Two Years
Jul 25, 2022
Colleen Marie transcended her physical form two years ago (July 27, 2020). Since then her spirit has been felt through the Colleen Cares Organization, our volunteers and donors and all the children and families benefitting through the charities and organizations we support. She continues to serve as a source of inspiration and a guiding light of love.
These words could describe the past two years, beyond the profound sadness still felt in Colleen’s passing:
Remembering, Encouraging, Grateful
The Colleen Cares Organization was created to carry on 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.
Colleen’s favorite charities have all received donations and support through the Colleen Cares Organization! Each of these charities have also honored Colleen in many ways the past two years, among them Donate Life, Junior League of Chicago, Lurie Children’s Hospital and Red Shoe Society Chicago supporting Ronald McDonald Houses.
Every person who gave of their time, talent and/or funding has contributed to the success of the Colleen Cares Organization. We are very grateful for the many efforts and generous donations and we’ll continue to spread positivity in Colleen’s name.
Thank you also to Colleen herself, for it is her love and relentless passion to do good that continues to serve as an inspiration and guiding source of love and light to us everyday.
Colleen enjoyed celebrating big and small victories. We can feel how proud she is of these accomplishments the past two years:
Hosted a memorial celebration of life honoring Colleen Marie Gleason on June 27, 2021
Established the Colleen Cares Organization as a public charity
Raised funds for the Lurie Children’s Heart Center to secure a ‘Window of Hope’ tribute in Colleen’s name
Spread positivity and ‘handfuls of love’ in support of Lurie Children’s Hospital valentine drive in 2021 and 2022
Volunteered at the inaugural Ronald McDonald House Summer Camp Colleen (Chicago) on August 5, 2021. This annual event grew in 2022 and is planned for August 4, 2022.
Supported Red Shoe Society through meal sponsorship, volunteerism, and participation in their Par-Tee at Top Golf events: 2nd annual in 2020, 3rd annual on October 17, 2021. The 4th annual event date is to be announced soon!
Established a charity account on Smile.Amazon.com and raised a few hundred dollars in the first year.
Raised and distributed over $65,000 for Colleen’s favorite charities, among them Donate Life, American Junior League of Chicago, Red Shoe Society supporting Ronald McDonald House, and Lurie Children’s Hospital
Fulfilled $2,000 in wish list items for Lurie Children’s Hospital’s Holiday Toy Drive in December 2021 and donated in Colleen’s name in December 2020
Junior League of Chicago changes the name of an annual award to the Colleen Gleason Community Spirit Award
Created the Colleen Cares Organization YouTube Channel for video support
Father’s Day Photo Reel in honor of Michael Gleason and the many memorable moments with his daughter, Colleen
Received a $2,500 grant from Enterprise Holdings Foundation on behalf of Nationwide Auto Body
Colleen’s name is on the Lurie Children’s Hospital 2021 Gifts of Love Wall (12th floor of the hospital)
The Gleason family and Colleen Cares Organization donations to the Lurie Children’s Hospital in 2021 were acknowledged by honoring Colleen (and others) in the 2021 Gifts of Love Wall. The wall exists on the 12th floor of the hospital. This video captures the virtual event.
Colleen is celebrated at two points in this video; 7:25-7:27 and 14:29-14:42. Of course we celebrate her every day in our memories!
Colleen Cares made a donation to the Red Shoe Society of Chicago at their recent Cog Hill annual golf classic event in July 2022.
Here are a few of the many things planned for the balance of 2022.
4th Annual Par-Tee at Top Golf (Red Shoe Society)
Holiday Toy Drive (Lurie Children’s Hospital)
We look forward to raising funds, enjoying your company and bringing smiles to those in need at these events.