Official 501(c)(3) — Colleen’s Dream Come True

Mar 21, 2021

It’s spring and time for new beginnings. One of Colleen’s stated lifelong dreams was to create her own charity, which has now, posthumously, become a reality. Colleen Cares Organization is an official 501c3 public charity. The name Colleen Cares comes from Colleen’s grandmother, Karel, who was adamant that she and Colleen discussed this dream. Colleen had this to say in a January 22, 2018, Facebook post:

Guess who is moving to the Bay Area? I am soooooo excited to announce I will be getting that much closer to my dream of running my own effective charity as I have accepted a position as the Operations and Finance Manager at the Berkeley Existential Risk Initiative, a non-profit assisting researchers working to mitigate catastrophic risk. I am so excited for this next chapter in my life...

We feel certain that Colleen’s spirit is still moving and shaking in this world, and now it is official. Colleen Cares Organization will support the many causes that were near and dear to Colleen. Some have already been featured in our blog, such as Lurie Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House’s Red Shoe Society, and caring for the homeless. Other causes will be shared in time, such as Donate Life, Chicago Junior League, and more.

Colleen Cares Organization’s mission is to continue the philanthropic mission of Colleen Marie Gleason (1992-2020). To always lend a helping hand and think of other’s needs with a special focus on pediatric heart transplants, research, and education. To improve the community and help children through donations to other charities that were meaningful to Colleen.

The sky is the limit now for Colleen, and we are honored to continue her amazing contributions to making this a happier world. Stay tuned!

Colleen with another dream come true, her dog, Pippa.