Honoring a Special Olympics Coach

From brand exposure to product promotion, donations benefit our company in many ways. But the joy we get from them does not come from those benefits. It comes from knowing we have helped others in some way. Here at Coller Industries Incorporated, we take our responsibility to the community seriously. So, we are always looking for donation opportunities. Recently, we had the privilege of giving back to our local community here in Salt Lake County, Utah. Give a big cheer to our latest donation recipient: The Panthers Special Olympics Utah Team.

Examples of Coller Industries Incorporated products, including name tags, badge holder, name plate, award plaque, lanyard and rosette ribbon.

A Special Olympics team pays tribute to their coach a month after her passing.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Vertical Graphic Ribbons

A purple ribbon with a vertical orientation, imprinted with gold text and a heart graphic used for special olympics.

Made of quality satin, Vertical Graphic Ribbons are a popular choice for fundraisers, conventions and trade shows. While they are often used to promote products, services or sales, graphic ribbons can serve almost any purpose. And, they let you add a graphic or logo to go with your text. Customize the size, font, imprint and material colors to make these ribbons right for you. With different fastener options available, attach the ribbons to a piece of clothing or wear them with a name tag.

We donated 500 Vertical Graphic Ribbons to help the Panthers pay tribute to their former coach, Agnes Marino. A long time volunteer, she passed away September 17, 2019. Keith Tondro, an Assistant Equipment Manager for Special Olympics, spoke highly of Marino. “She gave many years of service and has been an icon for Special Olympics. These ribbons will be worn by the athletes as they compete in the Fall Sports Classic on October 18 and 19, 2019 in golf, bocce and soccer.”

The athletes wore purple badge ribbons to honor their coach as they competed in different locations in Salt Lake City, Utah. The ribbons included a heart with the name of their team and former coach. With the memory of Marino in their hearts, they played bocce ball at Northwest Middle School, golf at Rose Park Golf Course and soccer at Salt Lake Regional Athletic Complex. They did Marino proud by placing third in soccer, even while playing in stormy weather. Tondro said, “The Panthers fought hard and played well.”

Tondro, whose son, Darrell Tondro, is on the Panthers team, describes how Special Olympics benefits people with disabilities.

“Developing skills, building self-esteem and having fun, all while participating in year-round sports training and competition, is the life of a Special Olympics Utah athlete. Whatever their skill level, with eight sports to choose from, plus the Motor Activities Training Program (MATP), Special Olympics Utah has something for every person with an intellectual disability.”

No matter what product we donate, it is always a privilege to support organizations like Special Olympics. And this time, we got to help pay tribute to a woman who, like us, wanted to give back to the community. For us, giving back through donations is a way of saying thank you to those who make our company successful. After all, where would we be without the people in this community, our customers. So, thank you Special Olympics Utah for letting us serve you and your remarkable athletes. Go Panthers!

The Panthers Special Olympics Utah Team honor a former coach by wearing custom badge ribbons during their Fall Sports Classic in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 18 and 19, 2019.

Hosting the Fundraiser of the Year

From getting branding exposure to helping with a fundraiser and promoting products and services, giving back to the community is hugely beneficial for our business. But, it isn’t about what we get in return for our efforts. It’s all about who we are helping.

Building trust, helping those in need and understanding our community are where we try to put our focus. We invest in our community by donating our time and products. So, ring a bell and give a hearty hello to our latest donation recipient: Ladies Leukemia League, Inc. and their annual Fête de Noël fundraiser.

Ladies Leukemia League, Inc.

The Ladies Leukemia League, Inc. is an organization of 225 women who have dedicated themselves to the purpose of raising funds for leukemia research. Proceeds from early fundraising efforts were donated to the new leukemia ward at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and also to local leukemia research efforts. This later expanded to include leukemia research efforts in the Gulf South region, which includes Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Ladies Leukemia League, Inc.

(Since the society’s inception in 1969 they) have raised over $3.6 million in “pilot” or “seed” money for research scientists working in leukemia and lymphoma research, or related fields. The organization was incorporated in 1971 and became known as the Ladies Leukemia League, Inc. (LLL).

LLL, Inc. has gained the reputation of being an organization of dedicated women volunteers making a genuine and meaningful contribution to finding a cure for leukemia. The annual luncheon and fashion show, always enhanced by various drawings for special prizes, has had recent attendance of close to 1100 people; it has grown bigger and better with age.

red dyna satin continuous print ribbon rolls with metallic gold imprint for the LLL fundraiser

DYNA Satin Ribbon: Continuous Printing

DYNA Satin Ribbon has a medium soft feel and a slight sheen that makes it easier to work with than regular acetate ribbon. And, as it is 100% polyester, it won’t fray or tear. Customize this beautiful ribbon choice with a logo and text repeated along the entire length of the ribbon to make it the perfect choice for finishing baskets, boxes, bags and floral arrangements.

Melba Bruce, Co-President of Ladies Leukemia League, Inc., said, “The ribbon donation will help defray the cost of LLL’s Fête de Noël, the premier fundraiser for the holiday season. (We are using it) to support bells distributed to guests, Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at the fundraiser.”

