Thank You to Clovis Grove Elementary and Bemis Company

WOW!!! A special thank you goes out to an amazing group of children at Clovis Grove Elementary School in Menasha.  Mrs. Kasmarek's Second Graders hosted a bake sale to raise money for River of Hope.  They raised $416.63 to benefit River of Hope.  Sonya Ropson from the Bemis Corporation was their Junior Achievement Volunteer and the Bemis Company is going to match their bake sale funds!!!  Thank You Bemis!!!
What an amazing feeling we had when we opened this email!   What was more beautiful… is that kids worked so hard to raise money for River of Hope which is in memory of Riviera Lynne Konen, who they never met. 
River of Hope would just like to thank Clovis Grove Elementary School and families so much for helping us.  A special thank you to their principal, Tammy Richter, for spreading River of Hope's mission to your school family.  Your help brings so many smiles to sick children.  Your money will be used to purchase toys and fleece blankets that will be given to so many children who are going through a lot.  In speaking from experience, a little gift or blanket to a child after receiving a shot, infusion, spinal tap, surgery, etc. means the world to each child.  It takes their mind off what they are going through and lets them be a child again.  With your help and support River of Hope continues to be an amazing cause and also keeps Riviera’s name alive!
We wish you a wonderful, safe summer.  Keep passing on kindness.  It is what makes the world a better place to live and grow.
Cherish Every Moment!!!
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.”
Helen Keller

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
River of Hope
Todd and Jennifer Konen Family  }i{

Pictures on Facebook

If you want to see pictures of our River of Hope Drive 2013, please see us on Facebook at Team River of Hope.  I am unable to publish photos on BlogSpot at this time. Sorry for the inconvenience.

A patient thank you

I would like to thank you for the gift my granddaughter received today from your organization. 

 

I am so proud of you for doing something positive from losing your child.

 

We are parents of 6 and grandparents to 8 and this is the first experience we have had with a birth defect. 

 

I want to know how I can help you in your mission to help others.  I do not know who you are, but I already love you for the kindness you have shown to our granddaughter.

 

Please let me know what your needs are at this time and I will do my BEST to fulfill what you need.  With the help of God all things are possible.

 

May God bless your whole family.

Thanks from River of Hope 2013

River of Hope would like to thank everyone for helping make 2013 River of Hope Drive the most successful yet!!! We delivered 2,200 items to the UW American Family Children's Hospital!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts:
Monetary Donations:
Calumet Medical Center, Thrivent Financial,  Chad and Brooke Kemp Family, Dean and Alice Connors, Pero Family, Paul and Cathy Rusch Family, Gary and Eileen Bornemann Family, Lyn and Dexter Sattler Family, Eric and Michelle Voland Family, David and Sarah Haubenschied Family, Jay and Denise Juckem Family, Amy and Donald Schneekloth, Joe and Wendy Wieser, Moehn Plumbing,  New Holstein Elementary and Middle School, Valders Middle School,  Hilbert Boy Scout Troop 79, Hilbert Cub Scout Pack 3079, Schmidt Building and Equipment, Schmidt Fence and Deck, and Schmidt Boatlifts and Docks.
Gift Items:
Staff, Students, and Families at:
Hilbert School District, New Holstein Elementary and Middle Schools, Kimberly High School, Westside Elementary in Kimberly, and Wrightstown High School.  (Thank you to each person who helped organize this event at each school as well.)
Calumet County, Live Life Smiling Family Dentistry, Staff at Richmond Street Affinity Clinic, Wiese Family Christmas(Thanks to our aunts, uncles, and cousins who continue to support with gifts and help), Pero Family, Rusch Family, Brett and Heidi Hedtke Family, Kay Jewelers and Michelle Patnode(Teddy Bears), Jim and Joan Wiese, Tom and Barb Konen, Tom and Sue Kees, John and Tricia Peters Family, Chad and Renee Giesen Family, Jesse and Brenda Schneider Family,  Gloria Comerford, and ...  It is hard to list everyone who donated. These were the people who hand delivered them to us so we can personally thank. We know we can't possibly know each families name who donated but we thank you so so much!  Sorry if you were unintentionally omitted.
Thanks so much to EVERYONE listed or not, big or small contribution... together everyone makes a huge difference!
Thank you to Chilton Furniture for use of their van to transport the toys and blankets.
Thank you to everyone for helping to sort, label, package, and haul the gifts.  It is huge job that our family could not do without our friends and family support!
Thanks to Chilton Times Journal and Brillion News for their newspaper coverage of River of Hope.
THANKS SO MUCH

River of Hope 2013

River of Hope 2013
On December 27, we delivered gift bags to over 70 children at UW American Family Children's Hospital. Each gift bag included a stuffed animal, fleece tie blanket, toy, game, and book. We hand delivered to each child ranging from a few days old to 18 years old. We feel so fortunate to be able to carry out Riviera's legacy which is to bring smiles to children's faces. We definitely accomplished our goal! It was an amazing day filled with hugs, smiles, and tears! We met wonderful people and courageous children. Please keep these children and their parents in your thoughts and prayers. Together we can continue to bring joy to these children's lives.

