Kevin & Maryellen Garasky (KMG Mortgage Group - ID & WA)

Pathways to Independence Breakfast: $130,385 WORTH OF SUCCESS!

Yesterday was the First Annual "Pathways to Independence Breakfast" to benefit TESH, Inc. I attended the benefit with a friend and colleague of mine, Cheryl Shippy of Pioneer Title.

Since I forgot my camera at home, I took the above photo with my cell phone while speaker Vickie Lesley (whose son, Zach, was diagnosed with autism at two years of age) detailed her story. In her speech she detailed the joys and challenges of raising a special needs child. She was informative and passionate, invoking feelings and love she has for her child. As a mom of a two year old, I found myself engulfed in her words and moved by her frankness.

On each of the tables was a poem that Vickie wrote for Zach when he was almost three years of age. Among her words she writes...

"The fears, that at times, threatened to consume you,
Yet like the tide, would gently retreat
Giving you rest, comfort and Peace..."

I am happy to report that the event brought in $130,385 for TESH, Inc.

Maryellen Garasky
Mortgage Broker
KMG Mortgage Group
(208) 664-3600
(509) 638-3455
www.kmgmortgagegroup.com

TESH, Inc. "Pathways to Independence Breakfast" Friday, Oct. 17th, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Friday, Oct 17th, I will be the guest of a dear friend and colleague of mine at the TESH "Pathways to Independence Breakfast"at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. For those who haven't had the privilege of being introduced to TESH, please read below (information courtesy of TESH website - CLICK HERE).

Empowering People to Reach Their Potential

TESH is a private not-for-profit whose core purpose is to provide choices and opportunities to people of all ages seeking greater opportunities, self-sufficiency, and participation in their community.

Choice, Dedication, Integrity, Progress, Quality

TESH Inc. is a nationally accredited rehabilitation organization that assists people who are disabled and/or disadvantaged to achieve their highest level of independence. Since 1976, this community-based non-profit has provided essential services to over 7000 individuals.

TESH currently operates nine programs providing an array of services including:

• Vocational training and skill building that lead to employment opportunities;
• Teaching independent living skills; and
• Providing residential support for over 600 people a year

Employing an average of 100 full- and part-time staff to provide these high quality services, TESH operates under an annual budget of nearly $2.7 million, generating a significant economic impact within the four communities served.

Maryellen Garasky
Mortgage Broker
KMG Mortgage Group
(208) 664-3600
(509) 638-3455
www.kmgmortgagegroup.com

Harvest Time is Here in Eastern Washington...Great Family Fun!

If you have ever had the opportunity to get to Green Bluff in Eastern Washington in the Fall, you are a very fortunate person. Every year we make a day trip to Green Bluff with friends and family. We have a great time taking a picnic, at the petting zoos, listening to the live music, playing hide & seek in the corn maze, riding in a horse drawn wagon, you name it. It may sound a little country, but it's BLAST! We love to go so much that we can't wait for this time of year and we make an event out of it!

In 2006 (photo below) we went apple picking and then had an "Apple Pie Bake Off" ... complete with trash talk and a little pushing around! I'd like to say I won, but I didn't. Kevin's step-father handed me my walking papers in a pie shell! Move over Paula Deen, you've got competition on the West Coast!

In 2007 we went pumpkin picking and then followed up with a pumpkin carving contest - and the judging is STRICTLY non-biased (we have our trick-o-treaters cast their vote and who ever gets the most votes, wins). I do have to say that I carve a mean jack-o-lantern, so far I'm 15-0! That's right, 15 YEARS to nothing! Move over Martha Stewart!

Please visit the Green Bluff Growers website to learn more about their activities and how you and your family can make memories that will last a life time!

Blessings to you and your family!

Young Father Collapses at Work of Brain Aneurysm:
Employer to have Benefit for Medical Bills

On September 10th, 2008, at 1:00 PM, while Justin (Zitny) was working in Airway Heights, he suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. Justin was rushed by paramedics to Deaconess Medical Center where he was stabilized, but in serious condition. Deaconess conducted an angiogram and discovered a large 1.7 cm ruptured aneurysm in a blood vessel at the base of his brain. Justin was sedated and placed on a ventilator. He also suffered from pneumonia in his right lung as a result of aspirating when he collapsed at his job-site. The neurosurgeon did not feel comfortable doing the procedure to repair the rupture at Deaconess, so at about 9:00 PM, Justin was flown by air ambulance to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Justin's employer (ACI Northwest, Inc) will be hosting a picnic style lunch to honor Justin and help pay his medical bills. The lunch will take place this Friday, Oct 3rd, 12 noon to 2 pm. ACI Northwest will be providing all the food, but ask that donations be given on behalf of Justin and his family. All proceeds from the luncheon will be used to help offset Justin's medical bills.

ACI Northwest is located at 6600 North Government Way (CLICK to see map).

To learn more about Justin and his recovery, please visit his website.

Mudgy & Millie are HERE!

"Mudgy Moose and Millie Mouse play a game of hide-and-seek. Millie hides while Mudgy searches along the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Children join in the fun as Mudgy wanders along the lake, across town and through the park in his quest to find Millie, who was hiding close by all along."

Please join author Susan Nipp and illustrator Charles Reasoner on an historic quest around our very own Coeur d'Alene!

To learn more about Mudgy & Millie, please visit the official Mudgy & Millie website.

Photo courtesy of http://www.mudgyandmillie.com/