Greetings, Friends!

 

First and foremost, I hope that you and your families are well during this strange and uncertain time. I also hope that you're able to find some wonderful moments of peace and that some blessings are emerging for you.

 

When our son, Ross, became sick and we eventually found out about the genetic disease that has left him with a brain injury, we learned all about relinquishing control. Although at first we worried about all of the dangers that surrounded him, over time we began to shift our attention and thus our energy. Rather than think about all of the things that would not be in his new life, we focused on the many things that would be. We started to imagine all of the possibilities for Ross and others living with intellectual/developmental differences and Tall Tales Ranch was born.

 

This unprecedented time, that we're collectively experiencing, reminds me of our early days with Ross. We cannot shake hands, we cannot gather, and apparently we cannot have toilet paper; but the Tall Tales team is focused on what we can do. We can and have altered our events schedule to keep people safe-including our Hoedown, which will be moved to the spring, 2021. Because our ambassadors are the heart of all that we do, our programming has shifted from live to remote activities, to maintain a sense of connection and community that is so important during challenging times.

 

We continue to be steadfastly dedicated to moving forward with our work and to building our special community of opportunity and support. It is directly because of your support that we are able to continue our efforts during this difficult time. We appreciate and value each of you who are helping us to move forward! Read on to hear all about what we're up to.

 

Be well,

 

Susan Mooney, Founder/Fairy Godmother
Tall Tales Ranch

 

• We are continuing to move forward in our Site Improvement Plan process with the City of Lone Tree. Our team is confident that we will obtain the necessary approvals soon

 

• Thanks to you, we have surpassed the $10,000 mark in Grocery Rewards donations from King Soopers! Sign up for this valuable program here.

 

• We are thrilled to welcome new TTR Executive Board members Andrew Palmquist, Sue Wertz and Peggy Bernardis. Joining our Young Professionals Board are Andrew Hinners, Katie Faldella and Grant Simon. We welcome you all to the team and are grateful for your service!

 

• Our NSCD (National Sports Center for the Disabled) ski team, The Powder Hounds, completed their ski season at Winter Park. Although the season was cut short, the team had another wonderful year, thanks to leader and TTR Board President, Tim Batz.

NEWS:  We have postponed our April 4th Comedy Night out with Jolly Demis to Saturday, November 7th.  

 

If you already purchased tickets to this event, we will honor them in November. (If you prefer, we are happy to fully refund your ticket price.)

 

If you haven't purchased tickets, please SAVE THE DATE for a fun and uplifting night of music and comedy and celebration of community.

 

 

SAVE THE DATE!   September 11

House and Garden Concert at a private Greenwood Village Home featuring Tunisia

Tickets on sale this summer

A Word From Sally

In the midst of these uncertain times, I've been feeling very lucky that two of the most important goals of TTR programming, community and connection, are achievable in a variety of ways...including remotely! In pursuit of those ideals, and of course also joy and FUN, we will be providing ambassadors several weekly online programming opportunities via ZOOM throughout the month of April. Similarly, the Young Professional Board will be moving their meetings and communication online for the month of April. I'm confident they will rise to the occasion, learn several new skills, and continue to be the agile and creative group that we know and love.

This is new territory for many of us, and I'm grateful to be on this journey of growth and change with our amazing ambassadors and relentlessly optimistic staff. Please feel free to drop me a line with any questions or suggestions! 

A Word From Heather

 

At this scary time, many of you are finding the gift of gratitude in each new day, as I am.  I am so grateful for the tough and scrappy Tall Tales Ranch team who inspire me daily, if not remotely!  Together, we are finding opportunities in this time of unprecedented challenge.

 

Events will look a little different this year.  We'll look forward to gathering once again in person at our September 11th House and Garden Concert and November 7th Comedy Night with Jolly Demis.  I hope you will mark your calendars for these uplifting events.  Lastly, after years of desiring to move our popular Hoedown fundraiser and Ambassador Talent Show from the fall to the spring, we've found the perfect year to do so. Look for news of our new April, 2021 celebration.

 

Mostly, I am grateful for you - our community of supporters, ambassadors and families.  By walking with us, you have fueled our success and growth.  And because of you, we are fortunate to be in a strong and steady position. Thank you!  Be well, stay safe, and stay tuned!

A Word from Sara

 

Hello Everyone! First of all I just want to say thank you to everyone who has helped spread joy and love on our Social Media platforms, we are so grateful to connect with you all in that way!

 

Secondly, I know that these are some crazy times we are living in- but, like Susan said, I know that we still have a huge opportunity to shine a bright light of love and joy on our communities. While many of TTR's usual events and programs are on hold, I am excited to offer a few different types of opportunities for you to volunteer in the community by donating to a food bank. Wellspring Food Drive: One immediate way you can help the community is by donating groceries (canned and perishable goods to) to the Wellspring Church food drive in Englewood. Drop your groceries off at a bin that will be located outside of the church that will be collected each day. The City Harvest food program collects perishable and non-perishable donated foods and distributes to over 70 community pantries and food banks serving low income families and the homeless throughout the Denver Metropolitan Area.

 

Thank you all again for your generosity and kindness during this time. Keep spreading the love!

 

Want to stay up to date on the latest volunteer opportunities? Click Here to sign-up!

 

Spotlight on Fundraising

 

A few easy ways to support us through this uncertain economic time:

 

Having Amazon throw a donation our way every time you order toilet paper or sanitizer online, for example, is as easy as signing up for Amazon Smile.

 

Signing up for the King Soopers Grocery Reward Program costs you nothing, but makes a big difference!

 

The Round Up App is another way to help us incrementally, in a way that really adds up.

 

THANK YOU for keeping us in your thoughts as you do your shopping and throughout the year!