In Th is IssueCelebrating the Holidays
Special Olympics Bowling
Member Spotlight
Bernice Kussell Society Holiday Party
26th Annual Golf Tournament
Check Presentations and Tours
Donor Recognition
How You Can Help
Mark Your Calendars
Social Media
VALLEYLIFE VoiceVALLEYLIFE Community Connection
Winter 2016/2017
On the Cover Travis is a Member from our Glenn group home and has been a Member of VALLEYLIFE since 2003.
Celebrating the Holidays at VALLEYLIFE
Members and staff at VALLEYLIFE spent most of December preparing for the holidays. Events were held VALLEY wide to celebrate the season.
Th e Annual Member Holiday Party was held at the main campus on December 9th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Th e day was fi lled with fun and excitement for everyone who attended. VALLEYLIFE’s President/CEO Cletus Th iebeau read the story “Twas the Night before Christmas,” the White Mountain Apache dancers performed, lunch was catered by Popo’s and there was even a visit by Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves. Every VALLEY-LIFE Member received a present and had their photo taken with Santa.
Later that night many Members and staff returned to campus for our fi rst ever “Movie on the Lawn” and it was a hit. Since the holidays were coming, what better to watch than some classic holiday movies? Members and staff watched “Frosty” and then “Th e Christmas that Almost Wasn’t.” VALLEYLIFE would like to host more “Movies on the Lawn,” so watch for upcoming dates.
Many of the group homes and DTAs also had parties to celebrate the holidays. Members enjoyed decorating, making holiday arts and crafts, exchanging gifts, helping prepare holiday meals and spending time with their friends and families. VALLEYLIFE hopes you also had a wonderful holiday season!
Special Olympics Bowling tournaments were held on November 12th and 14th at Brunswick Desert Sky Lanes. VALLEYLIFE teams were split between the two days. Residential teams bowled on Saturday, November 12th and Days teams bowled on Monday, November 14th.
Th e VALLEYLIFE VIPERS took home many awards this year. Five Residential teams won gold medals, seven won silver, three won bronze and one team won 4th place ribbons. Th ree Days teams won gold medals, three won silver, three won bronze and one won 4th place ribbons.
Th e VALLEYLIFE Vipers award totals were: eight gold medals, ten silver, six bronze and two 4th place ribbons. Th ank you to all the staff that worked and/or
volunteered at the Special Olympics to make this possible.
Special Olympics Bowling Go Valleylife Vipers!
Member Spotlight
Sylvester “Shelby” has been a Member of VALLEY-LIFE since he was 7 years old. He currently resides in the Tonto group home. Sylvester loves to watch shows about paramedics and other emergency personnel. No one knew how valuable this information would be for everyone in the home.
One evening Sylvester got the chance to be a hero, just like his favorite characters in the shows. While sitting down to dinner one evening the Members and staff of Tonto group home were enjoying some rigatoni and a salad. Victor, a DSP at Tonto, was enjoying his dinner and having a conversation with the group.
All of a sudden Victor could not breathe; a rigatoni had lodged in his throat. Victor got up and tried to walk around, hoping the food would be dislodged. Victor could not get any air, it was getting worse and nothing was helping. Victor was starting to turn blue.
Sylvester saw Victor in distress and got up from the table. He turned Victor around and started admin-istering blows to Victor’s upper back. Th e rigatoni was dislodged from the blows and Victor’s airway was opened. Victor felt instant relief and was able to breathe again.
When asked about the incident, Victor stated “It was only a few seconds, but it felt like centuries.” Victor knew it was a life-threatening situation and doesn’t know what would have happened if Sylvester had not stepped in. Sylvester says he learned the steps to help a choking victim from watching paramedic shows and his favorite paramedics are from Squad 51.
Victor and Sylvester agree that everyone can learn a valuable lesson from this. Everyone should slow down and be cautious when eating. Choking is a life threatening issue that many people do not think about. Sylvester now reminds everyone that they should not talk while they have food in their mouth and lets them know how dangerous it can be. He wants to make sure no one has to go through the distress that Victor felt, which could have been devastating.
On January 24th, VALLEYLIFE President & CEO Cletus Th iebeau presented Sylvester with a “VALLEYLIFE Hero Award.” Sylvester was also chosen for “Member of the Month,” which was presented by Program Manager Linda Rabe. Th e awards were announced during the monthly residential all-team meeting.
