Despite the continued impact the economy has on our Home and the children we serve, we count many blessings this Thanksgiving.

Wichita Children’s Home is fortunate to have so many dedicated people who work in the best interest of the children. They are there for these children whether they arrive as a result of a crisis situation in their home or make contact with us through Street Outreach. These individuals not only provide for the physical needs of the children, but also provide the emotional support that a child in transition needs when their world has turned upside down.

To make all this possible, we can count hundreds of blessings from those who support our Home financially. No matter the size of the gift, each gift helps make a difference in a child’s life and enables us to continue doing our work.

Likewise, we count those who provide

From our HomeTo Yours

If you know a victim of abuse or crime who needs help,

please contact the Home at

684-6581. We can provide referrals for

assistance.

On the CoverCounting Our

Blessings

-2- Celebration of

EducationFormer BRIDGES youth goes to

Big Apple

-3 -Classic Cars for Kids

New CFO

-4-“Fore the Kids”

Golf Tournament

-6-Happenings

-7-Holiday Wish List

-8-Volunteer

Opportunities

Tax Benefit of Stock Donations

Counting Our Blessings

“BRIDGES is a great program. I am feeling better and better being away from the

old mess. Thank you. It is nice having the respect and understanding this place has. It is nice being able to communicate with

people in a healthy manner. It restores my faith. I actually have motivation now.”

--Janie

services from helping improve a child’s self-esteem with a fresh haircut to providing transportation. There are also those who think of the little things from trial size shampoos to

heavyweight hoodie sweatshirts.

Every day, we experience blessings that come in many forms, not the least of which are those that come from the children themselves. A smile. A hug. A simple “thank you.” Each of these speaks volumes to us.

You are behind making each child and youth who comes to our Home feel safe. You are behind making each child and

youth, possibly for the first time in their lives, feel that someone cares.

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~W. T. Purkiser

Celebration of EducationThe Wichita Children’s Home hosted the

4th Annual “Celebration of Education” on June 16th to honor the academic accomplishments of 49 youth in our BRIDGES Independent Living Program. Each youth received a certificate for their academic achievement as proud parents, family members, friends and Trustees applauded their accomplishments.

Of the 49 youth honored, 28 were high school graduates. Special recognition was given to our Wichita State University graduate who earned a Bachelors of Social Work. We wish her well as she pursues her career.

John Wright of KFDI provided the Commencement address. Thank you to USD 259 for providing teachers, tutors paraprofessionals, counselors, social workers, administrators, supplies and transportation. We also want to thank all of the wonderful families, donors and staff who made this celebration possible.

PresidentJon Tilton

President ElectShelly HammondVP Assessment

Scott RedlerVP Program

Debbie KennedyBarbara Ray

VP DevelopmentChuck Boully

VP Board ManagementRhonda TurnerJan Roth West

SecretaryBuddy Shannon

TreasurerBill ValentasPersonnelJane Blasi

Past PresidentCathy Schmitt

Pamela Clancy AmmarShannon Austin

Wayne BellSusayn BrandesBrock Campbell

Kurt Cornejo Allen CoutureTiffany FarhaBeth Fields

Catherine LaChapelleMelody McCray-Miller

Will MomsenKathy NeelyLisa Nolla

Dot OsburnHelen PiperScott Post

Hassan RamzahKathy Rosell

Cindy SchwanTammy Shaw

Cari Spainhour

WCH Staff

Sarah RobinsonExecutive Director

Charlie ApplegateChief Financial Officer

Janet PackDirector of Development

FY2012 Board of Trustees

John has done a great job of taking the skills that he learned at BRIDGES and putting them to use. He first came to Wichita Children’s Home after his mother told him to leave her house. She had taken away all his clothes except what he was wearing.

John arrived with no shoes and had walked several miles to his aunt’s house so that she could bring him to WCH. He worked his way through the Phase 1 program and moved to the Phase 2 site.

In the meantime, John’s mother had a child. John was determined to be part of his sister’s life. With help from his case manager, who accompanied him, he visited his mother in the hospital. John and his mother were able to make amends and he began to share a life with his only sibling.

John and his sister drew very close. Once John was in his own BRIDGES apartment, he would have his sister stay with him. He also was working with AmeriCorps at one of the local middle schools. The students really liked John and he was a great role model for the youth.

John’s mother began to struggle, and was finding it difficult to care for her daughter. John’s

From Wichita to Big Apple, former BRIDGES youth makes transition to adult life

grandmother took custody of her grand- daughter.

John continued to do well and moved into his own apartment in the community with follow-up services through BRIDGES.

John’s grandmother became very ill and passed away. At the same time, the AmeriCorps program in Wichita was losing funding. John, with the help of AmeriCorps, was able to arrange to join AmeriCorps in New York City where he would continue working with youth in the schools.

