by mmcnett | Nov 19, 2015 | Ability Connection, News, News
Appears this month Business Den
With its waiting list of about 800 would-be students, Ability Connection Colorado needs more space.
The nonprofit is breaking ground on a fifth early childhood education center in Aurora next month. The waiting list for classroom seats is hovering at around 800 potential students, and Tiffani Lennon, VP of strategic development, said the expansion will allow Ability Connection to increase enrollment by 20 percent. Continue reading “Nonprofit school to begin new chapter in Aurora” »
by mmcnett | Nov 7, 2015 | Ability Connection, News, News
A little change can make a lot of sense.
Updated September 4, 2015
If you walk into any Circle K or Shell gas station in Colorado you will notice a donation canister on the counter benefiting the programs and services of Ability Connection Colorado (ACCO). Thanks to Circle K and Shell customers like you,
invaluable funds have been donated. Continue reading “Circle K and its Customers Making a Difference” »
by mmcnett | Nov 3, 2015 | Ability Connection, News, News
Pictured: Enercom President, Greg Barnett, comedian, Josh Blue and Ability Connection Colorado President and CEO, Judy Ham
A big “Thank You” to EnerCom, Inc. for generating charity commitments of more than $55,000 for Ability Connection Colorado through its annual charity golf tournament on Sunday, August 17 at the at the world-renowned Arrowhead Golf Club in Littleton, Colorado. The tournament served as the kickoff event for EnerCom’s The Oil and Gas Conference® 19, which drew 118 companies from all over the world, including many industry leaders. Golfers enjoyed the scenic venue at Arrowhead and a perfect day of weather. At the conclusion of the tournament, attendees gathered together for a little bonus entertainment, courtesy of one of Denver’s favorite funnymen, comedian, Josh Blue.
The annual charity tournament is the highest grossing event for ACCO. EnerCom first named ACCO beneficiary of the tournament in 2006. Since that time, the annual fundraiser has gifted more than $300,000 to help support the critical work Ability Connection does on behalf of Coloradans with disabilities and other challenges. The cause is near and dear to Enercom President Greg Barnett and wife, Tommey, as they have two nephews impacted by Cerebral Palsy.
Continue reading “EnerCom’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament Generates Commitments of $57,400 for ACCO Programs” »
by mmcnett | Nov 3, 2015 | Ability Connection, News, News
Creative Options Center for Early Education was selected through a winning essay to receive playground equipment and curricula valued at $16,000 from Big Toys – aPlayCore Company. We submitted a brief essay on behalf of Creative Options on the importance of outdoor play for our children which was selected from over 200 entrants. The essays were reviewed by a panel of early childhood experts based on how the entrants (early childhood centers/organizations) planned on implementing new equipment and curricula to benefit their early childhood program. Creative Options will receive five Investigation Stations and a customized sign for our outdoor play environment, a full InvestiGator Club Inquiry-Based Learning System, and the new Outdoor Creative Plan and Learning Curriculum with standards-based playground activities. President/CEO, Judy Ham, states “We are so thrilled that our early childhood centers have been selected to receive this fantastic plan equipment and curricula. We know that social/emotional development of children is paramount – and so much of that happens through their play.” We hope to use the equipment at Creative Options Five. Special thanks to BigToys, InvestiGator Club and PlayCore for making all of this possible.
by mmcnett | Nov 3, 2015 | Ability Connection, News, News
21st Annual Great Balls of Fire 9-Ball Billiards Challenge a Big Success!
Held in February 7, 2015, at the Wynkoop Brewery, last year’s 21st installment of the annual 9-ball tournament was hosted by the Colorado Professional Firefighters, Denver Firefighters Local 858 and other local area firefighters and helped raise $90,000 for children with developmental needs through the Kyle E. fisher Memorial Fund at Ability Connection Colorado. Parents, Brian & Kelli Fisher, set up the memorial fund in honor of their son, Kyle, who was born with Cerebral Palsy. Proceeds from this uplifting event help ACCO provide scholarships for therapy and early education for children who otherwise would not receive these services. It is a fitting tribute and meaningful way to share with others the spirit, courage and inspirational joy for life and learning that Kyle embraced so strongly.
Presenting sponsor, Circle K, along with 35 other sponsors provided players for the event which made up most of the 60 teams that participated. In addition to billiards play, the event also featured a silent auction, local area sports celebrities and even a couple of Bronco cheerleaders. Ability Connection Colorado would like to extend our thanks to all of the sponsors, contributors, volunteers and players who participated and made the event such a big success.
