Elizabeth Romero Benefits FROM EL POMAR FOUNDATION

KARL E. EITEL FUND

Eric, Elizabeth and Emily Romero    See more pictures of Elizabeth below.

 

The Rush-Miller Foundation was excited to be able to help Elizabeth Romero get her "OWN" tandem bike.  Like her sister Elizabeth has been blind since birth from Leber's Disease.  RMF knows the Romero's well because on July 8, 2001, Emily Romero became the first tandem bike recipient from our foundation.  At the time Elizabeth was too young to be eligible for a bike.  But this year she turned 5 and much to Emily's relief she got her own bike.  It seems Elizabeth was always trying to scam more rides on Emily's bike.  Well we can't have that so it was through the generosity of the El Pomar Foundation that the Romero Family Feud is officially over!

During the bike donation the girls were fortunate to meet Matt King.  Matt competed in two paralympics, Atlanta and Sydney, as a tandem cyclist for the US Paralympics.  Matt has several national cycling championships and is a great mentor for all blind and visually impaired children.  RMF is fortunate to have Matt as a member of the board of directors.  Matt engaged all of the group to live life with passion and to never allow something like blindness to hold you back.  During the day two twin brothers from Grand Junction received tandems link to their pictures by clicking here.

Karl E. Eitel served as a Trustee of El Pomar Foundation from 1975 to 1998. As an advocate for youth, he believed strongly in supporting organizations that contribute to the development of Colorado's young people. The current Trustees created the Karl E. Eitel Fund as a tribute to his legacy and to further enhance the Foundation's youth development strategy. Each year, the selection committee grants $50,000 to provide funding and support for initiatives and programs for at-risk youth in Colorado. Those who knew Mr. Eitel best, members of his family, sit on the selection committee along with a Foundation Trustee.

El Pomar Foundation was established in 1937, by Spencer and Julie Penrose, to provide resources and opportunities for all future generations of Coloradans. This general-purpose foundation supports nonprofit organizations that work in the arts and humanities, education, health, human services, and civic and community initiatives. 

To learn more about the El Pomar Foundation please visit their website at: www.elpomar.org .

RMF is honored to receive support from the El Pomar Foundation.  They not only support non-profits financially, but also provide educational opportunities.  Through close relationships with many of their fellows the Rush-Miller Foundation has been able to get off to a great start.  We are especially grateful to Paul Zeckser, who has now moved on to graduate school in Washington, DC.

 

            

Pictures from Left to Right:  1) Emily and Elizabeth arrive at shop;   2)  Pat shows Emily the bike while Elizabeth gets ready to ride;  3)  Kids with Matt King and Eric  4)  Matt King addresses the group;  5)  Eric and Matt King

 

                        

Pics L-R:   1)  Pat puts finishing touches on for Elizabeth;   2)  Elizabeth starts on her first ride on HER bike;  3)   Elizabeth is not crying and Eric is HAPPY!!! (Inside joke, Emily cried the whole ride when she got her bike);  4)  Elizabeth and Eric riding.

 

Thank You Tandem Cycle Works!

Pat and Lynn (Shop Owners)

  Smile Pat