Mitchell Yellen is interested in new revenue ideas for Children’s Hope Chest.  He hopes to bring music and artists together to spread the word about Children’s Hope Chest and the need for kids to be adopted.  Winston Yellen recently signed a record deal and may be involved with these new outreach ideas. 

As we look forward to breaking ground at The Pinery at the Hill, Mitchell hopes to connect with Children’s Hope Chest in coordinating future events.  Learn more about Children’s Hope Chest, community to community sponsorship, the purpose and how to become a member at www.hopechest.org. 

http://yourmoney.msn.com/saving-money-help/97eba0f4-1ac3-4a7e-8e6d-eba52440f0ff?ocid=boacopy

It’s not just about pretty pictures, it’s about finding someone who captures the moments that are important to you.  It’s also about the photographer themselves. This is someone who is going to be apart of your day in all aspects.  As you curl your hair in the dressing room, step into your gown with your bridesmaids, stand behind the chapel doors right before they open and even in your face with the camera as you exchange your vows.  With someone so close to you all day, it’s pretty important that you not only like them as a person but that they bring a sense of calmness and good energy in the room. (Or whatever energy you’re hoping to have on your wedding day).

At The Pinery, we see several different photographers come in and out of our doors during our busy season.  All seem wonderful and all seem to fit what the Bride and Groom were hoping for.  Someone to capture the best day of their lives!

So, before you begin the process of choosing this oh-so important vendor, make sure you look further than just a picture.

-Amy

P.S. I spy a groom =)

 Picture by Teresa Lee Photography at www.teresaleephotography.com

It has been a great pleasure to meet the Young Life leaders and work with them in organizing these events.  Mitchell wants to encourage people to support the Young Life organization.  To learn more about Young Life and what they do visit www.younglife.org.   From the website you will learn “What Young Life is:  Young Life doesn’t start with a program.  It starts with adults who are concerned enough about kids to go to them, on their turf and in their culture, building bridges of authentic friendship.  These relationships don’t happen overnight – they take time, patience, trust and consistency.  

 Young Life leaders reach out to kids – where they are, as they are.  We listen to their stories and learn what’s important to them because we genuinely care about their joys, triumphs, heartaches and setbacks.” 

Mitchell has been a mentor and leader to many kids over the past 25 years and mentors approximately 10 young men weekly.  He is a leader that reaches out to kids and provides encouragement and guidance. 

The Pinery looks forward to continuing to serve the Colorado Springs area Young Life community.

So as I was looking for possible readings to share with a bride.  I came across some of these interesting tidbits about traditions in "Bride's Book of Etiquette":

Something old,

Something new...

*Something old:  a family heirloom -- a Bible,  antique veil, jewelry -- for continuity. 

*Something new:  the bride's clothes, lingerie -- for optimism.

*Something borrowed:  a lace handkerchief, jewelry borrowed from a happily married relative(happiness rubs off!!!)

*Something blue:  blue ribbon threaded through lace, a slip, or the garter, blue toenail polish, blue stones sewn into the train, earrings or necklace, blue flowers--for purity, fidelity, love. 

*Penny in your shoe:  a sixpence in England, a quarter in Canada, a penny in the U.S. -- to insure a life of fortune.

 ----- and for the true romantics the answer to "Why does the ceremony end with a kiss?

From the days of ancient Rome, the kiss was a legal bond that sealed contracts, and thus, the betrothal.  Christianity incorporated the betrothal ceremony into the marriage ritual.  It was also believed that when a couple kissed, part of each of their souls was left behind in the other when their  breath was exchanged.  Occurring at the end of the rites, the kiss announces a new status.

The Royal Family Kids Camp has been in existence for 26 years.  Local churches around the country organize a group of volunteers to partner with foster care agencies in their town to bring abused and neglected foster children to summer camp for a week.  This year, RFKC is sponsored by New Life Church and will take 50 children – ages 6 to 12—to camp for five days filled with fun activities like horseback riding, fishing, swimming, rock climbing, and woodworking.  There will be a tea party for the girls, a superhero party for the boys and a birthday party for all of the kids…because most have never even tried birthday cake let alone had a birthday party just for them. 

Mitchell Yellen and his wife Windsor have a real love for children and helping out in the community.   The Yellen’s have sponsored many activities at The Pinery to help local organizations raise money.   The dinner for Royal Family Kids Camp was a huge success.  Michael and Brittany Babb provided the following feedback:
“Thank you so much for your hard work; we appreciate all you did to help us put our fundraiser together.  On behalf of the Royal Family leadership team, we also want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation.  This means so much to us and our community.” 

To learn more about Royal Family Kids Camp, visit the website http://coloradosprings.royalfamilykids.org or contact Michael Babb, Camp Director at (royalfamilykids@gmail.com)

The Starlight Foundation is a wonderful organization that provides help to seriously ill children and their families.  In the community, the Starlight Foundation provides family activities and outings.  The activities and outings give families an opportunity to spend time together outside of the hospital allowing them to relax and enjoy.  Families are able to meet other families in similar situations and share experiences.  The outings and activities provide hope and encouragement to these families and allow them to build friendships with others that are experiencing similar difficulties.

When Eric Allen and Mitchell Yellen first met with some of these organizers, we learned that the foundation provided computers at the hospitals for the families to use.  These computers allow the families to stay connected to the outside world. 

Starlight also offers online educational programming, comic books and websites to help sick children understand hospital procedures and illness such as cancer, sickle cell and cystic fibrosis.  According to the Starlight website www.stalight.org/whoweare “Starlight works to restore the entire family’s spirits.”  Please visit the Starlight website at www.starlight.org to learn more about The Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Mitchell has a real heart for giving to the community and has provided funding and opportunities for nonprofit organizations to utilize The Pinery in Black Forest. The Pinery is very excited to host this event for the third time and will continue to post updates and information regarding the annual “Casino Night” on September 15, 2012.

Well, we just recieved wonderful pictures from the beautiful and amazingly talented Grace Coombs with Grace Coombs Photography from Ashley and Taylor's wedding and of course we wanted to share them with you! This couple was just outright fun--as I'm sure you'll be able to tell.  ENJOY!

For more pictures click HERE to visit Grace's Blog