Celebrating 40 Years with Family & FriendsSummer 2017

Also featured in this issue: • Anniversary Gala • Golf Tournament Registration • Fun Day, Special Olympics ...and more!

Pony Bird 40th Anniversary Celebration

Gala of Light

Cover photo: Pony Bird individual, Ellen, celebrates July 4th participating in the DeSoto parade. Ellen really adds her personal style to this patriotic event! Thanks to Sandy Conway, Drury Homes Program Manager, for our cover photo.

What an evening of celebration! Pony Bird celebrated its 40th Anniversary Gala, raising over $120,000.00. The event was a huge financial success but it wasn’t all about the money. It was also about recognizing those who have served and contributed to the core mission of Pony Bird, Inc. throughout the years.

Service awards and three specialty awards were presented at the event, which took place at River City Events Center on June 24, 2017.

Harriett Kettenhofen, Pony Bird volunteer, was presented with the Outstanding Volunteerism Award. This award honors a volunteer who has made a single, noteworthy volunteerism contribution to Pony Bird that is above and beyond what is reasonably expected.

John Poppell, owner of Twin City Toyota, was presented with the Outstanding Business Award which recognizes a business that has provided direct finan-cial, in-kind or volunteer support to Pony Bird.

Richard Aurin, Friends of Pony Bird Represen-tative, accepted the award on behalf of the group for Outstanding Civic/Charitable Award which recognizes a civic/ charitable organization that has provid-ed direct financial, in-kind or volunteer support to Pony Bird, Inc.

Service Awards were also presented to four very deserving employees and board members who have dedicated countless years of service to Pony Bird and the individuals who call Pony Bird home.

Linda Dallas, Director of Business Develop-ment, was honored for her 36 years of service. Cliff Lane, Board Member, was honored for his 40 years of service on the Pony Bird Board of Directors. Betty McKim, Home & Community Program Coordinator for Pony Bird, was honored for her 40 years of service. Sue & Dana Hockensmith, Founders of Pony Bird, were honored for their inspiration and service for the last 40 years. The evening also included a special video

message from the community and employees congratulating Pony Bird on40 years of service.

A 40th Anniversary Commemorative BBQ is scheduled for Sunday, October 29, 2017 from1-3 p.m. at the Mapaville location which is open to all friends, family and supporters. If you have any additional questions or would like to contribute to the BBQ celebration, please contact Kelly Feldmann at 636.931.5818 or kfeldmann@ponybird.org.

(right to left) Harriett Kettenhofen & her daughter, Heather, with husband, George.

Richard Aurin & wife, Arline.

Betty McKim & husband, Mike.

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Letter from the PresidentDear Friends,To say that the Pony Bird 40th Anniversary Gala celebration was an elegant, fun filled evening would be an understatement! Pony Bird was honored with a Resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives presented by Representative Becky Ruth. Ken Waller, County Executive, added to the honors by pro-claiming June 24th as “Pony Bird Anniversary Day” in Jefferson County. Service awards and three specialty awards were also presented by Pony Bird. See the details in the article on page 2 & 3. And we hope you will be in attendance as we continue the 40th anniversary celebration at the commemorative BBQ on October 29, 2017.Our family has grown considerably since 1977, but the personal loving care, quality services and support for the individuals has not changed. We have been blessed by the tremendous support of family members and the community. As we continue to celebrate our 40th anniversary year we want to extend a special thanks to all who have been a part of this incredible journey.While we are excited to celebrate this wonderful milestone for our Pony Bird family it also comes at a time that we need your support in a very important and direct way… ADVOCACY. The services that we provide are critical to the individuals and families we serve. With recent funding cuts and continued discussions on the state and federal level regarding funding for Medicare and Medicaid, we need to ensure our elected representatives understand the impact and importance of the services we provide to our most vulnerable citizens. What can you do? Reach out to your legislators and let them know how important these resources are to Pony Bird and other disability service providers. We need to be the voice for our Pony Bird family and ensure that individuals with disabilities have a voice that is heard. Please join us in our advocacy efforts to ensure that 40 more years of wonderful services will be available for this generation and next. With gratitude and respect, Sara Sucharski

President & CEO

Sue & Dana Hockensmith, Founders of Pony Bird.

