June 17, 2010
Lead donors have committed more than $1.1 million toward a special
campaign for the future of children with special needs. The campaign was announced
publicly with the goal to raise at least $2 million.
Spirit AeroSystems made a lead gift of $200,000 to the campaign. Also leading the effort
are the Boards of Directors of Rainbows and Rainbows United Charitable Foundation,
Inc. with combined gifts of $300,000. Lead donors among the Board include Chair, Steve
Cox and his wife, Janis; Incoming Chair, Hale Ritchie and his wife, Janie; Grant
Stannard, and Dan and Kendall Drake. Additional lead gifts include The Opportunity
Project (undisclosed), K.T. Wiedemann Foundation, Inc. with $100,000 and a challenge
grant from the Lattner Family Foundation at $100,000.
Major gift supporters include Koch Industries, Emprise Bank, INTRUST Bank Charitable
Trust, Tom and Lisa Ritchie, Russ and Helen Meyer, Cox Machine, and one anonymous
donor.
On behalf of the 10,500 employees of Spirit AeroSystems Wichita, we are pleased to
provide financial support for the New Day campaign,” said Gloria Farha Flentje, senior
vice president, corporate administration and human resources. “We believe that
investments in youth produce some of the greatest returns for our communities.”
Funds will support Rainbows’ comprehensive programs for children with special needs
birth through age 21 and their families and overall agency operations, including the
agency’s 100 percent repayment plan for creditors.
“We are so grateful to all these donors for their commitment to children with special
needs in our community,” said Hale Ritchie, A NEW DAY Campaign Chair. “Their
caring and support is what makes this community so special. We could not do it without
them and all the valued partners of Rainbows United.”
The Boards of Directors of Rainbows United, Inc. and Rainbows United Charitable
Foundation, Inc. launched the public A NEW DAY Campaign at Rainbows’ Kids’ Point
just southwest of K-96 and Oliver with the Voices of the Rainbow choir and comments by
donors, Ritchie and Board Chair Steve Cox. Contributions to the campaign will be made
to the Rainbows United Charitable Foundation, Inc., a separate 509(a)(3) supporting
organization that will then be distributed to Rainbows United for operating needs. Donors
interested in supporting A NEW DAY Campaign can visit www.rucfoundation.org.
Rainbows United is also supported through the United Way of the Plains, Sedgwick
County, Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services, Kansas Department of Health and
Environment, Kansas Department of Education, insurance and Medicaid, parent fees, and
private grants and donations.
“The generosity of all the donors and partners helps children and their families receive
the individualized, quality services that make a difference for a lifetime,” Steve Cox,
Board Chairman said. “The community’s support is needed now more than ever and we
are well on our way to reaching our goal.”
In less than one year, Rainbows United has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy this
month with a 100% repayment plan to creditors.
Rainbows United will serve more than 3,000 children birth – 21 with special needs or at
risk throughout Sedgwick and Butler counties this year. For 38 years, Rainbows has been
dedicated to enhancing the lives of children with special needs and their families by
bringing together community resources and providing customized services.
340 S. Broadway (Main Office) Wichita, KS 67202 (316) 267-KIDS Fax: (316) 267-5444
www.RainbowsUnited.org
Bringing potential to life by elevating the uniqueness of children and their families.