Additionally, John petitioned for and was granted guardianship of his sister. Together, they moved to New York. With a brand new set of luggage, John and his sister set out to start a new life in the Big Apple.

John attributes his success to the staff at the BRIDGES program. They never gave up on him even when he didn’t care. He is very honored to have his sister in his life and is thankful for the WCH staff who spent the time to take him to the hospital. He feared his mother would tell him to leave, preventing him from knowing his sister.

John’s words to others: “Never give up. There is always someone who needs you.”

We welcome Charlie Applegate as the new Chief Financial Officer at our home. Charlie’s experience includes working in accounting for Spirit AeroSystems and 11 years as the Director of Finance and Administration for Rainbows United from 1995-2006. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance from Emporia State University and a Master’s degree in Accounting from Wichita State University, Charlie is quite happy to return

to not-for-profit children’s services. While he enjoyed many of the challenges at Spirit, especially working with foreign subsidiaries, he was pleased when approached with the opportunity to become CFO at WCH. “There’s nothing quite like knowing you’re helping the agency to help the kids. I will continually look for cost savings, efficiencies and quality improvement for the home.”

Welcome to our new CFO

Photo by Chris Albertson.

Nearly $112,000 raised at first-time Classic Cars for Kids Gala in April

Eighty-four fabulous classic cars, dozens of silent auction items and 800 Wichitans made for a very successful Classic Cars for Kids Gala.

Our Thanks to Our Major Sponsors

Bank of AmericaConco Construction, Inc.Conley Insurance Group

Cox CommunicationsDavis-Moore Auto Group

Devlin InvestmentsHanna Family

Hawker BeechcraftIMA of Kansas, Inc.Joe Self Chevrolet

Johnson Controls, Inc.Landmark Resources, Inc.

Lexus of AlbuquerqueMel Hambelton Ford

Scholfield HondaWarren Theatres

Vintage car afficionados, supporters of the Wichita Children’s Home and dozens of volun-teers made for a great night of fun, food and great auction items on April 7. Held at Century II Exhibition Hall, the first Classic Cars for Kids Gala was a huge success.

“We are deeply grateful to all who made this event possible,” said Janet Pack, director of development at WCH. “We were touched by the support shown by everyone.”

The featured car at the show was David Mitchell’s 1958 Corvette. “It’s a pretty rare car as that was the year the Corvette came out with a lot more chrome than previous models,” said Mitchell. “It’s a dual four, solid lifter model and it is all original equipment.”

Heavy hors d’oeuvres were served and there was an open bar. Silent and live auctions were also part of the event with packages and items donated by more than 60 Wichita businesses and individuals.

Everyone had a great time, perhaps especially those who helped organize the event. Pictured: Stuart Ray, Cheryl Boyes Janet Pack, Charlotte Hackett, and Sean Hudspeth.

Photo by Chris Albertson.

Committee Members

Patty Armstrong, Advisory

Stephanie Ayesh, Advisory

Chuck Boully,Board of Trustees

Vicki GreeneCharlotte Hackett,

AdvisorySean Hudspeth

Megan McIntyreBarbara Ray,

Board of TrusteesStuart Ray

Kathy Rosell,Board of TrusteesCindy Schwan, Board of Trustees

Tara ShafferNancy Shonka,

AdvisoryJon Tilton,

Board of TrusteesMarilyn Tilton

On a beautiful Kansas Monday, May 16, 50 teams of four were ready to tee off at Crestview Country Club in the 28th Annual “Fore the Kids” Golf Tournament to benefit the Wichita Children’s Home.

“We are so thankful for all of those who turned out to support the Home for this event,” said Sarah Robinson, executive director of the Wichita Children’s Home. “All of the players, sponsors, volunteers and Crestview Country Club are helping us to make a difference for each child caught in family crisis.”

The tournament featured PGA Touring Pro, Woody Austin, who played the 17th hole with each team. Every player had a hole-in-one op-portunity to win a one year lease on a Lexus GX 460.

Format was a four-person scramble at 6:45 a.m. and a lunch round beginning at 11:30 a.m. Prizes were awarded to the top teams in each round.

In addition, on Sunday, May 15, the tourna-ment added a Junior Golf Clinic. Children age 8 and older had the opportunity to work on their game with Austin, Rod Nuckolls and other lo-

28th Annual “Fore the Kids” Golf Tournament hosts 200 golfers, raises $110,499 for our Home

cal pros during the clinic at Crestview Country Club.

One of the items up for bid at the auc-tion was a NASCAR Racing Experience while another was an opportunity to win a Lexus and represent Wichita Children’s Home in the annual grand finale at the Lexus Champions for Charity National Championship at Pebble Beach Resorts in December.