LLL ordered red ribbon with a gold imprint with “50th Anniversary Ladies Leukemia League 2019” printed on the ribbon to celebrate the 50th year since the inception of LLL.

Recent Media Coverage Featuring the Ladies Leukemia League, Inc. Fundraiser

Nell Nolan: Ladies Leukemia League

“Believe” was the theme for the 2018 annual Fête de Noël of the Ladies Leukemia League Inc. (The event included) a luncheon of salad, roasted loin of pork and holiday doberge cake; for-purchase centerpieces; invitation and program artwork by Chrissy Gregg Baynham; a silent auction; special raffles; and door prizes added more accents. Profit from the always popular luncheon will run more than $130,000 for LLL’s challenge against leukemia. Believe!

Ladies Leukemia League Fete de Noel Generates $130,000 for Research

Members of the Ladies Leukemia League, Inc. know how party for a cause, and this was the 49th year the LLL’s Fête de Noël served as a festive start to the Christmas season. Almost 1,000 attendees helped to raise $130,000 that will go toward leukemia research.

Ladies Leukemia League Installs Officers

Melba Bruce and Jacquelyn Milan were recently installed as co-presidents of the Ladies Leukemia League. The Fête de Noël, the group’s largest fundraiser, will be held in December.

Fashionable Ribbons & Spina Bifida

Fashionable Ribbons and a donation to Spina Bifida Texas

From getting branding exposure to making ribbons fashionable and promoting products and services, giving back to the community is hugely beneficial for any business. But, it isn’t about what you get in return for your efforts. It’s about who you are helping.

And, here at Coller Industries, we understand that helping out in our community is fashionable. The best thing we get back when we give is the knowledge that we have helped someone. Investing in the community by donating our products is one of our best forms of marketing. But again, it isn’t just about the marketing possibilities; it’s about the people. So, no matter the need, every donation we make comes with the knowledge that what we do is important for everyone.

This Week’s Donation Spotlight: Spina Bifida Texas (SBTX)

Spina Bifida Texas and their FashionABLE programs

The mission of SBTX is to improve the lives of those affected by Spina Bifida and to promote its prevention through folic acid awareness. Our aim is to increase the quality of life of those with disabilities through our programs and resources. Our goal is to decrease the incidence of Spina Bifida through folic acid awareness. At Spina Bifida Texas (SBTX) we value community, education, and family.

Custom Badge Ribbons (Vertical)

Whether horizontal or vertical, these fashionable custom badge ribbons are perfect for any event. They make beautiful awards and also aid in recognizing and identifying sponsors, attendees and so much more. Use these vertical text and graphic ribbons and customize them to fit all of your event needs. Add nearly any text you need and even custom logos and graphics. Choose from a variety of fonts and ribbon and imprint colors to match your event’s theme or to add a pop of color to add to name badges and badge holders.

custom badge ribbons are a fashionable item to have at any event

Elizabeth Rivera, Project Coordinator for the SBTX FashionABLE event, provided this excellent description of the organization and event.

FashionABLE (as in “I am able”) is a one-of-a-kind program that started 12 years ago. SBTX partners high school design students with children who have disabilities. The high school students are tasked with creating a garment specific to the child’s needs. Children with physical disabilities and their families face challenges in many areas, and this is frequently true where clothing is involved. These children often have self-esteem issues, especially with their physical appearance as it may not be what society considers the ‘norm.’ Their bodies may not be proportional and finding clothing that fits is difficult.

Mobility issues require that many children use orthotics or prosthetics to assist them in their daily activities. These devices are often bulky, which also poses a problem when trying to find clothing. Many of these children have issues with fine motor skills and buttons and zippers sometimes become an obstacle when they try to dress independently. Some of the children are totally dependent on their caregivers for all their needs and finding clothing that is easily slipped on and off is sometimes difficult. Our program was developed to address these issues in an innovative way.

Creating a “FashionABLE” Community

Understanding our community needs teaches that no matter the setting, there are things to constantly focus on to keep it healthy. In order to help people feel that they belong somewhere, we support and manage these insights. And this comes with accepting each other and the diversity of those around you. This community understanding makes us responsible for those around us. This community responsibility not only aids those in need, but assists everyone influenced by any actions in that community. And, we think that is just like this organization: fashionable!

Donations are one way that makes us more responsible in our community. And, building trust in our community is not only a requirement but also the best way to maintain any community. This unified trust is why we, as a company, are always looking to help out in our neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Leukemia, Fundraisers and DYNA Ribbons

What does leukemia have to do with personalized ribbons?

Giving back to the community defines Coller Industries Incorporated’s mission of service. Through our motto of To Serve Our Customers and in maintaining our business practices, every donation helps us reach out to our community. Our most recent donation goes to a fantastic company who is supporting those who have leukemia.

Lisa Baynham, President of Ladies Leukemia League, Inc. describes the organization as “Dedicated, Enthusiastic and Fun.”