Sylvester and Victor at Tonto Sheriff “Shelby” patrolling the kitchen to make sure every-one is practicing safe eating habits.
Bernice Kussell Society Annual Holiday PartyTh e annual Holiday Party for the Bernice Kussell Society was held on December 1st. VALLEYLIFE was honored to have Ron and Nancy Kinnard host the event at their beautiful home.
Ron Kinnard smoked a turkey for the party and the rest of the fare was catered. Entertainment for the evening was provided by Curt Brodsky, Mark Peotter and Laura Fial. Th e guests enjoyed a variety of food, drinks and entertain-ment while they mingled and learned more about
VALLEYLIFE and the Bernice Kussell Society.
Th e next event in store for the Bernice Kussell Society is the Cinco de Mayo celebration which will be held on Friday, May 5th. To learn more about the benefi ts of membership or to join the Bernice Kussell Society, contact Margaret Stephens-Reed, Director of Development at 602-371-0806 x 107 or [email protected].
26th Annual VALLEYLIFE Golf Tournament
Chandler, Arizona
Friday, March 3, 2017
at Ocotillo Golf Resort
Th e Aidan Warrington Memorial Golf Tournamentfor VALLEYLIFE
You’re invited to...
sponsored by
VALLEYLIFE is pleased to present our 26th annual golf tournament, in partnership with Alliance Refuse Trucks! Th e tournament will be held Friday, March 3, 2017 at Ocotillo Golf Resort (a Troon property) in Chandler, Arizona.
VALLEYLIFE is seeking golfers and sponsors to support this event. Your participation in this tournament will help us continue to provide specialized services to individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. Th rough our four programs, we provide people with disabilities the opportunity to live a life with choices, independence and dignity. All proceeds from this event will be used to further the mission of VALLEYLIFE, “To enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities.”
We invite you to join us for nice weather and a great day of golf at a top-rated course! If you know a group that would be in-terested in sponsoring a hole, receiving terrifi c exposure and a valuable marketing opportunity in return, or a golfer who might want to play in the tournament, please contact Margaret Stephens-Reed at 602-371-0806 ext. 107 or via email at [email protected].
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors Emerald Sponsors Bronze Sponsors
NCS
New West OilWomen of Scottsdale
Cash, Sullivan & CrossAlerus
Eide Bailly Leavitt Group
Prospect Airport ServicesSouthwest Properties
MATCORush
McCall & AssociatesLSG Sky Chefs
Jet Stream Ground ServicesGompers Habilitation Center
ProStar RealtyHarrington
Cox
Hole in One Sponsor
Drink Ticket Sponsor
Th ank you to last year’s sponsors!
Sundt Foundation Check Presentation and Tour
Mike Canter and Jeremy Jaff eris from Sundt Foundation visited VALLEYLIFE on January 5th. Th ey presented a check to VALLEYLIFE President/CEO Cletus Th iebeau for Sundt Foundation’s generous donation. Th e donation will be used for an aquatic lift at our Voltaire group home.
After the check presentation, VALLEYLIFE’s Grant Writer, Ann Polunsky, gave the gentlemen a tour of our main campus. DTA 2 and DTA 6 were visited on the tour. Th e gentlemen were shown where the Members spend their days, the therapies that are available and some of the activities that are available to the Members throughout the day.
Next they were shown the Erika Y. Shafer Art Gallery where members and staff frequently showcase their art-
work. Currently the artwork featured in the gallery was created by VALLEYLIFE Members in the Art Program.
Th e last stop on the tour of the main campus was the Vocational Center. Here the gentlemen were shown the Member work area and a few of the contracts were explained. One of the contracts VALLEYLIFE Voca-tional Services has is assembling boxes for wheelchairs. To conclude their tour, the gentlemen were shown the storage area, where members work to fi ll supply orders placed by the group homes.
If you know anyone who would like to know more about VALLEYLIFE or would like to take a tour of main cam-pus please call Ann Polunsky at 602-371-0806 x 171.
Debbie Gaby Celebrity Catwalk Check PresentationOn November 1st, Debbie Gaby, of Debbie Gaby Chari-ties, held a Wrap-Up and Check Presentation Ceremony concluding her annual Debbie Gaby’s Celebrity Catwalk. VALLEYLIFE was invited to the Private Pool area of the Villas at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia to join the celebration.
