Kinderhaven announces 2016 angels of the year
—Courtesy photo Rhonda Tate, left, receives an award from Kathy Chambers, Kinderhaven board of directors chairwoman, after being named the group’s individual Angel of the Year for 2016.
—Courtesy photo Jennifer Plummer, executive director of Kinderhaven, presents Leo Addison, right, of Addison Enterprises with an award recognizing the landscaping company as Business Angel of the Year for 2016.
These folks may not have wings and halos, but if you ask the folks at Kinderhaven, they are angels nonetheless. For their dedication, commitment and assistance, the Kinderhaven board of directors has named Rhonda Tate as 2016 Angel of the Year and Addison Enterprises as its 2016 Business Angel of the Year.
Tate and Addison Enterprises will be honored at this year’s Festival of Trees; Kinderhaven’s annual fundraiser.
Rhonda Tate and her husband, Ben, own Finan MacDonald, a long-time local business that has supported Kinderhaven generously for many years. However, Rhonda Tate has her own story of helping families and their children that has been done quietly and without recognition.
Tate became a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer seven years ago after her grandson was fostered and subsequently adopted. She has advocated for 20 kids over the years, always working for the best interest of the child, Kinderhaven board chairman Kathy Chambers said.
“Her intensive work has gained respect from the courts, Health and Welfare, and Kinderhaven,” Chambers said. “Although she does not currently take active cases for CASA, Tate has kept in touch with a few of her past families and she makes herself a resource for anything with which they need help.” One single mother, who Tate worked with in a past CASA case, has been blessed to be taken under her protective wing. Tate was there for her during her pregnancy and the birth of the baby, and has continued as a source of support for her, filling the role as “mom” to this woman in need. Tate has made herself available for years of support: rides to appointments, a safe shelter for the baby when needed, weekly grocery shopping trips, budgeting money and teaching life skills for success.
“Tate has kept many children safe, healthy, and in turn helped Kinderhaven from having more children enter its doors,” Chambers said.
Her strategy is “Help the child by helping the family,” she said, adding Kinderhaven is proud to have this incredible woman as a friend and supporter over many years.
Leo Addision and his dedicated team of landscapers at Addison Enterprises have been tending to the landscaping needs at Kinderhaven, at no charge, for more years than any of its staff can remember. There is never a need to call Addison to let him know the lawn needs to be mowed or the shrubs need trimming —they seem to show up magically and take care of everything without a word, Chambers said.
“It is because of businesses like Addison Enterprises, who dedicate themselves to supporting our organization with their unique talents, that Kinderhaven is able to keep our doors open to provide a home to our local children who need it the most,” Chambers said. “Leo and his staff are part of the larger Sandpoint community who realize the duty we have to protect these kids. “
Chambers said the board and staff are inspired by the work that Addison Enterprises does for Kinderhaven, and are so proud to have Addison and everyone at Addison Enterprises as part of their Kinderhaven family.
“Thank you so very much from the bottom of all of our hearts,” she said.
The Festival of Trees will be held the first week of December at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.
Information: kinderhavensandpoint.com