DeSoto Groundbreaking – Smiles & Celebration

Summer 2015

Also featured in this issue: • Capital Campaign

Update • Pony Bird Golf

Tournament • Fun Day ...and more!

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Moves Forward with DeSoto GroundbreakingThe Pony Bird “Spreads Its Wings” Capital Campaign continues to engage our donors to help expand our services for our “family of special ones.” The $1.8 million dollar expansion is underway with the building of the new homes in DeSoto. This campaign will allow us to offer more respite care to families in the area.

The challenge for families is that as our special ones grow, it becomes more diffi-cult for a parent to physically care for a child safely. Respite provides home caregivers a safe haven in which they can place their loved one for a brief respite of a few days, a weekend or even longer when needed. Our expansion will increase the number of respite hours that we will be able to offer the community.

Building new homes for specialty care is an expensive endeavor. A donation of $100 to this Capital Campaign from our local friends and neighbors can help us purchase things like adaptive communication switches that give individuals the freedom to express their needs. Larger donations can help us purchase recre-ational equipment, overhead lifts, medical beds or even provide us with the extra monies needed to build this unique facility.

If you have not made a commitment to our Capital Campaign, we invite you to contact us to learn more via a tour, meeting or personal phone call with one of our staff. We can share with you our plans and goals for these new building, while exploring ways that you can help. Call Pony Bird now at 636.931.5818 and we would be honored to speak with you.

Pony Bird lost a special family member. David Hockensmith, beloved father to Pony Bird co-founder Dana Hockensmith and husband of Lois Hockensmith, passed on April 29, 2015 at the age of 91.As the patriarch of the Hockensmith family, David was the pillar that supported the family. David and Lois’s strength and genuine goodness helped Dana and Sue through the difficult decision to create a loving home for their son Philip, along with other very fragile children. Since Pony Bird’s inception in 1977, David and Lois have been strong advocates and supporters.The legacy he has left will continue to help Pony Bird provide quality care to individuals with significant physical and intellectual challenges a brighter and more comfortable future.

Capital Campaign

Pony Bird CelebratesLife of David Hockensmith

Letter from the President

Dear Friends,

Our Pony Bird family consists of a lot of great team members that serve our individuals. Volunteers, staff and parents work together to provide an incredible home for our loved ones. Our Board of Directors is a group of volunteers that tirelessly provide oversight to the many business functions of Pony Bird. We appreciate the gifts of time and each of their unique talents and we would like to share with you a change for the new fiscal year.

Ann Ferguson was recently elected to serve as Chairperson to the Board to replace Dana Hockensmith after having fulfilled his terms of service. His leadership during the first half of the strategic plan was instrumental in helping us kick off the Capital Campaign.

Ann and her son, Bobby, have been members of the Pony Bird family since 1991. She is a founding member of the Friends of Pony Bird organization, while also serving the development and golf commit-tees. Her strong background in philanthropy via the Ferguson Foundation and her volunteerism will lend a seasoned perspective in her new role.

Volunteers help our family in a lot of different areas. Recently, the Hillsboro United Methodist Church youth group gave many hours painting outdoor furniture and making our flower bed look pretty. This heartfelt gift of service will be enjoyed by everyone. If your group or family would like to volunteer, please email jenny@ponybird.org for ideas on rewarding projects that can be fun.

Warmest Regards,

Sara Sucharski President & CEO

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Support Pony Bird and help us spread the word about the Pony Bird 19th Annual Golf Tournament.

Foursome $800/$200 per person(Professional golfers excluded)

Cost includes all course games, box lunch, dinner, beverages & snacks.

Contact cheryl@ponybird.org or 636.797.8206

Monday, September 28,

2015

Pevely Farms Golf Club

Elite Sponsor $2,500: Two foursomes, 4’x3’ acknowledgment sign on course*Gold Sponsor $1,500: One foursome, 4’x3’ acknowledgment sign on course*Silver Sponsor $1,250: One foursome, 2’x3’ acknowledgment sign on course*Bronze Sponsor $1,000: One foursome, 18”x24” acknowledgment sign on course* *All Sponsorship Packages with Foursome include: • contest/events for each golfer • tournament program • one hole sponsorship • acknowledgment at dinner • post-event recognition in Pony Bird’s newsletter and website

Dinner Sponsor $600: 2’x3’ acknowledgment sign located at dinner & one hole sponsorship

Refreshment Sponsor $500: 2’x3’ acknowledgment sign & small sign on golf cartLunch Sponsor $250: 2’x3’ acknowledgment sign Hole Sponsor $150: 22” diameter acknowledgment signIn Memory/Honor of Hole Sponsor $100: 20” heart shaped acknowledgment sign

(L-R) Andy Zell, Samantha Ferguson, Bobby Zell and Ann Ferguson at the 2014 tournament.