(left to right) Cliff Lane, Board Member, Linda Dallas, Director of Business Development, Sara Sucharski, President & CEO, and John Poppell, owner of Twin City Toyota.

(left to right) Teresa Gau, Director of Development, Pat Mc-Gonigle, Emcee for the evening, and Kelly Feldmann, Events & Marketing Coordinator.

(above) Don Bolinger, owner of the Festus Pasta House, was the winner of the Framed Matt Carpenter Autographed Jersey.

(above) Chuck & Kami Kimes add to the glamour of the evening.

Smiling faces were a common scene throughout the evening as the events continued. (below) Jefferson County Public Administrator, Steve Farmer, Dr. Marsha and Mark Mertens, Ken & Susan Curfman, and Dr. Nathan & Cayla Suter.

(above-left to right) Ann Ferguson, Board Chairperson, Representative Becky Ruth, Sara Sucharski, and Ken Waller with the proclamation plaques.(above-far left) Retro Boogie takes the stage. (below) Dr. David Anderson & Erin Knock were top bidders for Oscar, the Rescue Pooch.

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Highlighting the Abilities of Pony Bird Individuals

The Name Says it All!

Special Olympics

Fun Day

What a royal time we had on Fun Day!

Thank you to all the fair ladies and noble knights of Castle Pony Bird for organizing this grand affair.

By Royal Decree the individuals and staff were all summoned to take part in a variety of medieval fun. Prism Medical

generously sponsored the Bubble Bus in opening ceremonies.

The day included face painting, balloon artists, photo booth, gauntlet decorating and of course Kiss the Frog. NuMotion (shown above in the center photo), sponsored lunch, ice cream and a chariot (wheelchair) relay with prizes.

Merriment and chivalry continued to rule the day long after staff games and prizes were awarded.

It’s amazing that Special Olympics serve over 4.7 million athletes with disabilities in 169 countries and over 100 million people volunteer to help these games succeed.

Each year Pony Bird Individuals enjoy discov-ering their new found strengths and abilities at Special Olympics. This year’s games were hosted by DeSoto High School on May 12, 2017 at their high school campus. Athletes found fulfillment in each sporting event and enjoyed seeing old friends and volunteers from years past.

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Contact Kelly Feldmann at kfeldmann@ponybird.org or 636-931-5818 if you have any questions.

Registration Form (Deadline: September 8, 2017) o�I am unable to attend, but would like to make a gift of $ _________

Payment:

oCheck oVisa oMasterCard oDiscover

CC# ________________________________________________________

Exp. __________________ Security Code ________________________

Name on Card _______________________________________________

Billing Zip code ___________________

Signature ____________________________________________________Signature confirms agreement for payment.

TOTAL to be billed: Donation _____________________________

TOTAL _______________________________

Return to Pony Bird, Inc., P.O. Box 190, Mapaville, MO 63065

Foursome $800/Per Person $200Cost includes: Green fees/cart, driving range & putting green, gift, box

lunch, dinner, beverages & snacks, contests/events for each golfer and tournament program.

* Sponsorship packages include: One hole sponsorship, thank you at dinner & post-event acknowledgment in Pony Bird’s newsletter.

Don’t delay! Register for the Pony Bird 21st Annual Golf Tournament sponsored by the Ferguson Family Foundation. Complete the form below for sponsorship and team registration for this popular annual event.

MondaySeptember 252017Pevely Farms Golf Club400 Lewis Rd, Eureka, MO 63025

tournament

Tournament ScheduleCheck-in 9:00 am

Shotgun Start 10:00 am

Dinner 4:00 pm

Presentation/Awards 4:30 pm

Dinner Sponsor $60024’w x 18’h acknowledgment sign located at dinner.(Estimated donation value excluding prizes is $600.)

Refreshment Sponsor $50024’w x 18’h acknowledgment sign & small sign on golf cart(Estimated donation value excluding prizes is $500.)

