for my forty-third
birthday. And looking back over
the past five years, this job may
have been the best gift I have ever
received.
Now every Cinco de Mayo I
celebrate for a completely
different set of reasons. I think we
share this day so I will remember
it is not about me anymore. What
a wonderful reminder, every time I
blowout the candles.
Blessings,
Todd