Bridges & Grand View Lodge Working Together in 2012

I am so grateful for our Business Partner of

the Year, Grand View Lodge. Over the past 10 years, Bridges has built a strong

relationship with the resort and many of the employees there.

Mark Ronnei faithfully served on the Board of Directors for many years and was a key player in starting up Common Goods in 2009. Mark continues to be a great supporter of Bridges.

Val Knudsen currently serves on the Board as our Treasurer. She is gracious with her knowledge and gives good, sound guidance about financial decisions for the organization. Val is passionate about strengthening families and increasing stability for those we serve.

Val, Mark and I met late in 2011 and I described what Bridges was looking for in our first ever “Business Partner of the Year.” Mark and Val did not hesitate to sign on and here are some of the things we’ve accomplished together already this year:

1. I met with managers at Grand View Lodge in January to describe our services and encourage them to spread the word to neighbors, co-workers, friends and family who could benefit from our services.

2. To continue their earth-friendly practices at Grand View, some managers visited Common Goods and picked up some tips about re-using and re-cycling from Suzanne, our Retail Manager.

3. In May, Grand View Lodge employees “stuffed a truck” full of treasures to be sold at  Common Goods.

4. Plans are underway for the 21st Annual Fred-Mark Charity Golf Tournament, graciously hosted by Grand View Lodge to benefit Bridges of Hope.

Whew! We’ve been busy working together to spread the word about Bridges of Hope’s mission and to ensure the financial stability of our programs. As if that’s not enough, two more fabulous folks from Grand View, Julie Herubin and Jim Benson, called me a few weeks ago and explained that the dining room in their Main Lodge had recently been remodeled (It’s gorgeous, by the way!). They offered to host “Grand Opening for a Good Cause” on Friday, May 18th. Another great way to partner! For more information about this event on Friday night, click here.

Wow! We are so thankful for our Business Partner of the Year and how they are helping us raise awareness about our work with families. As the end of the school year approaches, many families will turn to Bridges of Hope over the summer months when living expenses increase and strain already tight budgets. Extra childcare and food expenses can really add up for families in the summer time and it only takes a minor illness or other family emergency to spiral a family into crisis. Thank you for helping us build Bridges as a place that is prepared to be there for families this summer and all year around. Enjoy the sunshine!