Lunch Sponsor $25024’w x 18’h acknowledgment sign(Estimated donation value excluding prizes is $250.)

Hole Sponsor $15022” diameter acknowledgment signNo more than two lines with 20 characters per line(Estimated donation value excluding prizes is $150.)

In Memory/Honor of Hole Sponsor $10020” heart shaped acknowledgment signNo more than two lines with 20 characters per line(Estimated donation value excluding prizes is $100.)

*Elite Sponsor $2,500 Two foursomes & 4’w x 3’h acknowledgment sign on course.

(Estimated donation value excluding prizes is $1,975.)

*Gold Sponsor $1,500 One foursome & 4’w x 3’h acknowledgment sign on course.

(Estimated donation value excluding prizes is $975.)

*Silver Sponsor $1,250 One foursome & 3’w x 2’h acknowledgment sign on course.

(Estimated donation value excluding prizes is $725.)

*Bronze Sponsor $1,000 One foursome & 24”w x 18”h acknowledgment sign on course.

(Estimated donation value excluding prizes is $475.)

Team/Company Name:* ______________________________________________________*Will be identified in any promotion/media by name listed above.

Address: ____________________________________________________________________

________________________ ________ _________________________________________City State Zip:

E-mail: ______________________________________________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________________________________________

Team Captain: _______________________________________________________________

Player #2:___________________________________________________________________

Player #3:___________________________________________________________________

Player #4:___________________________________________________________________

oSponsorship Level: _________________________________________________________

o Individual Golfer: __________________________________________________________

oHole Sponsorship Message: _________________________________________________

Pony Bird is a registered 501 c3 organization.Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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Sponsorship Opportunities

Special Visits and Gifts

Thank You to Ann Conver from Peoria, IL for donating her time, talent and resources to take portrait photos of the Pony Bird individuals. Ann’s connection to Pony Bird is through her long time college friend, Mona Denny, our Human Resources Coordinator. To see some of Ann’s beautiful photography, visit www.photographybyconver.com.

Ron Thebeau was the barber for individuals at Pony Bird for many years. At his recent re-tirement party he asked that any gifts be in the form of donations to Pony Bird. Thank you, once again, Ron for your generosity!

Linda Dallas, Director of Business Development, & Ron Thebeau.

Dana Hockensmih graciously accepts a check from the Manchester United Methodist Church Men’s Group.

Kyle Drury, Bloomsdale Excavating, presents a $25,250 check from their benefit golf tournament on May 10th to Teresa Gau, Director of Development.

Thanks to Keller Williams for selecting Pony Bird, Inc. as their “RED” Day charity of choice.

Pony Bird truly appreciates all the volunteer support received from community organizations and businesses.

(below) A “BIG” thank you goes out to volunteers from Liberty Mutual Insurance.

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In Honor ofAbelin Oliver Stephen OliverColleen Gormley Sister Rita McGovernJoe & Laura Schlereth in Memory of David Hockensmith Dolores BelpulsiLindell Williams & Patricia Williams Leo Stroup

Ron Thebeau Ronald Thebeau Lowell Parker James Bills Norman Pooker James Burkart David Neptune James Pingel Milton Roedder, Jr. Bruce Freiner Kenneth Spoo Joyce VanderMeulen

Ron Thebeau continued

Robert Propst Corinne & Steve Vogel State Farm-Matt Woods Larry & Doris DeClueSt. Jude for Prayers Answered Jacquelyn & Cal YeckelTommy Keilholz Jean Christensen

In Memory ofAnn Donoghue Sandra Bauer Judy Herzog Janet Timmons Pearl Lutz Carol Klein Kerm & Virginia Davitz Terry & Kathy Zerwig Neil Eisenbeis Francis & Glenda Giesler Lorena Glaser Rosalie Arnold Kathy Facker Edward Mullins Kevin Olson Mary Sutter Ron Diuguid John Schoen Steve Netemeyer Bob Hurd Jerry MoensterArthur “Buzz” Gormley I love you Daddy Buzz, Your Colleen Rosemary SchusterDavid Staat West County Endodontics, Limited

