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PRESS RELEASE

43rd Annual Blarney Breakfast

$47,000 raised

Wichita, KS – The 43rd Annual Blarney Breakfast, a benefit for Rainbows United, Inc., kicked off St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebrations in Wichita at Old Chicago East this morning.

More than 800 people attended, raising $47,000 in net proceeds to benefit children birth – 21 with special needs served through Rainbows’ Targeted Case Management Program. “It’s a great event bringing the public, businesses and celebrities together to support children with special needs,” said Margaret Shook, event Chair, Chi Epsilon Chapter of ESA.

“A highlight of the event was the presentation of specialized equipment to several Rainbows’ children as part of the event,” said Deb Voth, President.

Celebrities from the Wichita area, including Sean Tarbell of Davis-Moore Auto Group, Sierra Scott, KAKE TV anchors, and other Wichita personalities were on hand to meet guests and serve coffee. KEYN 103.7FM, Power 93.5, KNSS and KAKE TV also provided live broadcasts from the event.

The first 750 Blarney Breakfast attendees received a free commemorative 43rd Annual Blarney Breakfast mug, courtesy of Vornado Air.

Recipient of the I LOVE ICT gift basket was Ada Marciniak of Andover.

Blarney Breakfast partners are: Chi Epsilon Chapter of ESA, Old Chicago East, KAKE, Docuplex, Chris Cakes of Wichita, KEYN 103.7FM, Power 93.5, KNSS, Dunkin’ Donuts and Armstrong | Chamberlin.

Blarney Sponsors are: Spirit AeroSystems, Bob & Arlo Casper, Vornado Air, Davis-Moore Auto Group, Textron Aviation, Koch Industries, Inc., Black Hills Energy, LS Industries, Inc., Linder and Associates, Cox Communications, The Hale and Janie Ritchie family, Sherwin Williams, SWPlus, George, Bowerman and Noel P.A., Dale & Alice Wiggins, Joseph, Hollander & Craft, LLC, Telcom Insurance Group, Bill & Lisa Farris, John and Lorie Angelo plus Jerry Newman and Diane Cottingham.

Rainbows’ Targeted Case Managers help families overcome barriers by helping them identify what they want for their child, how to access available services and resources, as well as helping coordinate the child’s education, purchased services and natural supports.

The Intellectual/Developmental Delay services provided by Rainbows includes respite and on-going care, case management, supplies and any assistance that is needed with durable medical equipment.

For more information, contact Michelle Eastman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at 316.558.3435 or visit RainbowsUnited.org.

Rainbows United, Inc. enhances the lives of children with special needs and their families by bringing together community resources and providing customized services.

Dylan’s story

My son, Dylan was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy – Spastic Quadriplegia and Developmental Delay at around 2 years old. This means Dylan cannot walk unassisted and has limited muscle control. Now a bright 13 year old, Dylan spends most of his time in a wheelchair.

Due to Dylan’s diagnosis, it has been very challenging for us to adapt our day-to-day living. Not only have we had to physically adapt things, but we’ve also had to learn how to care for Dylan and meet his specific needs on a daily basis. Dylan requires full assistance in doing routine tasks such as getting dressed, going to the bathroom, showering, and preparing meals.

Dylan currently receives Targeted Case Management services through Rainbows United and attends Rainbows’ Camp Woodchuck each summer. However, he has really been working with Rainbows since he was only a few months old.  When he was an infant, he received physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, and vision therapy all through Rainbows’ services. He even attended preschool at their Child Care program from 3-5 years old.

Rainbows has helped our family so much. In the beginning, they showed us how to care for Dylan and taught us what he needed. As he’s gotten older, Dylan has learned to become more independent. He has learned to speak for himself when he needs things. He is becoming more confident and making more friends.

Rainbows’ entire staff have been nothing but helpful to us. They are very knowledgeable, and if one staff member can’t answer a question, they will find someone who can. Dylan’s Targeted Case Manager is Emma Low. She is very kind, always checking in with us to see what we need. She has always been there when I have questions about Dylan and his needs. As his Case Manager, she has helped us get funding for medical equipment and helps secure the financing that allows Dylan to attend Camp Woodchuck. At Camp, Dylan is able to be around other kids just like him. They go field trips and do fun stuff. This allows him to get out and have fun, and also lets us have some quality time with our daughter. Most recently, Emma helped us get our bathroom remodeled for Dylan and his unique physical needs.

People who know Dylan would say he is a very kind-hearted boy. He is always thinking of others. He is a great friend and really cares about his family. He enjoys playing baseball and has recently started adaptive power soccer.

Proceeds from this year’s Blarney Breakfast are going to cover expenses for an adaptive tricycle for Dylan! This will provide an opportunity for Dylan to receive therapeutic benefits and spend time with his friends. Dylan receives physical therapy services through his school and through Harter Physical Therapy in Goddard. One of Dylan’s physical therapist says, “An adaptive tricycle will also have health benefits for Dylan as it will allow him to get regular exercise, improve his strength, range of motion, endurance and activity level.” We are so grateful!
     -Dawn Schneider, Dylan’s Mom

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dylan and his family since I started doing case management back in 2015. Dylan’s parents are wonderful advocates for him and his needs! It is an honor to be able to assist them with accessing resources for Dylan’s home modification and services such as summer camp. It’s a joy to see him enjoy his time there.”
     -Emma Low, Rainbows’ Targeted Case Manager

You could win a brand new Lexus RX350!

$100 Ticket(s)