Today was the Turkey Trot & silent auction. Chloe started by getting in the right attire....
Chloe in her Turkey Trot Tee!
Then we met with our family, friends and everyone else who came out from the community to support our cause!....
Chloe & Mayor Nagle
There were approximately 200 runners and many more supporters. It was incredible!
Ready.....
Set....
Go!!!....
This playground is a true community effort. And because of all the support I witnessed today, I am 100% certain that this community is going to build Chloe's Sunshine Playground. I'm grateful to be just a small part of this effort. Thank you, everyone!!!
You can either register beginning October 1st in person at the Syracuse Community Center or online HERE. Select "register for activities" on the left, then "2010 programs," then "Turkey Trot 5k (No Child Left Out)."
A silent auction will be held before, during and after the 5k. We welcome any auction items to be donated. Contact Tara Bennett at manntar@hotmail.com to arrange donation items.
People are always asking how they can help with the playground. I keep directing them to the blog. But I just realized that I didn't have everything in one easy-to-find spot. So here is a list that is easy to see all the different ways you can help out!
Purchase digital scrapbooking kit "Sunshine Playground." Details here.
Keep updated on future events by following our blog here or facebook page here.
Thank you again to everyone who supports this project! I know I say it all the time, but I sincerely mean it. This project has truly shown me how much people in this community care about each other. It is humbling and exciting to think what everyone will help us accomplish! Thank you!!!
Tonight, Cindy Gooch of JUB Engineers presented a proposal for Syracuse City to support the playground to be built in phases. She and her amazing support staff are working on writing a grant for our project and they believe that building the playground in phases will help with potential donation opportunites and make the excitement of the playground a reality rather than just a pipe dream. I am thrilled with this phasing idea and believe if things go as I have planned with some of our upcoming fund-raising events, that we may be able to combine phases 2 and 3 and have the project completed next year. With that in mind, here is the 3-part phasing plan.
Phase 1: Game Time "Powerscapes" for ages 5-12 and ages 2-5; swings; shade structures; benches; excavation for the entire project; surfacing; retaining wall and concrete sidewalks and arched entrance.
Phase 2: Cre8 Play area and mini play structures.
Phase 3: Splash Pad and final touches.
Majority ruled and the council committed that JUB Engineers can submit a grant application which will potentially match the funds we have already raised; the city also committed to operation and maintenance of the playground upon completion.
Squint. Look into the future. Do you see Chloe's Sunshine Playground? I DO!!!
I'm overwhelmed with gratitude to the continued outpouring of support from the city and other incredible people and organizations. It never ceases to amaze me. Thank you. We're going to make this a reality. Not me.... WE -- all of us! Thank you!!!
Although we are no longer officially partnered with Unlimited Play, Natalie of the organization is still my partner and friend in every way.
Here is an incredible story their local news did about the playground she built for her son, Zachary's Playground. This was the playground that I read about that inspired me to build Chloe's Sunshine Playground.
I just watched this video on a playground that was recently built in Tennessee. How exciting to see that someone else had a similar vision as we have and that it came to pass! I can only imagine that day for us. Thanks, everyone, for helping to someday bring that to pass. Be sure to watch the video, it is truly inspiring! See more pictures about this playground HERE. It will make you smile! :)
Tonight was the launch party for Chloe's Sunshine Playground. Here's a little recap:
When Chloe was born, before there was any indication of medical anomalies.... before our life became filled with diagnoses, doctor's appointments, therapies and medical testing.... I looked in Chloe's big blue eyes and made her a promise. I promised that she could be and do anything she wanted, and that her dad and I would help her achieve whatever that was.
Today when I look into her big blue eyes, the promise remains the same. She will do and be anything she wants and we will help her.
Although Chloe is non-verbal, anyone who has ever spent any time around her knows that she can still express exactly what she wants. It is a profound privilege to be her “voice” and let all of you know that what Chloe wants right now is to have fun..... To play, laugh and explore alongside her peers. She does not want to be on the sidelines watching everyone else; she wants to be in on the action!
I am doing my best to keep my promise to Chloe. The great city of Syracuse is helping make it a reality. Mayor Nagle, her staff and the city council have truly risen to the occasion and I feel honored to call many of them my friends. The city has set aside Centennial Park to be the location.
