We did it!!!  We finished running another 5K!   

As some of you may remember I ran a 5K 2 years ago.  It was wonderful.  Last summer I had a few medical problems requiring surgery which kept me from running.  But I'm back and have recruited Tim to run with me!!

During my training, our 11 year old son Chandler asked if he could run with me.  I explained how long the run would be (3.1miles).  He thought he could so it and of course he did!!!   Everything we collect will be in his name to donate to Village Northwest.  He is hoping to be the youngest runner and highest fundraiser!!!!!

Well he has reached one of his goals... he ran the 5K, placed 9th over all and 1st in his age group.  But most importantly, he beat both his mom and dad in the race!!!  This is a huge deal to a kid:) 

As far as the fundraising goes, Chandler is currenlty in 3rd place.  He only needs a couple hundred more dollars to be the highest fundraiser.  Then he would reach all the gols he set out to accomplish.

Once again we are running in Village Northwest Unlimited's Run Walk Roll race. I have worked at the Village for 6 years now and love it!  I work with adults with mental retardation and brain injuries.  The Run Walk Roll is a fundraising event, so once again I'm calling on my friends and family to sponsor me.  The last time I ran, I was able to raise the most money ($1800)!! So, of course, I'm setting our goal higher this year, $2000.  I know we can do it!!

Village Northwest is a wonderful place that does really great things for people with disabilities and brain injuries.  I have been thinking for several weeks how I can inspire you to want to give to a place I am so passionate about.  I have come to realize there is not enough room on this page to tell you about all the great miracles that happen here on a daily basis. Instead I will try to sum things up in a couple of paragraphs:)

VNU provides homes, work opportunities, learning skills and therapies to our clients. Everyday I'm reminded of the little things in life that are really important.  Like a cup of coffee or a can of pop, a smile in the hallway every time you walk down it, sitting up for 30 seconds without loosing your balance, hearing the words "I love you" from someone who doesn't usually talk, or being able to feed yourself lunch. Everyday is something new and wonderful! Unfortunately not everyone sees it that way...People with disabilities are discriminated against. 

VNU is doing everything we can to try to keep the funds we have by meeting with local and state government officials in an attempt to make some changes.  But we need help!!  This is why I'm asking, pleading, begging or whatever it takes to get you to donate a little to a great place.

Despite the funding issues we have, VNU continues to provide top notch services. It was just announced that the Village is one of the finalists for the Governor's Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities in the state of Iowa.

The gal that I'm pictured with here is from Alaska. Her parents wanted the best place in the nation to help their daughter.  They researched the Internet and scheduled visits to several facilities across the country.  After visiting VNU they knew this was the place.  Shanna has lived here for over 3 years. I have had the opportunity to become very close with Shanna.  I was able to go to Alaska with her this winter to visit her family. Just recently Shanna was able to compete in the Special Olympics for the first time ever!!  And of course, she won her race earning a blue ribbon!!! (I'm sure it was the coaching:)

I am very fortunate to have such a great job and to be able to work with such great people. But without donations to help supplement our decreasing government funding, VNU won't be here forever.  So please consider donating!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. A donation receipt will be mailed to you for tax purposes as well. If you don't feel comfortable using this site with a debt or credit card, you can send a check to my address.

Checks can be made out to VNU.  Send them to:

Cheri  or Chandler Brunsting

1714 2nd St

Hull, Iowa 51239

We also take cash donations.  If you want to drop them off at the house or call us, we will come and pick them up! 712-439-2620

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page! I know we will be able to reach our goal!!
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!