Registration deadline is September 19, 2015. Make sure your team is on the list for this popular annual event.photography by Ted Howell

CALLTODAY!

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The Pony Bird 19th Annual Golf Tourna- ment is fast approaching. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. This is an excellent marketing opportunity for any local business. Four-somes are also still open, but don’t wait as the tournament sold out last year. Take advantage of this great networking opportunity and have fun competing on this beautiful course.

Annual Golf TournamentPRESENTED BY THE FERGUSON FAMILY FOUNDATION

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Pony Bird family member Stephanie is an incredible person that shares her time in service to others. Every Monday, she travels to Mercy Hospital Jefferson from Pony Bird to volunteer at the information desk. A volunteer for the hospital since 2002, it is estimated that Stephanie has served over 4,000 hours. In her current job of transport-ing items and escorting people, Stephanie does not let her disability define her or stop her from accomplishing her goals. Stephanie helps visitors and patients find their way to places like rooms or surgery. She uses her specialized electric wheelchair to help her carry “whatever they need me to deliver” to places like the mail room and gift shop.

An integral part of the Mercy volunteer program, Stephanie has made strong relationships/friendships with other volunteers at the hospital. They look forward to seeing her and are show concern and check up on her if she misses a day. Dedicated to her job by providing the best service she can with a smile and kind gesture, Stephanie enjoys being with people. “It is a fun and very interesting job,” she said.

Her mother, Natalie Maureen Woodrum, accompanies her during the volunteer time. Natalie has a lot of admiration for her daughter. “She’s always happy” and is “always making a joke with somebody,” said Natalie. Concluding, she “looks on the good side of things.”

Calendar of EventsAug. 28 Staff Appreciation Day!

Sept. 19 Lake LaSata trip for individuals 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sept. 23 Streetscape Presents: Romancing the Runway@Lambert Int’l Airport 6:30 pm

Sept. 28 Pony Bird Annual Golf Tournament Pevely Farms Golf Club 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

Pony Bird’s Individual

Upcoming

Spotlight

Fun Day

Ann Ferguson graciously hosted a pool party for the individuals in June. The nice weather and Ann’s generos-ity provided a great time for everyone in attendance.

(above and right) Individuals have a good time at “Fun Day” that was held March 28th.

(above) Ann and her son, Bobby.

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Bloomsdale Golf

Update on Pony Bird Events

Heartland Realty TriviaThanks!We wish to take a moment to thank the generous local businesses that have hosted fundraisers for Pony Bird. The annual Blooms-dale Excavating Charity Golf Tournament was held on May 13th at St. Genevieve Golf Course with a glorious com-plement of teams from around the area. The beautiful day of golf resulted in over $28,000 being raised for Pony Bird. Thank you!

Heartland Realty also hosted a trivia night at the Hillsboro Civic Center on April 18th that provided a competitive evening of history, pop culture and other fun facts. Over $2,400 was raised for Pony Bird with the donation going to the Capital Campaign for the new homes in DeSoto.

Pony Bird athletes enjoyed a day of rigorous competition during the Special Olympics track meet held on April 14that DeSoto High School. Everyone enjoyed challenging games that were organized to highlight the abilities of each unique individual. Medals were given and the applause was generous. Staff and volunteers were awarded with smiles of absolute pleasure.

Thank you to the Law Enforcement Torch Runners for the Special Olympics that visited Pony Bird on May 7th. We appreciate their service to our Pony Bird community.

