Jia Lin-Bothe: Board Chair
As I was browsing Hugaroo's website, it brought me back to one of my most traumatic events as a child. I was in the hospital for well over a month around seven years old, and during that time, only my mom and grandma visited me and they weren't allowed to bring me anything. Now thinking back, my time would have been a little easier if I had a stuffed animal that gave me hugs. I think about Hugaroo's mission to deliver and provide stuffed animals to children who have experienced life-threatening illnesses and traumatic events, and just hope that their companionship with a stuffed animal (preloaded with love!) will make their lives a little easier.
As I was browsing Hugaroo's website, it brought me back to one of my most traumatic events as a child. I was in the hospital for well over a month around seven years old, and during that time, only my mom and grandma visited me and they weren't allowed to bring me anything. Now thinking back, my time would have been a little easier if I had a stuffed animal that gave me hugs. I think about Hugaroo's mission to deliver and provide stuffed animals to children who have experienced life-threatening illnesses and traumatic events, and just hope that their companionship with a stuffed animal (preloaded with love!) will make their lives a little easier.
Vicki Alfano: Board Vice-Chair, Colorado Hugs Regional Director
I feel so very fortunate to be asked to join the board for Hugaroo, Inc. I’ve known Berta and Mike for 47 years and consider them dear friends. Our marriages were six months apart. My family grew with theirs over the years —my two boys and their two girls. The loss of Morgan was hard. We have gone through a lot with each other and to be a part of Hugaroo is just another strand of the rope that binds us close. I’m also excited to bring Hugaroo to Colorado. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love children and to be a part of providing “hugs” to children who need them is a perfect way to show it. Looking forward to watching it grow!
I feel so very fortunate to be asked to join the board for Hugaroo, Inc. I’ve known Berta and Mike for 47 years and consider them dear friends. Our marriages were six months apart. My family grew with theirs over the years —my two boys and their two girls. The loss of Morgan was hard. We have gone through a lot with each other and to be a part of Hugaroo is just another strand of the rope that binds us close. I’m also excited to bring Hugaroo to Colorado. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love children and to be a part of providing “hugs” to children who need them is a perfect way to show it. Looking forward to watching it grow!
Kevin Ward: Board Secretary
I learned about Hugaroo while looking for opportunities for my family to do volunteer work together. It
can be challenging to find opportunities for children, especially young ones, to volunteer. My family
helped with a bag and tag and had a great experience as we learned about Hugaroo and its’ mission.
We have participated in every bag and tag since that first one.
Hugaroo is a great cause, helping children and families in their toughest times. The thought of a child’s
spirit being uplifted in a time of need is very motivating. As adults sometimes it is easy to forget how big
of an impact something like a comforting stuffed animal can make for a child. I appreciate that Hugaroo
is very focused on helping people in an efficient and effective way. All resources go towards helping
families in their time of need. I was honored to be asked to join the board of such a dedicated team.
I learned about Hugaroo while looking for opportunities for my family to do volunteer work together. It
can be challenging to find opportunities for children, especially young ones, to volunteer. My family
helped with a bag and tag and had a great experience as we learned about Hugaroo and its’ mission.
We have participated in every bag and tag since that first one.
Hugaroo is a great cause, helping children and families in their toughest times. The thought of a child’s
spirit being uplifted in a time of need is very motivating. As adults sometimes it is easy to forget how big
of an impact something like a comforting stuffed animal can make for a child. I appreciate that Hugaroo
is very focused on helping people in an efficient and effective way. All resources go towards helping
families in their time of need. I was honored to be asked to join the board of such a dedicated team.
Pam Masek: Board Treasurer
For the last few years, I had been receiving Hugaroo’s requests for volunteer help in prepping stuffed animals that could be delivered to community organizations; however, the timing just was not optimal until recently in 2023. Once I started volunteering, I discovered what a great organization Hugaroo is and the benefits a hug gives to children who have experienced traumatic events and life altering situations. I believe strongly in Hugaroo’s mission and passion to help make a child’s experience a much better one, one hug at a time. I was very excited to get the opportunity to serve with Hugaroo and help provide hugs to children. It has been a blessing and is always a great experience knowing the hugs will bring a smile to their day.
For the last few years, I had been receiving Hugaroo’s requests for volunteer help in prepping stuffed animals that could be delivered to community organizations; however, the timing just was not optimal until recently in 2023. Once I started volunteering, I discovered what a great organization Hugaroo is and the benefits a hug gives to children who have experienced traumatic events and life altering situations. I believe strongly in Hugaroo’s mission and passion to help make a child’s experience a much better one, one hug at a time. I was very excited to get the opportunity to serve with Hugaroo and help provide hugs to children. It has been a blessing and is always a great experience knowing the hugs will bring a smile to their day.