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!

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A huge thank you to our 300 guests and 50 volunteers who participated in our annual Reach for Ralph fundraiser on June 13. The event SOLD OUT! Our theme, Caring for the Heart, is about caring for the lives of the people we support and their caregivers. Our people are aging, and our work force is shrinking. You have helped us meet the increasing needs of our rapidly aging population and provide the training and skills our staff need to feel confident and comfortable in their work.

HIGHLIGHTS

· Anne, Linda, Malik and Stacy shared stories about a lifetime of care that Anne has received for 50 years.

· Chris, a young man who is served at our Lancaster home, created a bidding war during the live auction with his offer to “bring coffee and donuts to your next company meeting.” He charmed the crowd and shared his gratitude to the bidders and his mom and dad after selling three donut deliveries at $2,400 each! It was a magical moment.

Visit our Reach for Ralph page at Hammer.org/2024-thank-you to:

· Enjoy the photo gallery from the evening

· Watch the event video featuring the ladies of Black Oaks, who have a combined 152 years of living life to its fullest at Hammer & NER.

Your generous support and enthusiasm mean so much to the 370 people we support, their amazing caregivers, and all of us at Hammer & NER. A special thanks to our generous sponsors.

If you missed out, you can make a difference today by giving a gift at Hammer.org/2024-thank-you

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Hammer’s Reach For Ralph raises more than $300K | Free | hometownsource.com

The post Reach for Ralph a BIG Success appeared first on Hammer.

By: Barbara Tuckner

Every year, the Little Sisters of the Poor in St. Paul would make the trek to Warner’s Stellian during the holidays, and my uncle, Jim Warner would reward the sisters with some libations, food, and money to support their ministry. Even then, the family knew unequivocally how important it was to support those in need with a home for a lifetime. “He took the greatest joy in giving,” says my cousin Duffy (Jeffrey Warner) now president of the company, “He was absolutely giddy in his giving, and talks about the nuns’ visits still to this day.”

Sisters, Barb and Janet Tuckner

One can almost hear Uncle Jim’s voice in the annual hosting of the nuns while his many children look on in admiration and pride. More than likely, Uncle Jim shrugged off the nun’s accolades and proudly delivered a tasteful Catholic vs. Protestant joke. Of course, the Catholics always came out on top, and the nuns likely laughed heartily amongst all the gleaming, new appliances. The Little Sisters of the Poor continue their ministry with a promise to God to consecrate themselves totally to the service of the elderly poor. To this day, Warner’s Stellian supports them on their mission.

Warner’s Stellian also generously supports Hammer Residences. Uncle Jim and Aunt Nonie have yielded gifts to Hammer that extend the length of the eleven family member clan. In addition to private family donations, Warner’s Stellian has sponsored the Reach for Ralph event for the past several years, contributing many coveted items to the silent auction. Additionally, their attendance at the event to bid on sweet trips, outings, and private chef parties, adds tremendously to an evening that drips with happiness and inspiration.

Left to Right: Nancy Timp, Janet Tuckner, Barb Tuckner, Peter Tuckner, Kathy Wallraff, Jack Tuckner, Jean Modjeski. Not pictured: Chris Porcelli, Mary Ongstad, and Paul Tuckner

To see this generosity extended to Hammer warms my heart beyond words and has my sister Janet, served by Hammer in the Avana Apartments, in full brag mode throughout the year. Indeed, it has the entire Tuckner clan in full brag mode as well.

It is with gratitude and love that I thank Uncle Jim, Aunt Nonie, and all their children for showing up so generously within the Hammer community. Long may you and your business thrive and may your children and grandchildren also be blessed with the joys that come with giving.

Fondly, Barb

Barbara Tuckner is the Immediate Past President for the Hammer Board of Directors. Her father, Jerry Tuckner served on Hammer’s Board and the Finance Committee for too many years to count.

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CEO of Coldwell Banker Burnet, Joe Reis and wife Kathy

The company mission statement includes the language: Positive Experiences for our Customers and Communities. With community support in mind, the company created the Coldwell Banker Burnet Foundation to support housing-related needs of people at all stages of life in the communities served. For the past several years, Coldwell Banker Burnet Foundation has been the presenting sponsor of Hammer’s signature fundraising event, Reach for Ralph.

“Because we live and work in the community, we give back and support organizations that help those in need, like Hammer,” said Coldwell Banker Burnet CEO and longtime Hammer volunteer, Joe Reis.

Joe and his wife Kathy began volunteering for Hammer Residences more than 25 years ago through their church, Holy Name of Jesus in Medina. In 2010, Joe joined Hammer’s Board of Directors building on the relationships he developed with the people served by Hammer, who he drove to church so many Sunday mornings. Those precious relationships deepened during worship and fellowship, guiding his and Kathy’s commitment to Hammer.

“We believe in Hammer’s mission to help those we serve live life to the fullest, respecting their abilities,” said Joe and Kathy. “We truly believe we have received more than we have given.”

Joe, Kathy, and Don

One special friend was Don Rudd, who came to live at Hammer as a child and was supported for 41 years before he passed away at the age of 55. Joe recalls their special relationship fondly. “Our family learned from Don’s positive attitude, the way he approached people with such exuberance. After mass, Don greeted many with ‘Good to see you, how are you?’ Whatever their response, he always responded, ‘I AGREE’. He was such a joy to be around. At Don’s memorial service, his sister Mindy remembered the gifts he brought to her life. She said that for so many years, she thought she was helping and teaching Don. In the end, she realized it was he who was teaching her and so many others. As I listened to her, I thought, I AGREE!”

Joe, Karen, and staff in NYC

Another special friend is Karen Thorud, a talented singer and performer who has appeared in numerous productions at the Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. She lives in a Hammer apartment in Crystal. Karen always dreamed of traveling to New York City. Joe and Kathy learned about Karen’s dream and made a personal commitment to make her dream come true. “During her trip to NYC, she had a chance to try out at the Apollo Theater, attend Mama Mia on Broadway and do lots of sightseeing. Karen shared the details of her trip with us with such infectious joy. She definitely made us feel like we had made a big difference in her life.”

“We are very proud of Joe for going above and beyond in volunteering in the community,” said Robin Peterson, president of Coldwell Banker Burnet. “He is a fine example of how our leaders and employees value service and are committed to giving back.”

Join us at Reach for Ralph, Hammer’s annual summer benefit on Thursday, July 14th.
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