David Staat continued Friedrich Rettig Joan Marentette Rose Murray Terry Lilledahl Robert Stadler Donald Neu Virginia Tesar Donald Moreland Anonymous Debra Hanselman Craig De Doyard David Samuels Kathleen & David Smith Regina Franks Cynthia Moreno Aloys Ripper Susanne Young Richard Weatherly Betty Kastrup Barb Puglisi Martin Dairy Farms Inc Pete Fox Carol Hamilton Cynthia Lammert Stephen Fox Joan O’Neill

David Staat continued

Steven Rader Mary Gatti Frank & Anna Harnacker Greater St.Louis Assoc of Umpires Mary Quinn Rosemary Staat Cheryl Roddy Doris Lohner Nancy Hoddinott Dot Gormley Anne PusateriDorothy Ferguson Gary Wesolowski John CastelliEllen McCord - Cake Lady Leeman McCordFrances Sears The Dental Corner Evelyne AhnenMartha Abernathy Deanna PatekMary Hassell Jean Manning

Rebecca Jean Queen John ShainRichard Brown Mass Mutual Financial Group BJC Shared Services Matthew Torrence Laura Hofer Jill Wright Stephen Millburg Valerie Gray Virginia Swofford Roderic Brown Lisa Whaley Randy Reissing Linda O’Toole Robert Casey Caron Daugherty Thomas Whorton Robert Schlingmann Harry BieserRon Casey Nona & Jerry WilsonTheresa Eisele Frank & Anna Harnacker

Pony Bird would like to thank all the individuals and organizations that have generously donated over the past few months. If we have missed your donation or there is a mistake, please accept our apologies.

Tribute & Memorial donations are a loving way to honor family and friends. Contact Teresa Gau at 636.931.5818 or tgau@ponybird.org.

In Tribute Donations 04/01/17 – 06/30/17

Felica “Fefe” Deshay Banks was born on December 11, 1991. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Felica, at a very young age, moved into Children’s Home in Brent-wood, Missouri. Felica attended Neowehner School for several years while living at Children’s Home. On August 27, 2013 Felica found exactly where she belonged in this world at Pony Bird in Mapaville. Felica was an inspiration to everyone she met. She was strong, compassionate, and always smiling despite the many obstacles she overcame in her short time here on Earth. Felica loved listening to music (especially Justin Timberlake), being outside, holding her Eeyore and caterpillar and listening to other people tell jokes. Her face would light up every time she heard other people laughing which only shows how much she loved people and truly seeing/hearing others happy. Felica was a self-less woman who was always in tune with how other people felt and accounts for the ample amount of friends she made. Felica lived her life with integrity, dignity, and grace every day. She will always be remembered and sincerely missed.

Calendar of EventsSept. 25 Pony Bird Annual Golf

Tournament Pevely Farms Golf Club

(Details and Registration Form available on p.5)

Oct. 13 Pony Bird Passport Wine Tour at Villa Antonio Winery (see back cover for details)

Oct. 29 Pony Bird 40th Anniversary BBQ at Mapaville 1–3:00 p.m.

UpcomingRemembering Felica

Pony Bird Supporters

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Pony Bird, Inc.P.O. Box 190Mapaville, MO 63065

636.931.5818www.ponybird.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDST. LOUIS, MOPERMIT #495

ponybirdblue

PONY BIRD, INCINVITES YOU TO A

FRIDAY, October 13, 20176:00pm – 10:00pm

Villa Antonio Winery3660 Linhorst Road • Hillsboro, MO 63050

$30 per personTicket price includes: Food, Wine, Souvenir Glass & Entertainment

Cash Bar Available

NO OUTSIDE FOOD/DRINKS

For questions or to purchase tickets please contact Kelly Feldmann (kfeldmann@

ponybird.org) on or before October 6.

Limited Tickets Available • Must Be 21 To Attend This event will take place regardless of weather - NO REFUNDS

HOSTED BY

PROCEEDS BENEFIT