- Rainbows United

Commemorating 50 Years of Empowering Children & Families

Rainbows: 50 years of empowering children and families documents the history of the agency from the very beginning. Linda Weir Enegren shares her memories alongside many board members, staff, families and volunteers. It’s a book you will want to read cover to cover.

In 2022, Rainbows United proudly celebrated 50 years of serving children with special needs and their families. Throughout the year, we reflected on our history, honored those who helped build our organization, and celebrated the impact Rainbows has made in the community since 1972.

50th Anniversary Seal

Rainbows partnered with Gardner Design to create a special 50th Anniversary seal commemorating this milestone year. The seal appeared on organizational materials, publications, and communications throughout 2022 and featured the tagline, “50 Years of Empowering Children and Families.”

Commemorative Book

To honor the organization’s history, Rainbows United’s Board of Directors commissioned a commemorative book documenting the people, milestones, and stories that shaped the organization over five decades. Through interviews with donors, staff, families, volunteers, and community supporters, the book captured the legacy of Rainbows United and its continued commitment to children with special needs and their families.

Community Celebration

On June 24, 2022, families, employees, donors, volunteers, and community partners gathered at Riverfront Stadium in Wichita to celebrate Rainbows United’s 50th anniversary. The event provided an opportunity to reconnect, share memories, and recognize the many individuals whose support has helped Rainbows grow and serve generations of families.

Limited-Edition Anniversary Apparel

As part of the celebration, Rainbows United offered a collection of limited-edition apparel and merchandise featuring the 50th Anniversary seal and commemorative branding. These items helped supporters celebrate and remember this important milestone year.

Historical Timeline

A visual historical timeline was created to showcase the growth and evolution of Rainbows United over its first 50 years. The timeline highlighted major milestones, service expansions, organizational growth, and the thousands of children and families impacted since the organization’s founding in 1972.

From serving five children with multiple disabilities in the basement of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church to supporting thousands of children and families annually, the timeline illustrated the remarkable journey of Rainbows United and the strong foundation built for future generations.

Family and Community Stories

Throughout the anniversary year, families, former participants, volunteers, staff members, and community supporters shared stories about the impact Rainbows United had on their lives. These personal stories helped preserve the organization’s history while celebrating the relationships and successes made possible through 50 years of service.

Looking Ahead

While the 50th anniversary celebration has concluded, the mission of Rainbows United continues. The milestone served as an opportunity to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future as Rainbows continues empowering children with special needs and their families.

Highlight: Day 1

Day 1: Who wants to celebrate? In honor of Rainbows’ 50th Birthday, we’re sharing past photos, family stories, memories, and more over the next 50 days.

“If there is no beginning, there can be no hope.”

-Linda Weir Enegren, Founder Rainbows United, Inc. 1972

#50years50days #RainbowsUnited

Highlight: Day 4

Day 4: Linda Weir was 23 years-old when she founded Rainbows United, in 1972. Her belief that children with special needs could learn, grow and thrive within their own families still motivates our passionate, dedicated employees and volunteers today. #50years50days #RainbowsUnited #TBT

Highlight: Day 13

Day 13: Don Hall was the radio voice of Rainbows that year, as he had been since 1974 when he started at KEYN radio. Donating his time and talents as a member of the Blarney Breakfast planning committee, Don could make a Rainbows’ elevator speech at the drop of a hat, and he dropped one often.

“When you think about the Blarney Breakfast, you automatically think of Don Hall. His warm heart, creative spirit, and passion for kids helped shape the Blarney Breakfast into what it is today,” said Margaret Shook in her role as Chi Epsilon member and Chair of the Blarney Breakfast for many years.

In a great loss to the world, Don was tragically killed on April 27, 2020 when a driver crashed into his car at the intersection of Kellogg and Rock. Rest in Peace Don Hall, Rainbows will never forget you.

#50years50days #RainbowsUnited #wichitaks

Highlight: Day 17

Day 17:The Ritchie family have been Rainbows’ supporters since our beginning. “Mr. Ritchie helped the school when it needed him the most. Over the years, the Ritchie family did many nice things for Rainbows, even when they were going through tough times themselves. They helped create bright, fun, and safe spaces for kids,” said a Rainbows child. You can read all about Proctor Ritchie and his remarkable life in a book about him entitled “I Didn’t Want to be A Bother.” A new forward by his nephew Hale Ritchie has been added in honor of Rainbows 50th Birthday. #50years50days #RainbowsUnited

Download your FREE copy of the “I DIDN’T WANT TO BE A BOTHER, The Incredible Story of Proctor Ritchie”
Want to read a hard copy? Visit Wichita Public Library and check out a copy.

To view all #50years50days social media posts click here.
50th Birthday stories may be viewed here.
To view all videos shared with the #50years50days social media campaign click here.