Every Kid Counts 2002 Season of Giving Campaign a great success. December 19th, EKC put the final touch on the 2002 Season of Giving Campaign with our annual toy presentation and holiday party for over 900 children from the Thomas J. Pappas school for children of homeless families. The kids were treated to toys provided by various partners including KISS FM's Morning duo Krazy Kid and Ruben S who did a great job in bringing toys, food and clothing to support the cause and were on hand for the start of the days festivities. EKC President Rob Perelka commended the dynamic duo for there efforts in helping make this four year old program a major success. In addition to the toys, the children were treated to cotton candy and popcorn provided by EKC Co-Founders Gordon and Kay Le Blanc, EKC Chairman of the Board Ron Pacioni and wife Katie and volunteer Becky Long as well as Alaskan Airlines' Rose Marie, who passed out soda donated by Phoenix Coca Cola Bottling Company. The children were also treated to a fun time on several inflatable rides also arranged by KISS FM 104.7. "The day would not have been a success if it were not for the many volunteers of EKC, the staff at TJP, The Creative Women's Group of Pinnacle Peak, the ladies from the Jr. League of Phoenix and the many companies and thousands of individuals who donated toys, food, clothing and resources to support the kids" said Ernalee Phelps, TJP's Resource Director. In the words of Perelka "Many hearts came together over the course of the past two months to lend a helping hand - God bless all of you and God Bless Eranlee Phelps for all her dedication and support of this program and the kids a TJP."
From all of us at Every Kid Counts, Thomas J. Pappas School and KISS FM 104.7 - May your holiday's be a happy and healthy one for all those who gave a piece of their heart for this special occasion.
A Special thanks also goes out to:
Jeff & Kamie Goe, EKC Asscotiate Director
Michael Medinhal, EKC Staff
Jay Morgenstern - EKC Staff
Mike Long, Volunteer
SAM'S Club
Wal*Mart Stores
Crown Press, Inc.
Pioneer Packaging
American Golf Corporation
Fine Host Corporation
The BBQ Company
Honey Baked Ham Company
Bill Nelson
Alaskan Airlines
Arizona Diamondbacks
Bally's Fitness
Bob & Barbara Perelka
The Pacioni Family
Coronado Industries - Smith Brothers
Parties, Picnics and Promotions - Ken Wood
Preferred Chiropractic - Dr. Mike Cormier and Staff
Phoenix Children's Hospital - Mike & Judy Goe
The Students at Dobson High School
The Participating Valley Kiwanis Clubs
EKC Board of Directors
And the many volunteers and contributors that helped make this year's
Season of Giving Campaign a successful one.
"2002 Season of Giving Campaign" is under way.
Monday, November 4th, Every Kid Counts in conjunction with American Golf Corporation (AGC) Kicked off this years "Santa's Helpers Program" with the 2002 Coronado Industries Winter Classic Golf Tournament at the beautiful Stonecreak Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. 104 golfers and charity supporters suffered though the beautiful weather to help kickoff this year's Season of Giving Campaign, collecting toys, food and clothing to benefit thousands of children across Arizona. In addition, these generous participants help raise nearly $20,000.00 to help offset the cost of this year's program. (We still need to raise approximately $16,000.00 to cover all expenses for this years program.) The tournament included a round of golf with various course challenges followed up with a dinner, raffle Silent and live Auction and awards presentation. The team from Right Toyota took the championship honors.
This time honored tradition is in its eight year and was designed to support agencies working hard to support underprivileged children from all walks of life throughout the Valley. For EKC, Thomas J. Pappas School and the Single Parents Association (SPA) are the first of many organizations that will be the recipients of the Toys collected to assist in their efforts. AGC and EKC have since expanded this program over the past four years in order to provide benefit to more than 2 dozen agencies and over 150 families across Arizona.
Toy Drive Underway At Several AGC Golf Courses Throughout the Valley
The AGC Santa's Helpers Program is starting a month earlier than last year's program. Now through December 19th, Golf enthusiasts are invited by AGC's participating courses to bring a friend and a couple of toys and receive a two for one green fee price plus a cart fee for guest. (Some restrictions apply) Individuals and companies can participate in this program by acting as a Toy drop off center or donating toys, food and clothing to the EKC Office address below or to a location to be announced. In addition to the Holiday Toy drive EKC will be conducting several holiday events as well as supporting other groups with their special programs.
"Every Kid Counts Introduces Newest Retail Water Label"
On Friday, June 14 Every Kid Counts in conjunction with Kidco Products Inc., the water label manufacture and licensee of the EKC water labels, introduced its all new EKC retail water label. This new label features a beautiful view of the creek and red rocks of Sedona, AZ, the source of the the artisan spring water. In addition, this new label features the logo and information of the Thomas J. Pappas School. EKC is proud to be a supporting part of this much needed school for kids of homeless families. The new retail label water is being introduced into small retail business around the valley and we hope to have it distributed to larger grocery chains throughout the State by the end of summer. Individuals and companies can purchase these water products through our EKC water club program.
"Every Kid Counts Selects Ronald J. Pacioni as our new Chairman of the Board"
At EKC's annual meeting of the board of directs on January 23, 2001, Ronald J. Pacioni was
selected as the charities 6th Chairman of the Board of directors. Ron is a graduate of
Northern Arizona University with a Master in Business Administration. He is a long time
resident of the Valley of the sun with wife Katie and their two children; son Nico and
daughter Sofia. Ron has taken over the Chairman of the Board position former NFL standout
Garth Jax. Garth has been elected to sit as the charities Vice President and will remain
the spokes person for EKC. In addition to Ron and Garth, Rob Perelka, has been elected to
serve for another term as the charities President and Executive Director. Jeff Goe has
replaced outgoing CFO Dan Perovich and Clint Wasser, CPA has also joined the ranks as the
charities co-treasure. Michael Spanne was selected as the EKC's corporate Secretary, Gregg
Ellefsen and Mark Gefroh were selected as the two Sr. Directors serving on the Executive
Board. Other additions to the board of directors are: Dr. Michael Cormier, Rick Stodard,
Jim Reagan, Dave Rak, Bob Smith and Bill Holmes. This past year the charity had made
sugnifcant changes to its board structure adding an Seven person Executive Board and an
unlimited board membership. (See Baord of Directors) These new
changes has brought a positive growth and a great start to our 9th year of service to the
children of Arizona.
"EKC kicks of baseball program for the Children at
Thomas J. Pappas School"
Under the direction of EKC co-founder Gordon LeBlanc, EKC kicked off an after school
interscholastic baseball program for 42 boys and girls at the the Thomas J. Pappas school
on Phoenix, Arizona. The program will run till may and donations for new equipment and
uniforms our now being accepted. The cost to field each player is $200.00 each. This
program allows the children, who are from displaced families without a permanent home. EKC
and TJP have been working hand in hand since our charities inception. "The greatest
thing about this program," says Charity President Rob Perelka, "is the smiles on
the kids faces and the enthusiasm they kids have to be able to play the game." If you
would like to contribute please send your donations to the address below. Please make all
check out to Every Kid Counts - TJP Baseball Program.