2011: Year in Review - Development

Leigh Horsley

Donations Support a Lasting Impression

In the last year, I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people who are committed to helping others and making a difference in their community and the world. The people that I encounter in my daily work at Heartspring come from many different walks of life. They are parents and professionals, old and young, and of all economic backgrounds. But they share a common goal—to give each child the opportunity to succeed, grow and learn. They recognize that an investment in a child creates a brighter future for all of us.

Our donors make so many things possible. Donations to Heartspring in the last year have provided financial assistance to families who can’t afford the therapies that their child needs. They have supported programs to help children with autism unlock their special talents and participate more fully in family and community life. Our donors have purchased therapy equipment, classroom supplies and technology to give children with special needs access to the tools of the 21st century. They have provided art, music and recreation to challenge the limits that a disability can impose. They have helped provide training in parts of the world where very few children with special needs will ever receive any education or therapy at all.

These donations came in many ways. Our special events—PedalFest, Lights on the Lake and the Autism CARE Walk—raised $182,174 to make services available to the children who need them. Volunteer support was outstanding, with 955 individuals donating 3,296 hours of their time. Support came from foundations and businesses that are invested in making our community stronger, from individuals who care deeply about the future of the children we serve and from families who want to be sure that all children have access to the services that have benefitted their children. As always, we were especially moved by those who made provisions for Heartspring in their estate plans, maintaining their support for children with special needs beyond their lifetimes.

We are profoundly grateful to everyone in the Heartspring community who has given gifts of their time, treasure and talent to provide opportunities to the children of Heartspring. If you recognize the names of people that you know on the following pages, please thank them for their generous support on our behalf. Working together, we can truly build a future of new possibilities for children with special needs.

TECHNOLOGY

Today’s child has never lived in a world without computers. Technology tools provide the resources that allow our children to learn and grow and our staff to deliver services more efficiently. Generous donations from the Sunflower Foundation, the I.A. O’Shaughnessy Foundation, the Victor Murdock Fund and the Vintage Car Rally Association allowed Heartspring to employ computers and other technological innovations to help children succeed.

LEGACIES & BEQUESTS

Heartspring received over $74,000 through legacies and bequests last year. We are very honored to have been remembered in the estate plans of Roger C. Smith, Charles S. Selmon and Durwood D. and Jean M. Frye. These long time supporters of Heartspring continue to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs.

CONNECTIONS

Using social media, email, personal connections and matching gifts, individual supporters of Heartspring raised $72,200 to help provide services to children with special needs. The Autism CARE Walk and PedalFest provided tools and online resources to help participants share their commitment with friends and family to make a bigger impact.

SORORITIES

Philanthropic sororities Sigma Alpha, Alpha Iota and the Kansas State Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha have supported Heartspring for over 60 years. Last year, these organizations contributed $63,649.38 to support a broad range of programs and services. Over their many years of service, their contributions to Heartspring total over $4,000,000! Their members also send special gifts to Heartspring School students throughout the year, opening their hearts to children receiving services at Heartspring.