United Way of Pueblo County2015 Winter Newsletter

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” – Lao Tzu

Front row: Donna Leach, UW Admin. Asst.; Judith Boudreaux, VITA Coordinator; Valarie Ruybal, UW Mentor Coordinator; Andrea Aragon, UW President/CEO

Second row: Doug Hayes, UTC Aerospace Systems; Bernadette Albo, UW Finance Director; Dominic Gallina, Wells Fargo Bank; Karen Trujillo, RE/MAX Pueblo West; Ted Ortiviz, Housing Authority of Pueblo

Third row: Bret Jones, Black Hills Energy; Rick Holmes, Bechtel; Michelle Peulen, Parkview Medical Center; Bonnie Dickerson, Vestas Towers; Paula Chostner, Pueblo City Schools; Bianca Hicks, UW Resource Development Coordinator

Fourth row: Matt Smith, Chairman, Snap Fitness 24/7; Scott Lee, Trane Company; John Keilbach; Altman, Keilbach, Lytle, Parliapiano & Ware, PC; Jeremy Romero, Target Distribution Center and Lawrence Kochis, UW Campaign Director

Not Pictured: Dave Galli, Colorado East Bank; Tracy Velasquez, US Bank; Ruben Roman, Xcel Energy; Rick Scholtes, Target Distribution Center

During this holiday season, we offer you special thanks and gratitude for showing your love and generosity to United Way of Pueblo County.

We wish you and your family peace, health and prosperity now and in the coming year.

From our hearts to yours, thank you for loving and living United!

2 – United Way of Pueblo County

Generosity is Served at Park East

Celebrity Waiters Demolish Record!Park East Restaurant was the place to be in October, as owners

Terra & Jeff Riggio proclaimed October as United Way month for the ninth year in a row! For the entire month, the restaurant offered customers chances to win three great prizes, including a $25 and $100 gift card as well as happy hour office party valued at $300. A Halloween costume party was also held with proceeds benefiting United Way. In addition, during the week of October 23rd through the 31st, the Riggio’s donated 10% of the restaurants profits to United Way. WOW!

To top it all off, the many festivities included three nights of local celebrity waiters who engaged in a very spirited and ultra-competitive battle against one another to see who could sell the most chances to win Park East prizes. Ultimately, United Way was the big winner. These amazing waiters pulled out all the stops, and a new fundraising record was set. The dream team of Matt Smith of Snap Fitness, Aaron Aragon of Pueblo’s Best Carpet Cleaning and Vern Larson of Major Mortgage served as celebrity waiters on October 23rd, doubling last year’s entire efforts on the first night! Former KOAA Weatherman Craig Eliot, now with Morgan Stanley, wowed the crowd with his charisma on Wednesday, October 29th. Not to be outdone, the ridiculously amazing “Three R’s” (Ron Guarienti of Pueblo Electrics, Ryan Zabukovic of Zabukovic Motors and Ray Swerdfeger of Swerdfeger Construction) along with their very capable team of Brooke & Nicole Guarienti, Quinn & Laine Zabukovic and Avri Swerdfeger exceeded expectations by raising a jaw-dropping amount of money for United Way on October 30th. In total, an incredible $18,000 was raised!

“We are in absolute awe of our celebrity waiters,” shared Andrea Aragon, President/CEO of United Way of Pueblo County. “Their generosity, hard work, competitive spirit and plain ol’ awesomeness is simply awe-inspiring and humbling. Their efforts are truly, truly appreciated.”

In addition to the Celebrity Waiters efforts, Ron Guarienti donated an original and unique piece of art work, which was created from a Park East patron/United Way supporter’s own heart drawing. (See photo.) This remarkable piece of art will be on display at Park East where folks can bid on it in a silent auction format for the next several months.

In another very impressive act of generosity, seventeen year old Laine Zabukovic, daughter of celebrity waiter Ryan (and mom Karlie) Zabukovic, donated an original painting and a signed first edition copy of her very own newly released novel, Noxious. Noxious is a fantasy novel that can be purchased on Amazon.com. The book and painting raised over $1,500 alone! Laine began writing at age fourteen. This is her first published novel, coming in at over 350 pages.

