Rabin's FRIENDSgiving

I’m excited to be hosting a fundraiser on behalf of FRIENDS of Broomfield for our FRIENDSgiving + Colorado Gives Day Campaign!

My Friend John, pictured with me above, is just one example of the power of FRIENDS. He participates in our Residential, Supported Employment, and Social & Travel Programs, and he spreads positivity through his “Friday Videos,” which he shares with his Friends to express love, excitement for the day ahead, and the joy in his life. John probably has one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever encountered, and his videos are just one way he lights up the lives of those around him.

In a recent video, John was out for a walk sharing his excitement about Happy Day Plants’ anniversary celebration that evening. Thanks to the efforts of our Supported Employment team, John has worked at Happy Day Plants for over three years.

“This is a really, really great life, and I love my work at Happy Day Plants,” John said.

That single sentence is a reflection of not only the impact of FRIENDS, but also the importance of ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the same opportunities and access to their community that we do, whether through meaningful work, social connections, or independent living.

Our Friends deserve to be happy. And just like you and me, happiness for them comes from self-worth, time spent with Friends and family, and a sense of independence.

So I invite you to join me in making this Thanksgiving a life-changing one, so that John and his 180+ Friends at FRIENDS can continue to have the support they need to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

This year, I’m setting a goal to have 20 people join The Butterfly Effect — FRIENDS’ monthly giving program where every act of friendship provokes a more inclusive world.

When you sign up to give $10 or more per month, your first month’s gift will be matched not once, but twice! That means your impact is tripled thanks to the generosity of The Spallone Family and the Colorado Gives Foundation.

And if that’s not sweet enough… 🍰 I’m also part of the Pie It Forward Challenge! Yes — you can vote for me to receive a pie to the face from one of our Friends! The pie moment will be captured and shared on our socials throughout November and early December to spread laughter, joy, and awareness for a great cause.

Thank you for being part of the ripple — or as we like to call it, The Butterfly Effect.