Kirsten Aird
Board Chair
It is hard for me to believe that Chelsea’s Closet is celebrating its 5th year. Some days it feels like yesterday that Chelsea’s family and small group of friends and confidants sat around a table agreeing to establish a non-profit foundation in Chelsea’s name. Other days, if definitely feels like it has been five years. There is a lot of emotion and heart that goes into volunteering for a foundation that brings joy, happiness and amazing memories for children and their families. I have shared tears of joy watching children laugh and smile and sadness for the loss of children who have changed our lives forever.
My time as board chair and as a board member for the Chelsea Hicks Foundation will end in 2014. This is my last opportunity as a board member to share with CHF friends and donors how important and special this organization is and how grateful we are for your support. As I write this I am a little choked up with tears welling in my eyes because I am so proud of CHF and our Chelsea’s Closet program.
June is often the beginning of Oregon’s summer sun and the beautiful outdoors. Sadly, though, some Oregon children will be in hospital rooms, hooked up to machines with medicine, often not feeling great, and definitely not outside. But, Chelsea’s closet will be there to bring the sunshine and outdoor adventure inside. Cowgirls, zoo keepers, princesses and super heroes will feel the sun beaming on their face because of play and imagination the Closet brings each month.
So, this summer when you are on vacation, sitting by the beach, hiking in the mountains, or just enjoying a backyard BBQ; have fun, play and make memories. Honor those in your lives who fill you with hope and love. And, consider sharing some of your time with CHF. We can always use the help and summer time is a great time to volunteer in the warehouse or to join our $5/month Coffee Club. CHF is growing because of people like you sharing their time, talents and treasure. We hope you will join us.
To the CHF staff and board, thank you. It has been an honor to serve Chelsea’s memory through this work. I am so proud of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to seeing CHF grow in magnificent ways.
Sincerely,
Kirsten Aird
Board Chair