Preparing for River of Hope 2013

Preparing for River of Hope 2013
Our home was transformed into Santa's Workshop. A special thank you to family and friends who helped label, sort, and prepare gifts for all of the children in the UW American Family Children's Hospital.

Thrivent Financial Will Donate $1.00 for Every Toy Collected Until December 13!

A special thanks to Thrivent Financial who has offered to donate $1.00 for every toy donated now to December 13th. Thanks for your support in helping to bring smiles to children's faces. Thanks to Susan Wittmann and Laurie Mathes for helping make this happen! Thanks Thrivent Financial- Calumet County Chapter! It is truly appreciated!

8th Annual River of Hope Drive

 In loving memory of

   Riviera Lynne Konen

We are doing our 8th Annual “River of Hope” Drive to UW American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison on December 27, 2013.

Please have all donations to the Konen House before Thursday, December 26.

River of Hope’s mission is to keep Riviera’s memory alive and to continue to offer hope for all children who are fighting for their lives and who will be spending Christmas in the hospital.  It is Riviera’s legacy to bring smiles to children’s faces as much as she brought to everyone around her.  Please spread the word.  Last year we delivered over 1,800 gifts to Oncology, Pediatric ICU, Day Treatment, Sedation Clinic, and the Child Life Program.

Visit:  Team River of Hope on Facebook.

 

NEW items needed: Books, Kohls Cares for Kids stuffed animals and book sets, quilts, fleece tie blankets, toys for varying ages: infant – age 18, PlayStation 3 or Xbox Games , Newly released DVDs including: Disney/Pixar/Dreamworks , school-aged and teen  board games, Lego sets, hand held games, reusable wall decals for all ages, Fisher Price Panda Rollerball rattles , infant crib mirrors, mobiles, and crib toys(all plastic), floor playmats for infants, board books for infants, texture/sensory toys, blank journals and sketch books, and $10.00 gift cards for Walmart,Target, Best Buy, and  iTunes needed for teen patients.

 

Treasure Box Items:  Matchbox cars, Barbies, My Little Ponies, Play Doh, Littlest Pet Shop, balls, fingernail polish and nail decals, bubbles, hair accessories, fun design band aids.

 

Arts and Craft items: Crayola Crayons, Markers, and Colored Pencils, Coloring books, Glitter Glue pens, Tulip Tie Dye Kits, Tulip Tie Dye Kits, t-shirts(Men’s white crew neck of all sizes), Model Magic, Canvas Panels, Stickers, small craft kits, jewelry making kits, Do-a-Dot Markers, Cash donations accepted. Checks  made to River of Hope.

 

          Together we can light up faces of children!

                        Cherish Every Moment!

A Special Thanks to Live Life Smiling Family Dentistry!!!

Please visit Live Life Family Dentistry on Facebook to see a picture of all the toys they collected for River of Hope!
A special thank you to Live Life Family Dentistry for collecting toys for River of Hope.  They collected 50 toys from their patients and employees!  Together we can light up children's faces!!! THANKS!

Valders Middle School Hosts Fleece Blanket Event

A special thank you to Valders Middle School for hosting a fleece blanket event for River of Hope.  Several groups including Girls Scouts, Student Council, and Basketball teams worked together to make 35 fleece tie blankets for River of Hope.  These blankets will be distributed to every child in the UW American Family Children's Hospital on December 27 when the Konen Family brings down their truck load of goodies.  The blankets are a favorite gift that the children receive.
A special thank you to Valders Middle School Student Council for donating money to purchase the fleece.  Also thanks to the Brenda and Jesse Schneider Family for organizing and hosting the event.
Together we will bring smiles to children's faces as much as Riviera brought to everyone around her.

River of Hope Teams with Calumet Law Enforcement Fishing Tournament

River of Hope Teams with Calumet County Walleye Tournament! Another successful fishing for a cause day on Lake Winnebago. A special thanks to the everyone who made this event a success. We raised $365.00 and collected 671 toys for the UW American Family Children's Hospital in Madison. We had 42 boats in this year's tournament. For every toy donated, fishermen and women were given tickets for the raffle prize drawing. Thanks to the following people for donating prizes, cash, or toys:
Green Bay Packers, Mercury Marine, HT Enterprise, Lynn and Dexter Sattler, Harbor Bar, ThedaCare, Jim and Joan Wiese, Dan Van Oss, Hook N' Eyes, Denise and Jay Juckem, Dave Koball, Frabill, MW Marine, NorthWoods, Next Bite, Johnsonville, Ariens, Weber Mobil, Dave Van Oss, Van's, and Sheboygan Police Benevolent Association.
A special thanks to Denise Juckem, Scott Schwarz, and Dan Van Oss for helping organize this event! Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped set up, weigh fish, helped collect toys, sold 50/50 tickets, and handed out prizes. Thanks to the Harbor Bar for their help in hosting.
We look forward to seeing you next year for another great day of fishing!

