[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]April 19, 2016, Colorado Springs, CO:  Over 60 guests attended an invitation only special event at The Mezzanine in downtown Colorado Springs, hosted by Special Kids Special Families (SKSF) to help raise funds for their Zach’s Place program.  Many pieces of photographic art were graciously donated by local artist and philanthropist Chuck Murphy, owner of Murphy Constructors.  Chuck’s passion for the beauty of nature and inspirational travel adventures were truly captured in every donated piece displayed. “Photography is something that I’ve loved my entire life,” Chuck Murphy said. “It taught me to see and appreciate … people and nature and the world.”*

Over ,000 was raised during the event where Chuck’s art was auctioned off by Auctioneer, Kevin Patterson, to the highest bidder.  “We are grateful to Chuck Murphy for his donated art, Hoff & Leigh for obtaining the venue, along with all of the donated food from area restaurants, and of course the event organizers, volunteers and donors that made this event so successful,” states Linda Ellegard, Executive Director of SKSF, “we couldn’t have done it without them!”  According to event organizer, Susan Saksa, “There were many guests that attended this event who have never heard of Zach’s Place and learned about their valuable services for the first time.  We are grateful for the connections we established today.”  SKSF continues to raise awareness and funds to support the Zach’s Place Capital Campaign to purchase the facility located at 4795 Granby Circle in Colorado Springs.  They have raised over 75% of their goal but need to fill the gap in order to create a permanent home to provide needed childcare and respite for families raising youth with disabilities and special needs. To read more about the program and/or make a donation in any amount, visit their website at www.SKSFcolorado.org.

 

*quote taken from CSBJ article dated 6/3/15

to view photos of the event – click here…

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The photographs were each a moment in time from philanthropist businessman and developer Chuck Murphy’s travels to fascinating spots around the globe with his wife, Mary Lou.

Murphy donated them to the capital campaign for Zach’s Place, a licensed respite care center for the developmentally disabled, and as they were auctioned by guest auctioneer Kevin Patterson he personalized the stories of each picture.

The auction at The Mezzanine on April 19 also helped introduce all the programs of Special Kids Special Families, which is almost 80 percent toward its goal to buy a permanent building in Mountain Shadows.

“Zach’s Place is one of only two licensed child care programs for respite care in Colorado, offering parents of developmentally disabled between the ages of 2 1/2 to 21 years old, an opportunity to take a break for something as simple as going to a movie or to just sleep for awhile,” said SKSF Executive Director Linda Ellegard.

The program was expanded to offer a place for professional care when parents needed to go to work. Now the programs include foster family care and adoption. Many of those served are on the autism spectrum or have challenges such as epilepsy or Down syndrome. Describing SKSF, Murphy said, “They’re doing the work of the Almighty.”

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