For more details/photos of Pony Bird’s events visit www.ponybird.org/events/

Special Olympics

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General Donations03/01/15 – 06/30/15Ann Ferguson Anthony Spicuzza Bart Amatetti Bill McKenna Bill Stone Bloomsdale Bank Bloomsdale Excavating Co., Inc. Brown & Crouppen P.C. Carol House Furniture, Inc. Carol Shelley Carr’s Golf Carts, Inc. Charles Herzog Cheryl Hughey Darrell Kennon Dean McGee Denise BauerDiana Ahearn Diana Vittetoe Dot Gormley Drury Properties Duerst Living TrustDwight CartierEd and Deanna PatekElaine JeudeElisabeth JosefElmer and Sandy HearstEric Strope Erick and Mary StephensonFerguson Family FoundationFernow’s Fireworks First Christian Church - CWF First Freewill Baptist Church JoymakersFirst United Methodist Church DeSotoFrank and Peggy MatyeFrankie Gianino’sG & V Mobile Detail ServicesGary and Linda DallasGateway Combined Federal CampaignGene and Ann PoissonGirl Scout Troop 558Greg and Jennifer WooldridgeGreg and Pat FergusonHaley BrooksHarriet Kettenhofen

Heather WilliamsHerbert Walker Ima C. Sailer Living TrustIness Panni Jacqueline D. AdamsJacqueline Gregerson James and Renee SucharskiJames Faries James Moser Jan ReimersJanet DeckerJanine McGovern Jeff and Debby RobinsonJefferson County Developmental Disabilities Resource Board Jefferson Memorial Community Foundation Jennifer StewardJerry & Chris LimpertJerry and Ginger MoensterJim Loud Jodi Apter Jodi PratteJohn & Nancy FredericksonJoshua and Danielle SpieckermanJudy’s Flower BasketKaren Carter Katrina White Ken and Lois BrinkmeyerKevin and Laura LeeKing Daddy’s CateringKnights of Columbus Council 1230Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxillary #1230Kyle SteinerLand Dynamics, Inc.Larry and Diane NolanLarry and Judith HartLarry and Linda BornemannLaura HockensmithLee Ann Ward Lee LottesLee’s Famous Recipe ChickenLeo and June PruentiLexine PranschkeLinda Dallas Lisa and Kevin Schwer

Loren Bodendieck Lucky LeongM. Christine White Manchester United Methodist Men’s GroupMarc CottonMargaret ChaseMarian Marcinkiewicz Maribel VillalvazoMark & Linda SteinerMark and Caroline HarvathMary A. BrownMary Alice Weber Mary GerwitzMary Jo ConleyMatthew ManiaciMerchandise Pickup Service, Inc. MetLife Premier Client Group of the Midwest Michael and Debra PriceMichael and Natalie WoodrumMichelle ConleyMike and Betty McKimMike and Mary SutterMike BuscheMissouri Department of TransportationMissouri Eastern Correctional Center MMCT Inc.Modesto and Maribel RamirezMona Denny Mona FredericksMonica MeyerMovies Unlimited Mrs. Denise HamptonNick KoepkeNona GoforthOlivia Pike Patrick & Kathleen QuainPatti ChristenPaul and Jean J. DiekemperPaul and Lillian FlynnPeggy SloanPfizer Foundation Matching GiftsPhilip and Susan VogtPizza Junction

Renee Sucharski Rib CityRichard and Arline AurinRJT ConsultingRoberts, Wooten & Zimmer, LLCRodney RussRon and Cheryl SimonsRonald and Ellen RavenscraftRonald Grant Rudd Equipment Company Sara Sucharski Sarah WelchSchaefer’s Hobby ShopSchmitz DentalScotsman Coin & JewelrySentry Insurance Foundation Inc. Serendipity Homemade Ice CreamSerenity Valley WineryShannon JackmanShawn McGuckinSmugala’s Pizza PubSt. Andrew’s United Methodist ChurchSt. James WineryState Farm Companies Foundation Stephen Oliver Steve and Debra SchaefferSteve and Lynn MossSteve and Wendy LewisSteve FarmerSusan & Richard DuerstT&S Alarm Service Inc.TCCTeresa GauTerry Arnold Texas RoadhouseThe Blue OwlThe Pott Foundation Tina and Jeffrey KonersmannTom & Susan KeimTom VossTwin City ToyotaValerie Kaelin Walmart Store #2213Walter Knoll FloristWatkins

Pony Bird Supporters

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General Donations(continued)Wild Horse Elementary Girl Scout Troop 3066

William Lange Wine Country Gardens

Winslow and Thelma LoweryZach Weiss

In TributeIn Honor ofBobby Zell Susan Piontek Joe Moenster Denise Meyer

Ellen and Ron Hetz Angie Corish Frank Harnacker Hockensmith Family Kevin King

Patricia Williams Jack Schneider Robbie Howell Raymond Howell

Shawn Moss Shirley Vest Elizabeth Ann Moss Tommy Eckert Paul Diekemper

In Memory ofChristina White Charles and Jane White

David Hockensmith Wilma Linebaugh Janet Heitzig & Rick Hemphill James Moser Linda Earles Harriet Kettenhofen Richard Aurin Janet Bennett Donald Burns Denise Fitzgerald Garry Gustafson Dana Hockensmith Cheryl Hughey Judy Joy Frances Sears Linda Dallas Ronald Harris Gregory Johnson

Dawn Marie Thaele Ann Donoghue

Dolores Eckert Maxine Brennan Margaret Matye Linda Dallas Pat Chesky Jacquelyn Yeckel Paul Diekemper Frank Harnacker Ted Hartzler Priscilla Lundsford Robert Marx Designs for You Emma Jean Helfrich Sharon Kamp Rosemary Staat Leo Tippy Todd Wolfram

Ellen McCord Leeman McCord

Gary Logan Mary Arnold Delbert and Rita Deckard Roger Deckard

Mona and Charles Denny Maxine Joy

George Kloster Pat Kloster

Henry Keunam Mary Lou LaFloure 1st Free Will Baptist Church Joy Makers

Linda Harnacker Frank and Anna Harnacker

Lindell Williams Leo Stroup

Marlene Koch Leo F. Koch Trust

Mary Patek Our Lady School

Matt Towers Michael Hogan

Oran Britt Ann Donoghue

Phillip Hockensmith M. Christine White

Richard Aurin Arnold Kreipman Donna and Carl Benbrook Sylvia & Robert Fromm Ed McKaskel Dana and Sue Hockensmith Dave & Annie Moenster Rosemary Staat Gary and Linda Dallas Margaret Matye

Richard Schweppe Ruby Schweppe

Rusty Penrose Dana and Sue Hockensmith Bertina L Penrose Loretta Macke James and Diane Leftridge

Virginia Pericich Leo F. Koch Trust

Tribute and memorial donations are a loving way for our Missouri neighbors to honor family and friends. Contact cheryl@ponybird.org or call 636.797.8206.

Pony Bird would like to thank the preceding individuals and organizations that have generously donated over the past few months. If we have missed your donation or there is a mistake , please accept our apologies and contact tina@ponybird.org or 636.797.8206.

Pony Bird lost some dear ones in our family this year. We will remember the goodness they shared, along with the laughter and love. Pictured right is a photo of Richard Aurin, the son of Richard and Arline Aurin.

Rusty Penrose (left), who lived with us since the early years of our home, also left us this year. He will be dearly missed as well.Tommy’s mom, Dolores Eckert, passed away recently and is gra-ciously remembered by the many donors that have given as part of her memorial.

Remembering loved ones…

Pony Bird, Inc.P.O. Box 190Mapaville, MO 63065

636.931.5818www.ponybird.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDST. LOUIS, MOPERMIT #221

Make sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter (ponybirdblue) to stay current with our news, events and activities. We include many photos of the individuals as we highlight Pony Bird happenings!

Email DatabaseIn our efforts to communi-

cate the most up-to-date information on upcoming events and fundraisers to our Missouri donors, we are sending out emails through our Constant Contact account. We would love to add you to our database. Email Cheryl at cheryl@

ponybird.org to join.

As good stewards of the donations given to our family by our friends and neighbors, we want to ensure the Pony Pages reach those that enjoy it. We also want to make sure you can read it in the format that is best for you. Whether you prefer receiving a print copy in the mail or reading the Pony Pages via email, please email cheryl@ponybird.org or mail the form below us to let us know you’d like to remain on the newsletter list.

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