VALLEYLIFE was one of the benefi ciaries of the “Purr-fect 10 Celebrity Catwalk.” Each year 96% of the money raised goes back to the community and the chosen char-ities. VALLEYLIFE has enjoyed working with Debbie Gaby Charities and hopes to keep working together in the future.
Th ank you to our 2016 donors!
Foundations and CorporationsAccu Pro Accounting, PLLCAlerusAlliance Refuse TrucksAlternative Hose Inc.AmazonArchitectural Resource Team IncArizona Commission on the ArtsArizona Major League AlumniArizona State FairAugust Building CompanyATOS Employee Community FundBHHS Legacy FoundationBiltmore PropertiesBoeing Employee Community FundCarol’s QuiltsCash Sullivan& CrossChallenger AeroSpaceClipped WingsCity of Peoria General FundCox CommunicationsDigital Business SystemsDM DAHM INCEide BaillyFennemore CraigFrontier Shop Supplies, Inc.Forefront Development Company
Fry’s Food and DrugGompers Center Inc.Harrington Planning & DesignIsland Time Pool ServiceJetstream Ground Services, Inc.John F. Long FoundationKemper & Ethel Marley FoundationKiekhefer FoundationKiwanis Club of SunnyslopeKnights of Columbus Council NO. 7114Leavitt Group Benefi t Services of AZLincoln Gives/HonorHealthLohman Company, PLLCLSG Sky ChefsMaricopa RecorderMatcoMatson FoundationMesch, Clark & Rothschild P.C AttorneysMiles Hauter FoundationMollie Lawson FoundationMoon Valley NurseryMutual of AmericaNCSNew West OilOrange Seventh Day Adventist ChurchPhoenix Rotary Club Charities
Preach Building SupplyProspect Airport ServicesPro-Star RealtyPRS Property MgmtQuicktrip CorporationRancho Encanto Chateaux CondominiumsRushSafeway FoundationSouthwest GasSouthwest PropertiesState Employees Charitable CampaignSundt FoundationTeamster Retirees & AssociatesTh e David & Minnie Meyerson Founda-tionTh e Families AdvocateTh e Fruth GroupTh e GE FoundationValley Auto Dealers AssociationVirginia G. Piper Center at Honor HealthVirginia G. Piper Charitable TrustWal-Mart FoundationWells Fargo FoundationWomen of ScottsdaleZelenda Foundation
IndividualsMr. Keith AlexanderMr. and Mrs. Duane AndersonMr. James AndersonAnonymousMr. Ron ArcherMr. Norman A. ArmstrongMr. George BallMr. Michael BankstonMr. & Mrs. Gerry BeckMr. Jeff BellMs. Cynthia BennettMs. Trish BereMs. Val BitsioMs. Coleen BradleyMr. and Mrs. Keith BrannochMr. Bill BringhamMs. Andrea BrodyDr. and Mrs. Norward BrooksMs. Danielle L. BryantMr. Michael BukataMr. Kevin BunstrockMr. Joseph CampaigneMr. & Mrs. Dale CarsonMr. and Mrs. James ChernekMs. Elaine CherneyMr. & Mrs. Kenneth Cole
Mr.and Dr. Peter ConnollyMr. Allan CooperMrs. James J CooperMr. John CorcoranMr. John CoreyMr. Bill CrossMr. & Mrs. Kevin CummingsMr. John DaleyMs. Debbie DavisMr. & Mrs. Roger DeckMs. Donita DohmMr. Matthew DanielMs. Debbie DavisMr. & Mrs. Craig DeanMr. and Mrs. Roger DeckMr. Robert DeckerMs. Irma DeTourMrs. Marjorie DoughertyMr. Michael DroletMr. Gregg DufortDr. & Mrs. John EcksteinMr. John EhlersMr. John EuberMr. and Mrs. Royce D. EvansMr. and Ms. Michael FickesMs. B. Charlene Fisher
Mr. Jonathan FisherMr. Ken FisherMr. Mike FlanneryMr. and Ms. James FordMr. Michael FossumMr. Elliott FreireichDebbie Gaby CharitiesMr. & Mrs. Len GabyMr. and Mrs. James GallupMs. Shirley GannarelliMr. Ron GawlittaMr. Gary GengozianMr. Frank GesualeMr. Daniel GlicksmanMs. Nancy GlossaMs. Delores GreeneMr. and Mrs. Joseph GreggMr. and Mrs. Dennis L GrubbsMrs. Mary Katherine GundersonMr. Walt GuyMr. and Mrs. David HannerMs. Karla HartlineMs. Janine HatmakerMr. & Mrs. Chase HerrickMs. Donna A HeskethMs. Taylor L. Hick