A Recent Thank You

This a recent email thank you we received.  It touched our hearts.  Please pray for this precious little girl as well as all the other children who are on a difficult journey in life.

 

Thanks so  much to the Konen family for the wonderful Christmas gifts.  My daughter, Madelyn, age 3, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, stage 4, high risk, on December 14, 2012.  We are currently undergoing the intense chemotherapy treatment schedule, and we are approaching the surgery phase of her treatment in the next few weeks.  This past Christmas, Maddy and my daughter, Natalie, age 5, both received wonderful Christmas gifts from your family.  It was not an easy Christmas for me and my husband, Brian, but the Christmas gifts helped give us some joy and inspiration during a difficult time.  Riviera’s beautiful picture touches my heart each time I see it.  I believe children like her are angels watching over Maddy and our family.

 With many thanks for your kindness and generosity,

  Nicole

THANK YOU!!!

River of Hope would like to thank everyone for their awesome donations:

Hilbert Boy Scout Troop 79
Hilbert Cub Scouts Pack 3079
Valders Middle School Student Council
Hilbert Elementary School
Hilbert Middle and High School
New Holstein Elementary School
New Holstein Middle School
Wrightstown High School
Westside Elementary School Pod 3 in Kimberly
Senorita Turriff's Spanish Kids and World Language Department at Kimberly High
Kay Jewelers
Affinity Clinic Staff on Richmond Ave.
Live Life Smiling Dentistry
Romenesko Family Dentistry
Schmidt Boat Lifts
Wiese Family Christmas
Chilton Furniture (use of van to travel to Madison)

A special thank you to all of family and friends for their love, support, and help to make River of Hope successful!
So many people have donated money, gifts, and time to keep River of Hope's mission of bringing smiles to children's faces and hope to lots hearts.

Thanks from the bottom of our hearts!
Todd and Jennifer Konen Family }i{

This a letter we received from the UW American Family Children's Hospital:
On behalf of all of us in Child Life and at American Family Children's Hospital, I would like to thank you for all you do all year round to get ready for your "River of Hope" donation.  I was again overwhelmed with amount of items you bring and your generosity.
The gift bags for the patients are always overflowing, and I know you know how much the gifts for the siblings mean to them and the parents.  Thank you also for all the items that you gave to the Child Life Department, ED, and Positive Image Center, they were much needed!  Also the check to purchase accessories for the Medkin Doll was so appreciated, and will go to good use.
It is always a pleasure to see you and work with you.  You are an amazing family.

Again, thanks to all of our family, friends, and supporters of River of Hope
to continue our mission of keeping Riviera's memory alive and bringing smiles to children's faces!

Special thank yous

I just wanted to give you a special thanks for your contribution to my son Gavin. He is one month old and spent his Christmas eve receiving open heart surgery for two rare heart defects that were found in the nick of time.  This has all been a very shocking experience. Having a family like yours show your care is truly overwhelming and appreciated.  I can only hope other children and their families have been as lucky as my son and my family.  My older brother Brodie was lost to bacterial meningitis at age 11 and I can only think it is children like him and your daughter who are watching over other children like my son and providing them with hope.  I hope your family is having a good holiday season.  Thank you for everything.

Our son is in the Children's Hospital and we wanted to thank you for the wonderful gifts you brought by today!


I just wanted to say a BIG Thank YOU to Team River Of Hope...we received some wonderful presents today that brightened our little guy Kellan's day. Thank you again ♥ ♥


My son is at the American Family Children's Hospital right now and we had a visit from your team today. My husband and I would like to thank you for your generosity while we are here. Thank you so much!!

2012 River of Hope

We had a wonderful day bringing smiles and meeting amazing families.

Preparing for River of Hope 2012

River of Hope Joins Facebook

Please like us on facebook!  We have posted lots of pictures of preparing for our drive and our visit today at the UW American Family Children's Hospital.
Team River of Hope

Area Schools Support River of Hope 2012

A very special thank you to the School Districts of:
Hilbert
New Holstein
Valders
Kimberly
Wrightstown
River of Hope would not be as successful without all of your support!

2012 River of Hope Fleece Blanket Making Event in Hilbert

A special thanks to all of the families that came to help make over 40 blankets for River of Hope.  Thanks to the Hilbert Cub Scouts, Hilbert Boy Scouts, and Hilbert Girl Scouts for supporting this event.  We would not be able to supply blankets to the UW American Family Children's Hospital without all of her support. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts!