A check mark with charitable benefits
Jackie Weimer, a race horse trainer with 30 percent lung capacity, was helped by Goodwill Denver to get new equipment for her ranch. She can now train her horses safely and without pain.
Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of Goodwill Industries and Make-A-Wish Foundation
Gear up and make your mark for the 10th annual Checkoff Colorado campaign! This program enables Colorado taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to their favorite charitable organizations when they file their state income tax return. Goodwill Industries Fund will be included as a beneficiary for the first time this year.
“The donations we receive through the tax checkoff program will support our efforts to help thousands of Coloradoans who benefit from Goodwill’s job training, placement, and retention programs,” said Goodwill Industries of Denver CEO Jesse Wolff.
The participating organizations in the collaborative campaign for 2011 include: Colorado Domestic Abuse Program Fund; Special Olympics Colorado Fund; Pet Overpopulation Fund; Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund; Alzheimer’s Association Fund; Military Family Relief Fund; Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado; Colorado 2-1-1 First Call for Help Fund; and the Goodwill Industries Fund. The option to donate to these groups can be found on lines 28 through 42 on the 2011 Colorado 104 income tax form.
Katrina Cook with Make-A-Wish Foundation states, “Every year, hundreds of parents throughout Colorado receive the news that their child has a life-threatening medical condition. These children often miss the day to day joys of childhood as they are stuck in undergoing treatments and sitting in hospital beds, she explained.
“The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado works in bringing hope, strength and joy into these kids’ lives by granting their one true wish. This tax season Colorado taxpayers can help to share the power of a wish simply by making a contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation on their state tax returns,” she said.
“The great thing about checkoff giving is the ease in which people can donate to worthy Colorado charities,” said Jon Pushkin, spokesman for Checkoff Colorado. “A $10 donation can make a huge impact, and every dollar donated stays in Colorado to support the critical services and programs these nonprofits provide.”
For more information, visit Checkoff Colorado’s website at www.checkoffcolorado.org.
Lft. Brandon Garcia went from nearly dropping out of high school to becoming the first in his family to graduate thanks to the assistance and mentorship of a Goodwill teacher at North High School. Rt. Cancer patient, 3 year old Cooper, was granted his wish through Make-A-Wish to go to LegoLand in California with his family. Cooper is now in remission.