Mr. Chris HoelMr. Keith HolbrookMr. & Mrs. Tim HollandMr. Dominic HolzhausMr. and Mrs. John HoustonMr. Th omas W. HubbardMr. Jerry HumphreysMr. Ignat IgnatovMr. Stephen IrvinMr. Mark JohnsonMr. Leonard R JuddMs. Midge KellyMr. Scott KingbergMr. & Mrs. Ron KinnardMr. Jim KinnerupMr. Scott KirbyMr. and Mrs. Janusz L KomorowskiMr. and Mrs. Daniel KramerMr. Richard Kramer-HoweMs. Pinky KubiakMr. Joseph LangloisMr. and Mrs. David LauppMs. Laura LawlerDr. & Mrs. Michael LawsonMs. Susanne LenkeMr. Scott LeonMr. Steve LewisMr. George R. LindquistMr. Gregg LindquistMr. John LittleMr. and Mr. Paul Lo BiancoMr. and Mrs. Bruce LomaxMr. Mike LucasMs. Carolyn LunaMr. Jordan LyndeMr. Mark MaddoxMr. Scott MadsenMr. Robert MancheeMr. Ronald MartenMrs. Maria MastersMr. and Mrs. Phil MastoresMr. and Mrs. Greg MatuszMs. April McCluskeyMr. Charles McelhinnyMr. Steve McKameyDr. and Mrs. John McMichanMr. Gordon V. MeekerMs. Ruth C MehlMs. Estelle MeyerMr. and Mrs. Neil R MorganMr. and Mrs. William T MoroneyMr. and Mrs. Charles J. MullanyMr. and Mrs. Tom MurphyMr. Jack MyrannMr. and Mrs. John NeilsonMr. Michael NelsonMr. Les Nesmith, CPA
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen NollMs. Ann O’HaraMrs. Arthur OldhamMs. Eileen OlovsonMr. Steve M. OlsonMr. Alex OrtizMr. Jones OsbornMr. and Mrs. Walter PenarandaMs. Mary PendletonMr. & Mrs. Ray PerlmanMr. Justin PikeMr. & Mrs. Mel PolunskyMs. Marquita PorterMr. William PoortenMr. John PrenznoMs. Carol PrombergerMrs. Helen PurcellMs. Cindy QuennevilleMr. David RamosMs. Juanice RamosMr. and Mrs. Matthew ReavesMr. Stephen C. RichMr. Ron RobertsMr. Dennis RobertsonMs. Marilee RobertsonMr. Jesus RodriguezMr. and Mrs. Mark RodriguezMr. Cliff ord RommeMrs. Sue RosenMr. Ryan RouMr. & Mrs. James RudellDr. Cliff H RunningMr. Paul RuthMr. Chris RyanMr. & Mrs. Stillman SaundersMrs. Erika SchaferMr. and Mrs. David SchmittendorfMr. James SchnurDr. and Mrs. Paul SchnurMr. and Mrs. Bill SchubertDr. and Dr. Aaron ScottMr. and Mrs. Neal W. ScottMs. Melanie ScrogginsMr. Jeremy ShapiroMrs. Rowena SimbergMr. and Mrs. Roger L SmalleyMs. Lynda SmithMr. and Mrs. Sam SpillerMr. Jeremy StawieckiMr. and Mrs. Norman SteinbergMrs. Frances StephensMrs. Margaret Stephens-ReedMr. Phillip ReedMr. Paul Ruth Mr. Paul SnyderMs. Nancy Stephens-SaundersMr. John Stevens
Mr. and Mrs. Cleon StreitmatterMr. & Mrs. Tom StrongMr. Joey SummerhaysMr. and Mrs. Mike SylvesterMs. Linda SzyjkoMr. & Mrs. Frank TarangoMs. Sandra TarrMr. and Mrs. Richard TeetersMr. Earl TeteakMr. John Th arpMs. Joan Th ormMr. Al Th eleinMr. and Mrs. Cletus A Th iebeauMr. and Mrs. Cecil Th ompsonMs. Joan Th ornMr. & Mrs. Daniel TorzalaMr. Tim Th ulMr. Matthew ToddMs. Rachel Elise TrimbleMr. Fred TuckerMr. Mark TunneyMr. Jim UmbergerMr. Tony UrsoMr. Bobby Van RooyMr. Andrew ViramontesMr. Mark VoegeleMs. Margaret Wagner-SmithMs. Roberta WallaceMr. and Ms. Ronald E WardMr. Donald WatkinsMr. Travis WaymireMr. Steve WellmanMs. Jessica WertMr. and Mrs. James M WilliamsMr. Zach WilliamsMs. Amy WinskiMr. & Mrs. Edward WintergalenMr. and Mr. Clyde Guy WolfardMrs. Penny L. Wolfswinkel JenkinsMr. Mark T WollgastMr. Dan WoodwardMs. Michelle WrightMs. Susan WrightMr. and Mrs. Richard YavittMs. Eileen YazzieMr. and Mrs. Percy Young