When the tournament completed, golfers and bidders had helped the Wichita Children’s Home raise $110,499 to enable us to provide the only 24/7 emergency shelter for children in crisis in our community.

Golfers turned out on a beautiful day to raise funds for the Wichita Children’s Home. Pictured: Tad Fugate, Woody Austin, Todd Fugate, Larry Fugate, Ryan Wasinger.

I dread every day of the

week except Thursday night. I can go to the SOS group and

find people who really care and

listen.- Tyler

Mark your calendar for the 2012 “Fore the Kids” Golf Tournament on Friday, May 11, 2012

Tournament UnderwriterFugate Enterprises

Blockbuster, Pizza Hut & Taco Bell

Major SponsorShannon & Woody Austin

Champion for ChildrenBank of AmericaCox CommunicationsLandmark Resources, Inc.Scholfield Auto PlazaCargill Meat Solutions

Golf Cart Sponsors .Industrial Commercial InsulationWhite & Ellis Drilling, Inc.Murphy Tractor & Equipment

Scoreboard SponsorsHouse of SchwanSauerwein Construction Co.

Eagle SponsorsCarlos O’Kelly’sQuikTripCarlson HydraulicsWesley Medical CenterJohnson Controls, Inc.

Birdie SponsorsRetirement Plan SolutionsSarah RobinsonDelta DentalSharpline ConvertingSherwood ConstructionImageQUESTIMA of Kansas, Inc.

Hole SponsorsSimpson FamilyMitchell Richards CPAPiping & EquipmentStrassburg & CompanyRitchie ExplorationRose Hill BankSouthwest National BankTCK Trust and Financial AdvisorsVincent OilOil Producers Inc. of KSConco ConstructionUnited Heartland, Inc.Downing & Lahey

Cigna InsuranceHanover Insurance GroupPepsi Bottling GroupIntrust BankOne Source TechnologyMorgan Stanley Smith BarneyKlenda, Mitchell, Austerman & ZuercherSpeedy CashGreat Plains Ventures Inc.Syndeo Outsourcing

Gifts in KindTangible AdvertisingPepsi Bottling GroupPrintMaster

Hole in One SponsorLexus Champion for Charity

Player GiftsDavis-Moore Auto GroupSecurity 1st TitleHawker Beechcraft

Prize SponsorsCrestview Country ClubSand Creek Station Golf CourseRolling Hills Country ClubWillowbend Country ClubScotch & SirloinPF Chang’sFox & HoundSweet BasilRiver City Brewery

Tournament CommitteeEvent ChairAllen Couture, TrusteeGolf Committee Shannon Austin, TrusteeStephanie Ayesh, AdvisoryChuck Boully, TrusteeKurt Cornejo, TrusteeWill MomsenScott Post, TrusteeMike O’BryhimKathy Rosell, TrusteeNancy Shonka, Advisory

What our youth are saying:

“I’m still sober.”

“I’m staying out of trouble.”

“I have all A’s & B’s in school.”

Heartfelt “Thank You”

to Woody Austin, PGA Touring Pro,

for his support of the Home and

participation in the tournament.

PGA Pro Woody Austin helps one of the participants in the 2nd Annual Junior Golf Clinic.

Happenings

at the Home

Badges for Backpacks was the School Supply Drive hosted by Simon Malls and the Wichita Police Department. Pictured: Wayne Engle, Janet Pack and Officer Michael Lloyd.

Wichita Children’s Home hosted a barbeque lunch for 45 youth in our BRIDGES transitional living program in honor of the presentation from Bank of America for a $15,000 check to help fund the BRIDGES Program. Our team gathered to get their photo taken with the check for the presentation.

Jennifer Koftan with the University of Phoenix with some of the school sup-plies gathered for the children to have what they needed to start school.

American Heart Association Sweethearts decorated pump-kins with our children. Afterwards they decorated the children with toilet paper and had a fashion show for the best dressed mummy bride.

As winter approaches our staff is met with the challenge of keeping our children active. You can help by donating the following:

• Ice Skating• Thunder Hockey Tickets• WSU Sports Events• Roller Skating Passes• Movie Passes

How You Can Help

Holiday Wish ListWal - Mart/Target /Simon Mall

Gift CertificatesDiaper Rash Cream (Trial Size)Wipes, Baby Bath, Lotion, Baby

Oil and ShampooDiapers and Pull Ups (Preemie through size 6)Socks & Underwear

Bottles, Nipples, Pacifiers, Sippy Cups

Teething RingsSleepers and Onesies

Infant & Toddler Toys (Fisher Price/Playskool)

Clothing & Shoes (Preemie – size 8)Diaper Bags

Teen Boys ages 13 – 17 yearsWal-Mart or Target/Simon Mall

Gift Certificates CD Players or MP3 Players

Boxer Shorts (Adult Sizes S – XXXL)Pajama Bottoms (Lounge Pants)

