2019 was in a word…..Amazing!
The Listen Foundation’s 50th anniversary year is now in the history books. This year-long celebration culminated in a fall gala honoring both past and present accomplishments of this leading-edge organization. A video created by the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame premiered at the celebration detailing the life and accomplishments of Doreen Pollack. A second video, funded by Sertoma, Inc., also debuted highlighting the extraordinary outcomes of children today who receive therapy from the Listen Foundation. The community’s response to our milestone achievement was outstanding. In fact, we are proud to report this was the best year of fundraising in our history.
2019 was also the inaugural year for adding the Cochlear Implant Family Camp to the Listen Foundation’s program offerings. It was a resounding success. Both camp sessions were filled to capacity. Returning families enthusiastically expressed their gratitude that this important camp lives on after the business closure of the former host, the Colorado Neurological Institute. In all, there were 284 campers along with 24 volunteers and a camp director. Together everyone created a great experience, learning from one another while building upon this unique community.
As we continue to review last year, we want to be sure and highlight some of the fun activities we had with our family outreach program in collaboration with Colorado AG Bell. In the past, families had expressed a desire for more opportunities to connect in social settings with other children and families. In response, we provided a fun day at Boondocks, a summer picnic, a teen movie night, and a visit from Santa…..much to the pleasure of parents and excitement of the children.
We enjoy celebrating agency achievements, however, there is nothing that touches our hearts or inspires us more than the amazing accomplishments in the larger Listen family. Jaylin, a recent Listen graduate (8 years old), won a national contest by providing the best idea to MED-EL (a cochlear implant manufacturer) for improving cochlear implants. Another 8-year-old, Molly, was chosen for the lead role of Ariel in the musical, The Little Mermaid, at her mainstream school. Wesley, a 21-year-old graduate and member of the USA national deaf soccer team, helped his team qualify for the 2020 Deaf World Cup and the 2021 Deaf Olympics. And then there’s Ely, who at 18 years of age received his private pilot’s license. Such extraordinary accomplishments for these young graduates of listening and spoken language therapy! They have already learned that they can achieve anything they set their mind to.
Finally, we would like to recognize our Listening & Spoken Language Therapist, Nanette Thompson, who received the Families First Award from the Colorado Chapter of Hands & Voices. This annual award is given to the parent or professional who goes above and beyond in their efforts to improve systems or services for families raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
As we take a moment to appreciate past achievements and plan for the future, we recognize there is one important connection that helps to make it all possible……you. Our accomplishments and opportunities are enhanced because of your support. We are extremely grateful for all of the lives you touch. Thank you.