Andrea went on “We are very grateful for our partnership with Park East Restaurant. None of this would be possible without the support and love Terra shows United Way is so many ways. She has been amazingly generous and she is always thinking of new and creative ways to support and promote our organization. ”

Please visit Park East in the near future and when you do, please thank Terra and her staff for showing their love to United Way and our community.

Celebrity Waiters: Ray & Avri Swerdfeger

Celebrity Waiters: Aaron Aragon, Pueblo’s Best Carpet Cleaning; Matt Smith, Snap 24/7 Fitness; Vern Larson, Major Mortgage

Celebrity Waiter Craig Eliot and Park East Owner Terra Riggio

Noxious, by Laine Zabukovic

Celebrity Waiters: back - Ron Guarienti, Pueblo Electrics; Brooke Guarienti, Ryan Zabukovic, Zabukovic Motors; Terra Riggio, Park East; front - Brooke Guarienti, Luke Guarienti, Quinn Zabukovic, Laine Zabukovic

An original piece by Ron Guarienti featuring a colorful heart, Noxious, a novel by Laine Zabukovic available on Amazon.com and an original painting by Laine Zabukovic

This piece of original art, created by Ron Guarienti, can be bid on at Park East

United Way of Pueblo County – 3

10th Annual Small Business BlitzUnited Way of Pueblo County

partnered with Comcast Spotlight, Hippo Productions, Express Employment Professionals, iHeart Media Pueblo, the Small Business Development Center, and The Pueblo Chieftain to promote all small businesses that pledged their support during the blitz. Businesses who pledged $50 or more received: 50 FREE Comcast Spotlight commercials with any $500.00 advertising schedule - $1,250 Value, listing in Small Business Blitz ad in The Pueblo Chieftain on Sunday, November 22, 2015, Announcement of business on NewsTalk 590KCSJ, Fox Sports AM1350 and iHeart Radio through the week of November 30 - December 4, 2-for-1 one-year subscriptions to The Pueblo Chieftain, a FREE business consultation session and a 30% discount on the Colorado SBDC Leading Edge program through the Small Business Development Center - $100 Value, recognition in United Way’s newsletter (distributed to over 1,550 individuals), on UWPC’s website and Facebook page and in an e-mail blast (over 1,300 recipients).

In addition, businesses were entered into three drawings. This year’s winners were: Flow Right Plumbing, Heating and Irrigation - 100 free 30-second spots on the Comcast Cable Channels with in-house production included by Comcast Spotlight & Hippo Productions, A-VAR Electric, Shisler Concrete, Rosemount Museum, Blazer Electric & Gauna’s Westside Liquor - 1 of 5 United Way & 590KCSJ Small Business Blitz Donor of the Day Spotlights to be featured on KCSJ & iHeart Radio each day during the week of November 30 - December 4, and Corsentino Construction - 16 hours of free staffing from Express Employment Professionals. Congratulations!

Participating Businesses• A & R Construction• Accolade Living Centers• Adams Electric Inc.• AIM• American Electric• Angelo’s Pizza Parlor• A-VAR Electric• Blazer Electric• Blinds One - Vince Lujan• Boral Material Technologies LLC• Cat’s Pourhouse• Commercial Carrier Consultants• Corsentino Construction, Inc.• CTI Corporate Technologies, Inc.• DNL Garage Door Systems• Don’s Landscaping and Lawn Service• Elwood Staffing• Flow Right Plumbing, Heating

& Irrigation• Gauna’s Westside Liquor• HD Supply• Hewitt & Couch, P.C.• Industrial Constructors

Managers (ICM)• InPhase Electric, Inc.• KLI Landscape Construction, Inc.• Latino Chamber of Commerce• Little Caesars Pizza• Major Mortgage• MAXPRO Cleaning Services, LLC• Minnequa Works Credit Union

