Rainbows’ 10:15+ Club honors and recognizes staff members who have been with Rainbows for 10 or more years. In 2022, the 10:15+ Club had a total of 47 members! This year club members enjoyed a day of camaraderie and celebration, sharing hugs, laughter and stories of the past year.
The day started at 10:15 a.m. with a luxury bus trip from Overland Charters to Larkspur Bistro where guests were greeted by Board members and treated to a gourmet lunch of pistachio chicken and penne pasta, followed by cheesecake and tiramisu. After lighting the candles on their desserts, everyone enjoyed singing Happy Birthday to Rainbows.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the mammoth black Charter Bus outside Kids’ Point,” said Jane Eby, Research Coordinator. “The bus was wonderful and was a highlight of the day for me. I appreciated all the Board Members greeting us at Larkspur and staying to enjoy lunch and listening to staff stories about working at Rainbows. It was great to have their interest and support in what we do.”
After lunch, the group again loaded their bus for the short jaunt to The Orpheum Theatre. The 10:15+ Club logo was shining on the marquee for the celebration. Mallory Rine, Director of Marketing and Booking, and Theatre Director Barney Byard welcomed Rainbows with a brief history of The Orpheum, before inviting them to settle in for a movie with popcorn and soda.
Guests were entertained with a private screening of Paddington 2. While this might seem an unusual choice, the messages of the movie rang true for Rainbows’ leaders: Great leaders are able to see the potential in others. If we are kind and polite, the world will be right. One person (or bear) can make a difference. Build a great community. “This room is filled with individuals who are the leaders, the mentors, the heart of Rainbows, and I honor and thank you for your dedication to our children and families,” said Gay Kimble, President.
“I always look forward to The 10:15+ Club day at Rainbows,” said Susan Harsh, Coordinator for Butler County Infant/Toddler Services program. “It gives me the chance to connect with old friends within the agency and to be with my team outside the workplace. It is always fun to wonder where we will be going and what we will do together! Thanks to Rainbows and the Board for appreciating us and giving us this day.”
The highlight of the day is the Awards Ceremony where staff are honored for milestone achievements. Congratulations to the following staff who were honored for their milestone achievements this year!
10 Year Honoree
Keller Broadfoot, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services
15 Year Honorees
Mary Jane Duling, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services, Early Care and Education
Audra Kenneson, Coordinator, Mental Health Services, Specialized Foster Care Program and HIPPA Specialist
20 Year Honorees
Laura Beck, Direct Support Professional, Family Support Services
Teddi Hollingsworth, Early Childhood Educator and Autism Specialist, Sedgwick County Infant/Toddler Services
25 Year Honoree
Angela Pulaski, Physical Therapist, Butler County Infant/Toddler Services
30 Year Honoree
Rhonda Davis, Physical Therapist, Sedgwick County Infant/Toddler Services
The 10:15+ Club event is a board sponsored activity. Thank you to the Rainbows’ Board of Directors, and special thanks to Hale Ritchie, Julie Gentile, Pat Gearhart, Adam Pogue, Gary Proffitt, Steve Cox, Jim Walters and Gail Johnson for joining us at the event.