Right now, Chloe's Sunshine Playground is just a dream. It's an idea put on paper and an empty plot of ground. But with all of your help, it will one day be a reality.
Chloe and Mayor Nagle uncovered the design of the playground for everyone to see what we have envisioned for Chloe and all the children in our community who desire to play together without boundaries.
Thank you, Zurchers, for sponsoring this event. The snow cones, popcorn and balloons were a huge hit.
Thank you, everyone for supporting us! It was such an exciting night. This was the first time the playground felt real.... I could almost see it and felt the excitement in the air.
This just in! There will be a hot air balloon at the Syracuse City Rec Center tomorrow morning (Saturday). It's only $5 for a ride and the proceeds will help the playground!
ALSO....
An iPad has been donated to our cause! We will be selling raffle tickets for the iPad from tomorrow (at a Heritage Days booth at Founders Park in Syracuse) until July 15th. The winner will be announced at our launch party!
Just wanted to let you know that there is another great opportunity for you to help raise money for the playground! If you love Scentsy (and who doesn't!), July is the time to buy. And Julie is the gal to buy it from! Scentsy consultant, Julie Dillman, is donating the profit of her sales for the month of July to our cause. How cool is that!
Either go here to make an online donation via paypal, or mail a check to No Child Left Out 2974 S 1000 W Syracuse, UT 84075. You can enter as many times as you'd like! Please include your full name and the best phone number to reach you as well as the name and/or logo you would like to be featured on your brick.
We have a Jazz basketball signed by all the players....
And an iPad!....
AND your donations will give you a chance to win one of them!
A donation of $5 will allow you to be put in a drawing to win the Jazz basketball. Each entry for the iPad is $10. No limit.
Winners will be announced at the Syracuse Pumpkin Walk in October! (If you're not there to hear the announcement and you win, we will contact you by phone).
Pumpkin Walk The annual pumpkin walk will be held October 21-23 at Centennial Park (behind the police station) from 7-10 p.m. FREE for the Whole Family
Either go here to make an online donation via paypal, or mail a check to No Child Left Out 2974 S 1000 W Syracuse, UT 84075. You can enter as many times as you'd like! Please include your full name and the best phone number to reach you if you win!
From now until the playground is complete, when you buy a Frosty at the Wendy's in Syracuse, the proceeds will go directly to help our project. NOW.... Aren't you craving a Frosty? I hope so!!!
We'll be holding Chloe's Sunshine Playground Launch Party at Centennial Park July 15th from 6-8:30 pm.
There will be FREE ice cream, popcorn, cotton candy and balloons. We'll be revealing the future location of the playground, the design plan, and holding a raffle. PLEASE come support this exciting event!!!
Zions Bank is sponsoring an event on Wednesday, June 23rd, from 7-9 pm at Centennial Park.
They will be giving away slices of pie so you can try different flavors before deciding which whole pie to purchase. ALL proceeds will go directly to Chloe's Sunshine Playground! Please come if you can!!!
Today was the grand opening ceremony at the Zions Bank in Syracuse. Chloe and I were invited to attend. The President and CEO, Scott Anderson, presented a generous donation of $75,000 to Syracuse City for Chloe's Sunshine Playground! WOW!
Chloe and Scott Anderson
Tara, Chloe & Mayor Jamie Nagle
Chloe loved the pink balloon they gave her to match her dress!
Chloe inspired this project! Click on the picture to read her story.
Contact
Questions? Comments? Email Tara Bennett at manntar@hotmail.com.
How to Donate
There are three ways to donate; simply write on your Syracuse utility payment check what portion of the payment should be donated to Chloe’s Playground, online, or in person at America First Credit Union to account #905624-3. Checks should be made out to “The Charitable Foundation of Syracuse City”, a nonprofit 501 C-3 foundation. All funds will be immediately routed to the Foundation, which is not connected to Syracuse City’s account.
Donors who contribute $100-150 are eligible for a 6”x6” paver brick with their personal name(s) or business name engraved into it. Donors who contribute $150 and up are eligible for a 6”x9” paver brick. All engraved pavers commemorating the donor will be used in the sidewalk surfaces within the playground.
Chloe in her Turkey Trot Tee!
Chloe & Mayor Nagle
Go!!!....