• Mister Penguin Tuxedo Sales & Rentals

• Norick’s Auto Service• Novus Auto Glass• Park East Restaurant• Pechek Dental & Associates• pewag Traction Chain• Pueblo Athletic Club• Pueblo Electrics Inc.• Pueblo PC & Mac• Pueblo Records & Tapes• Pueblo’s Best Carpet Cleaning• Pure Spa & Wellness• R & R Heating & Air Conditioning• RE/MAX of Pueblo West -

Karen Trujillo• Rental Center of Pueblo West• Riverside Bar & Grill• Rocky Mountain Boat Co. -

Nick Ohrdorf• Rosemount Museum• Royal Electrical Service, Inc.• Schmidt, Valentine, Whittemore,

& Co. P.C.• Schusters’ Printing Inc.• Shisler Concrete• Snap Fitness 24/7• Spaccamonti Electric• The Bugman Pest Control Services• The Glenn Company• Tony P. Dell Accounting

4 – United Way of Pueblo County

Budweiser, The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, and United Way Kick Off The “Unofficial” Holiday Season

Always held the week before Thanksgiving, the November

Greater Pueblo Chamber Business After Hours has turned into the unofficial kick-off of the holiday season for many community-minded professionals. It’s easy to get into the holiday spirit with delicious food and spirits donated through the generosity of Budweiser, United Way’s co-host in sponsoring the yearly event.

Budweiser’s very hospitable staff

provided a delicious spread of food and ice cold Budweiser products for all to enjoy.

“This is an event that we look forward to every year,” shared Andrea Aragon, President/CEO of United Way. “The Budweiser team always goes above and beyond to make this an outstanding evening

for our United Way supporters and Chamber friends. This is just one of the things they do for United Way to show their support. We are very grateful for their generosity in all they do.”

To perpetuate the giving spirit, attendees were asked to bring non-perishable foods which will help those in need this holiday season. Over nine large and heavy boxes were donated to Cooperative Care Center.

Give. Help. Make Your Impact…Because Our Community Matters!

United Way of Pueblo County – 5

As winter rolls in and the temperatures continue to drop, being able to see your breath may be fun at times, but the fun quickly fades into concern for the many children in need in our community. The Pueblo Chieftain’s Mitten Tree serves as a way to help those children stay warm during during the cold winter months. The annual Mitten Tree is a community tradition for the employees at The Pueblo Chieftain as well as numerous community donors. Set up in the Classified Department, the tree is quickly adorned with new winter weather clothing items.

“The Pueblo Chieftain Classified Department is honored to host the annual Mitten Tree,” said Kristi Lauer of The Pueblo Chieftain. “Each year, we gather hundreds of hats, gloves, socks, and scarves, which are all generously donated by our customers. This year, our thirteenth year sponsoring the Mitten Tree event, we look forward to warming the hearts of Pueblo’s children.”

Donations are distributed through United Way of Pueblo County. Past beneficiaries of the Mitten Tree include: A Caring Pregnancy Center, Bargain Box (Assistance League), CASA of Pueblo, Cooperative Care Center, East Side Child Care Center, Holiday Blessing Store, the Infant & Toddler Program at Colorado Bluesky, Los Pobres, Luv In Action, Posada, Pueblo Child Advocacy Center, Pueblo Head Start, Rocky Mountain SER, Salvation Army & The Angel Tree Program,

Southside Children’s Center, Washington Children’s Center & YWCA.

Donations have been accepted through December 17. We would like to thank The Pueblo Chieftain and the wonderful donors who do their part to make a difference in the lives of the youth in need, keeping them warm and cozy each winter.

Give. Help.

Make your impact...

because our community

matters!Thanks for doing what

matters.

LIVE UNITED!Get United Way info via e-mail!

