Novel idea supports Reach for Ralph and strengthens connections

Chris Ringe joined the Hammer & NER family in 2017. He is an active, friendly, outgoing guy with a big heart. His parents, Mitch and Judi Marie, were thrilled when Chris was invited to live at the Lancaster home, where he instantly clicked with Jacob Snell, the home’s Program Manager at the time. “Jacob and Chris had a way of communicating that worked so well from the very start,” says Judi Marie. “Jacob was patient and kind in listening to us and answering all our questions. From the first day, Chris had people in his court. You can feel the support, you can see it. There’s something special there.”

Although Jacob has moved on to another home, each new Program Manager has brought fresh observations and strategies that are helpful to Chris. “The team of DSPs are rock solid,” the Ringes say. “They consistently step up, being there for Chris.”

Earlier this year, as our annual Reach for Ralph fundraiser approached, the Ringes came up with a fun idea: Coffee & Donuts with Chris as a live auction item. Chris and his parents would make a special delivery to the winning bidder with the proceeds benefiting Hammer & NER. When Coffee & Donuts with Chris came up for bid, Chris and Mitch were on stage. Chris eagerly stepped to the mic and rallied the crowd. It wasn’t long before a “bidding war” ensued. The auctioneer paused and asked Chris if he would like to provide THREE Coffee & Donuts with Chris deliveries. Chris said, “Yes!”

The Ringes with Julie Wesley-Wong

One of those bidders was Julie Wesley-Wong, a Hammer & NER Board member and longtime supporter. Julie happens to work in early childhood special education for the Osseo School District and worked with Chris over 30 years ago! Things came full circle when Chris stopped by to deliver Coffee & Donuts with Chris to the district’s early childhood special education team. “I thought it would be fun to share Chris’s story with my colleagues,” says Julie. “It was nice to see one of ‘our kids’ all grown up and living his best life and to learn about his success.” (Chris is pictured above with Julie and some of his former teachers at the Osseo School District.)

The Good Shepherd Lutheran women’s Bible study group

Another winning bidder was Karen Morgan. She and her husband, Bob, joined Tim and Amy Haugen (whose daughter is supported at one of our homes) at Reach for Ralph. “I happily bid on Coffee & Donuts with Chris,” Karen says, “to support the great work Hammer & NER does in providing important services to people with special needs. And secondly, as a retired occupational therapist who worked in pediatrics, I have a very special place in my heart for this population. I knew my women’s Bible Study group would welcome Chris and his parents with open arms! Everyone agreed that Chris was a great ambassador for Hammer & NER.”

Chris with Jim Bebo at Reach for Ralph

The third winning bidder was Jim Bebo, a long-time generous supporter and Community Partner.

Coffee & Donuts with Chris raised $7,200 for Hammer & NER. Thank you to the Ringes, Julie, Karen, and Jim for your support!