Ladies Leukemia League, Inc.Ladies Leukemia League, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to raising funds to help find a cure for leukemia and lymphoma. Founded in 1969, Ladies Leukemia League annually awards all funds raised to leukemia and lymphoma research scientists via a grant program. Over the past 48 years, they have raised over $3.7 million in the hopes of finding a cure for these diseases.

“Our only fundraiser is our annual FÊTE de NÖEL Luncheon held in December in New Orleans,” said Baynham. “This event is the premier opening to the holiday season, and over 1,100 attendees attend. The event features a New York-style runway Fashion Show by Dillards. It also features three or four area-children who are facing the challenges of dealing with this disease. The event also includes raffles, a parade of prizes and a silent auction.”

Personalized DYNA Satin Ribbon Rolls

dyna satin ribbon donation for Ladies Leukemia League, Inc.Value priced DYNA Satin Ribbons are perfect for tying bows, gift wrapping and product packaging. The high-quality ribbon won’t fray or tear and has a slight sheen. Made from 100% polyester with fused edges, this ribbon is available in a variety of sizes as well as a large selection of colors.

Coller Industries donated personalized ribbons which we will use to make jingle bell necklaces for our fundraiser attendees,” said Baynham. “This donation helps reduce the overhead cost of this event so we can maximize the profits donated to leukemia research.”

Every donation we give becomes a part of who we are. And every organization we help, such as Ladies Leukemia League, Inc., defines why service is a must for our company. So, as we get to know those who help with fighting this disease, this donation makes us even more grateful for every opportunity to give back to our community.

Education Continues To Celebrate Excellence

Due to Coller Industries Incorporated’s continual support and donations, we were able to be a part of the “Excel Evening of Honors” on April 13th. Granite Education Foundation presents awards each year to exceptional teachers and administrators working in their district.

It all starts with the smallest of donations: TIME.

Since Granite Education Foundation’s inception in 1988, educator recognition and support has been a key priority. The Excel Awards are a prestigious honor given to the top 10 educators of Granite School District and has been sponsored by Granite Education Foundation since the beginning. Students, administrators, parents and colleagues nominate educators that exemplify the values of Granite School District.

coller industries enjoys giving back to our community through donations to granite education foundation

“Watching the videos of each teacher and their stories and how they make a difference in the kid’s lives was the best part of the evening,” Hannah, Customer Service Manager and Coller Industries Incorporated, said.

Being a professional educator isn’t an easy job. Sometimes it can even be a thankless job. But, thanks to these amazing teachers and administrators, public education continues to excel.

Each year, GEF supporters gather to recognize outstanding teachers, administrators and community members whose personal commitment and contribution impacts 68,000 students in the Granite School District. The Excel Award is bestowed upon nine teachers and one administrator that have been nominated by school administrators, colleagues or students.

Here are the 2018 Excel Award winners.
Congratulations to these incredible educators!

the 2018 granite education foundation excel award winners(Top to bottom; left to right.)

Leah Tarrant – Taylorsville High School
Lori Lindford – Bennion Elementary
Jill Thackeray – Skyline High School
Jodi Larson – Upland Terrace School
Stephanie Varoz – Crestview Elementary
Amy Winder – Elk Run Elementary
Katie Pearce – Rolling Meadows Elementary
Brandon Kerby – Cyprus High School
Janice Wayman – Hartvigsen School
Archer Birrell – Hillside Elementary

These individuals are then put through a rigorous review and observation process by experienced education specialists who ultimately identify 10 teachers and administrators from all over the district. In mid April, up to 300 individuals from Granite School District, supporting businesses, community members, and local leaders gather to recognize and honor these 10 winners in the Night of Honors a dinner and award ceremony.

As Coller Industries makes generous donations each year to the foundation, we were able to attend this gala not only as distinguished guests but also as an award presenter. After explaining Coller Industries to the attendees, Hannah proudly presented Archer Birrell, a 3rd-grade teacher at Hillside Elementary, with his Excel Award.

While our role is small in comparison to each of these educators, we are beyond happy that we get to take part in this fantastic award opportunity. In a nutshell, “We donate money for clothes and shoes for the kids in the Granite School District. Then we get to honor these great teachers for their excellent work by presenting the award on behalf of Coller Industries and the Granite Education Foundation,” Hannah said.

customer donations coller industries and granite education foundation excel awards galaThe Granite Education Foundation Excel Award

Each Excel Award recipient received a sculpture, designed by local Utah sculptor Matt Glenn. This sculpture comes in two parts. The bottom portion has the four Granite Education Foundation hand icons from their logo. Each hand symbolized educate, give, volunteer and advocate. The top portion is a student’s hand reaching for a teacher’s hand. This piece is also reversible so that the teacher’s hand is extending up toward the student’s hand.

“Educational awards, such as the GEF Excel Award, are awesome because children are the future,” Hannah said. “Teachers are important and deserve this recognition for what they do for our children.”

And, we agree. These teachers are very deserving of this prestigious award. We want to thank these teachers and all the others who work endlessly for the welfare of our kids. You all make a huge difference!