To view pictures from the event, please visit our gallery page.
by mmcnett | Oct 19, 2015 | Ability Connection, News, News
Originally published in the Summit Daily
Every year, Ned Archibald is given a blank check for one Summit County event.
It’s no wonder the Keystone Resort executive pastry chef’s desserts usually steal the show at the annual Wine in the Pines fundraiser, which will celebrate its 32nd year this Saturday, Oct. 24.
Hundreds of guests will be treated to an extravagant sensory experience as their eyes are drawn to sparkling evening gowns, their ears to an a cappella music group, their mouths to samples of wine and high-end foods and their noses to the centerpiece chocolate fountain.
“I call it the adult prom, Summit County adult prom,” founder and organizer Mike Smith said.
Plus, attendees can take pleasure in knowing their money is going to a good cause.
The event has always supported the Denver-based nonprofit Ability Connection Colorado, which will turn 70 next year. This year’s event proceeds will again go toward the organization’s employment programs.
The nonprofit’s Kelly Smith Employment Center is named for the youngest child of Wine in the Pines founders, Mike and Margaret Smith. The couple created the fundraiser in honor of Kelly, who was born with cerebral palsy, which affects muscle functions among other complications.
Mike Smith said the event has raised about $3 million over the decades through ticket sales and live and silent auctions. Organizers expect this year’s gala to net $100,000 or more for the nonprofit’s efforts.
WHAT’S NEW
This year, the Denver-based Auction Divas will be conducting the live auction, Smith said, which will include a hybrid electric vehicle.
Hudson Auto Source in Silverthorne donated a new 2014 Cadillac hybrid worth about $80,000, and FD Taylor Electric donated a garage conversion for the buyer to be able to plug in the electric vehicle at home.
Other standout auction items beyond the typical packages from local businesses include a trip for 10 people to Tuscany, a family vacation to Maui, an autographed Peyton Manning jersey, limited edition New Belgium Fat Tire bicycle and a couple dozen bottles of wine selected and signed by local celebrities.
This year’s theme is an All Star Celebration, and the event will feature the musical talents of the Denver-based 17th Avenue Allstars, the Allstars Dance Band and jazz singer Tina Naylor.
Kelly Smith, now 44, will be in attendance.
Her parents, longtime Dillon residents, started the event in the early 1980s when she was a child as a way to get involved and give back.
“We wanted to do something special with her and for her,” Mike Smith said.
PREPARE YOUR PALATE
Besides raising funds for Ability Connection Colorado, the family also wanted to promote wine in Summit County. The Smiths own Dillon Ridge Liquors, and Kelly’s older siblings are both in the wine business.
Mike Smith said he is working with almost every distributor in Colorado to provide 500 to 600 wines from around the world. Attendees also can choose from various liquors and beers from local breweries.
For food, guests will sample the finest dishes produced by the top-rated restaurants in Keystone.
“The chefs at Keystone, they try to outdo each other every year,” he said, “and then, to top it off, there’s Ned.”
Archibald said he and his seven-person staff are preparing 17 desserts including white chocolate hazelnut tartuffi, honey almond florentines and s’mores truffles. The team will spend nearly 600 hours creating the desserts and the event’s solid chocolate decorations.
Next to the chocolate fountain, he will place typical dipping items as well as three types of bacon: spicy sriracha red chili, a maple brown sugar ginger and apple wood smoked.
“Bacon is so flipping good on its own,” he said about giving in to the bacon-dessert craze a couple years ago. But, at a recent Vail Resorts company event, “everybody’s plate had chocolate with bacon on it, everybody’s!”
For more information, visit wineinthepines.org.
Written by: Alli Langley alangley@summitdaily.com
by mmcnett | Mar 20, 2015 | Infantile Scoliosis, Testimonials
Hello Heather,
I cannot thank you enough, from the bottom of my heart, for how grateful we are.
You are a special person and to get such precise information to us so quick and feeling poorly.
We have a fight on our hands but will will fight and get the best treatment for _____.
Its people like you that make this world a great place to live in.
I will keep you updated and once this has been sorted I will be looking at some point in the future to
highlight infant scoliosis in the UK. Im not sure how but have a group of parents who are up for a bit
of positive media coverage also.
If you are ever in the UK you are welcome in our home.
Love to you and Liv x
For all the latest news and happenings at Ability Connection Colorado, please check out our all new Fall 2015 Newsletter. 
Originally published in 
ACCO’s well attended Annual Meeting was held on March 13, 2015. Employees and guests gathered together to review the impacts and outcomes of fiscal year 2013-2014 and to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of coworkers, community agencies and partners through a special annual awards presentation. Additionally, Rick Allsbrook, Market Manager for Circle K Stores, 