While every eff ort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our database, occasionally a name may be misspelled in our system, or regrettably, a donor may have been overlooked. Each and every donation to VALLEYLIFE is so important. If your name should be included in this list and is not, we sincerely apologize for the omission.
Corrections to entries can be submitted to Margaret Stephens-Reed, Director of Fund Development, via email to [email protected], or by phone at 602- 331-2414.
Individuals continued
VALLEYLIFE has a wish list of items that are needed to support our Members in their group homes and day treatment areas (DTAs). Donations of any of the following items are welcomed and always appreciated. Below is a list of specifi c items that are needed at this time.
Linda MillerCFO
Board of Directors
Peter ConnollyChair
Cliff ord MatticeVice Chair
Steve McKameySecretary
Cindy QuennevilleTreasurer
Heather Winters BullDirector
Daniel KramerDirector
Stephen NollDirector
Katy WhiteDirector
Cletus Th iebeauPresident & CEO
92 cents ofevery dollar donated to VALLEYLIFEgoes back into our programs and services.
FurnitureDresser - preferably long and shortBookcaseReclinerPatio FurnitureOffi ce ChairHospital tray table2 drawer fi le cabinetPlastic medicine containersPlastic bins
KitchenStainless steel pots and pansKitchen garbage canDish towelsMops and Swiff ers
W i s h L ti s
OtherPaintings, pictures or prints - preferably large or medium sizedBath towelsPortable fansArtifi cial plantsVacuum cleaner2 pick-up trucksPanel van
How You Can Help
Special Olympics Basketball: Friday, February 17th
Special Olympic Cheerleading: Wednesday, February 22nd
Annual Golf Tournament: Friday, March 3rd, Ocotillo Golf Resort in Chandler
Springfest: Friday, March 17th, main campus, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dinner in the Desert: Friday, April 28th, main campus, at 5:30 p.m.
Cinco de Mayo: Friday, May 5th, main campus
Mark Your Calendars!
Upcoming VALLEYLIFE Events
Th ere are many ways to support VALLEYLIFE! You can volunteer your time, attend one of our events, make a donation of goods or services, or make a fi nancial contribution.
For volunteer opportunities, please contact Ann Polunsky at 602-216-6385 or [email protected].
For information about upcoming fundraising events please visit our website at valleylifeaz.org/events.
To sponsor or host an event please contact Margaret Stephens-Reed at 602-331-2414 or [email protected].
To donate goods or services, please call the Main Campus at 602-216-6385.
To make a fi nancial donation, you can go to our website at valleylifeaz.org and click the donate button in the upper-right corner, or call us at 602-371-0806. Your donations to VALLEYLIFE and the VALLEYLIFE Foundation are tax-deductible.
We are always grateful for your generosity in helping us enhance the life of people with disabilities in our community.
Want to know more about how you can get involved with VALLEYLIFE? Visit our website, valleylifeaz.org.
1142 W. Hatcher Rd.Phoenix, AZ 85021
Scan this QR code with your smartphone or text “VALLEYLIFE” to 22828 to be added to the VALLEYLIFE email list and always be up-to-date on the latest news!
valleylifeaz.org
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Store link on the home page.
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VALLEYLIFE.
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