Hooded Sweat Shirts (Dark Colors/Adult Sizes)Athletic Shoes (Tennis Shoes)White Undershirts (LG - XXXL)

Belts (sizes 30 – 40)Watches

Body Wash for Men (Axe/Old Spice)

Street Outreach Homeless and RunawaysIndividually Packaged Snack Food such as:

Easy Mac & Cheese Individuals, Chef Boyardee Microwave bowls, Pop Tarts, Nuts, Cheese & Crackers, Beef Jerky,

Cornuts, Furit Cups)Individual First Aid Kits

Juice Boxes (100% Juice)Individual Laundry Soap

Sweat Pants and Hooded Sweatshirts (Dark colors sizes XL, XXL, XXXL)

T-Shirts(Package in Dark Colors Short & Long Sleeved)

Food Certificates(Dillons, Fast Food $5 increments)QuikTrip Gift Certificates

($15 Increments) Bottled Water (8oz - 16 oz size))

Boys and Girls ages 6 - 12 yearsGirls Sweatpants/Jeans (size 6-12)

Pajamas (size 6 - 12)Boys Jeans (size 6 - 12)

Backpacks Shoes (size 11 -6)

Socks & Underwear (size 6 - 14)

Teen Girls ages 13 – 17 yearsWal-Mart or Target/Simon Mall Gift

Certificates Flat Irons

House SlippersScented Lotions

Make up for all RacesPajamas w/Pants

BrasHair AccessoriesCostume Jewelry

Nail Polish and Nail ArtJournals & Stationary

Purses & BeltsBead Making Kits

Ethnic Hair Products

BRIDGES Transitional Living (16 ½– 21 years)

Radio Alarm ClocksTowels and Washcloths

Dish SetsFlatware Sets (Forks, Knives, Spoons)

Glasses/Plastic Cups (any size)Vacuum Cleaners

Twin-sized Comforters, Blankets, Sheets, and Pillows

Kitchen Utensils/Bake warePots and Pans

Laundry hampers and basketsMicrowaves

Iron/Ironing BoardSmall Kitchen Appliances

Can OpenersBus Passes

General Needs for All DepartmentsWal-Mart or Target/Simon Mall Gift Certificates

Hygiene Items (Lotion, Deodorant, Hairbrushes, Bar Soap)X Box 360 and Wii games (Rated E for everyone)

Socks and Underwear (Adult Sizes)DVD Games (Scene It, Family Feud, Monopoly)

CD Players/Stereos/MP3 PlayersActivity Passes (Roller Skating, Ice Skating, Movies)

Board Games (Monopoly, Battleship, Sorry, Dominoes)Guitar Hero/Rockband 3 for Xbox or Wii

Batteries (AA and AAA)Wrapping Supplies (Tape & Paper)

Infants & Toddlers ages 0 – 5 years

316.684.6581 ∙ 316.684.7249 Visit us at wch.org

810 N. Holyoke ∙ Wichita, KS 67208

our mission

To assure the safety and well-being of children and to create healthy families by providing:Assessment and intervention services as a temporary home for children at risk of abuse, neglect or homelessness,

education, prevention and advocacy initiatives.

810 North HolyokeWichita, Kansas 67208

Return Service Requested

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

WICHITA, KSPERMIT NO. 1746

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers needed this holiday season!

Greeters and Gift SortersDec. 12th - Dec. 24th

Two hour shifts10am - 6pm weekdays10am - 4pm weekends

Gift WrappersFriday, December 23rd at 10am

Call Beth at 681.6704 or beth@wch.org

Donations of stock can mean tax benefits for you

Donations of stock, mutual funds or other appreciated assets can provide significant tax benefits to any donor.

If you have corporate stock that you purchased when the price was $10 and now it is $20 you have a capital gain of $10 per share. If you sold 100 shares to make a donation, the $1,000 of capital gains would result in an income tax of approximately $150. You would be able to donate only $1,850 in cash after paying your taxes.

If you donate stock directly to the Home, you get a full $2,000 donation and can save $560 in income taxes (assuming a 28% tax bracket) due to

the charitable deduction instead of $518 for the net cash donation in the previous paragraph. And the home receives $2,000 instead of $1,850. Both the donor and the Home benefit from a stock donation! If you maintain a brokerage account instead of formal stock certificates, this is a fairly simple transfer from your account to ours.

If you have any questions, please consult your tax advisor or contact the Home for more details.

Donating appreciated assets is a great way to make a gift to the Wichita Children’s Home to help serve the children of our community.

Make a Donation OnlineIt’s easy ... just go to our web site at www.wch.org and click on Donate.