Sign up at www.pueblounitedway.orgor email Bianca at bianca.hicks@ co.pueblo.co.us

s a v ed a t e03 10 16flavor of pueblo at pueblo convention center

Mark your calendar for the 11th Annual Flavor of Pueblo Food

and Wine Show taking place Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy the many incredible flavors our community has to offer at Pueblo’s premier food & wine event- the 11th Annual Flavor of Pueblo Food & Wine Show! A mouth-watering spread of food samples, wine and beer from local restaurants and vendors will be yours to savor for just one low price. Tickets will be available for a discounted advance ticket price and ALL of the proceeds benefit United Way of Pueblo County funded programs!

Interested in highlighting your fanfare by joining us as a vendor? Contact Bianca at (719) 583-4455 / bianca.hicks@co.pueblo.co.us or visit www.pueblounitedway.org/flavorofpueblo.

13th Annual Kids Mitten Tree

6 – United Way of Pueblo County

UNITED WAY OF PUEBLO COUNTY COLORADO INC.12/2015 Winter EditionPUBLISHED: OCTOBER & DECEMBERIssue: Number 9United Way of Pueblo CountyPO Box 11566, Pueblo, CO 81001

United Way StaffANDREA ARAGON

President/CEO

LAWRENCE KOCHIS AFL-CIO/Campaign Director

BERNADETTE ALBO Finance Director

BIANCA HICKS Resource Development Coordinator

DONNA LEACH Administrative Asstistant

VALARIE RUYBAL Mentor Coordinator

JUDITH BOUDREAUX VITA Program Coordinator

Angelo’s Pizza Parlor/United WayMark your calendar to join Angelo’s Pizza Parlor during the month

of March in support of United Way of Pueblo County!

Come enjoy great food and beautiful views of the Riverwalk - Additional details coming soon!

105 E. Riverwalk Pueblo, Colorado

(719) 544-8588

Latino Chamber Holiday Happy Hour & 4th Annual Festival of Trees Decorating Competition and Auction

Latino Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Happy Hour includes a great way to kickoff the Christmas festivities with the inclusion of the 4th Annual Festival of Trees Decorating Competition and

Auction. The event was held at the Pueblo Union Depot on December 10 with lots of cheer and enthusiasm to ring in the holidays. More than 30 decorated mini 4 ft. trees were auctioned with a portion of the proceeds benefitting United Way funded programs.

For a $25 entry fee, businesses and individuals decorated the trees to their hearts desire, using elaborate, fun themes to draw high bids and represent their passions. ‘Tis the season for joy and camaraderie as attendees were able to admire the trees, enjoy the holiday spirit, and mix and mingle with Latino Chamber members and United Way supporters.

United Way would like to thank the Latino Chamber of Commerce - Steven and his staff and all of this year’s participants for helping spread the holiday cheer!

Missed out on the fun? Join us next year and help us make it the biggest event yet!

United Way of Pueblo County – 7

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPueblo, CO

Permit No. 105

United Way of Pueblo County Colorado Inc.PO Box 11566Pueblo, CO 81001719-583-4455

Return Service RequestedTis’ the night before Christmas And all through the house, The cats are not stirring Thank God there’s no mouse.

When out on the roof Arose such a clatter I pulled on my sweats To see what was the matter.

I threw open the window Drew up my gaze To see a sight That did shock and amaze.

Out on the roof With a thump on the snow Landed a sleigh and a driver Sporting a United Way logo!

With problems so great In our world today It gives me hope To see United Way…

Address the issues Our communities face To find solutions With dignity and grace.”

Laying a finger Aside of his nose With a wink and a smile Up the chimney he rose

I knew it was Santa That jolly old elf Who cared about this world More than himself.

I heard him exclaim As he flew out of sight “Give to United Way & May your holidays be bright!”

His smile was merry His features so bright I knew in a second He was our hero tonight.

As I drew in my hand, And was turning around Down the chimney our Hero Came with a bound.

I stood quite still When he landed so slow And asked him quite simply Why the United Way logo?

His eyes, how they twinkled His dimples so merry He answered quickly And did not tarry.

“Tis the season of giving, of love and of sharing. What better way to Show we are caring?

Than to give to the needy, Provide for the poor United Way does that, And so much more.