My name is Patrick Sablich and I recently joined the Donna Wheeler Foundation as its first Executive Director. As many of you know, this organization was founded by former U.S. Olympian and Colorado sports star Jeremy Bloom. I found myself immediately excited about the mission of the organization to grant the wishes of senior citizens through the Wish of a Lifetime program. I had traveled back to Chicago that week to attend the wake and funeral services of my grandmother, Eleanor. I had spent a lot of time that week reflecting with friends and family about the wonderful life Eleanor led. I understand from family stories she was an outstanding community leader in her earlier years, and she spent most of the time I knew her completely dedicated to loving and serving her family. Jeremy's mom, Char, asked me what I think Eleanor's wish would have been. While I am not completely sure, and I am quite confident she would have said, "I have my family and that is all I need", I cannot help but want to know what that Wish of a Lifetime would have been for her. While I may never know Eleanor's wish I am confident she will live on through my work with the Donna Wheeler Foundation as we grant wishes for seniors throughout Colorado and the country in the coming months and years.

I am excited to join Jeremy and his family as I bring several years of nonprofit work experience that will help maximize the passion we each have for the Wish of a Lifetime program. I join the foundation after founding Sporting Philanthropy, a full-service fundraising consulting practice that serves nonprofit athletic organizations across the country. In that role, I assisted organizations with development planning and offered grant research, grant writing, and corporate sponsorship solicitation services. Prior to founding Sporting Philanthropy, I completed the United States Golf Association two-year Fellowship in Leadership and Service. During my time with the USGA, I was responsible for an eight-state region of the organization's $5 million annual grants initiative. I am a graduate of the University of Dayton where I earned degrees in public policy and business with concentrations in community development and entrepreneurial business. I am originally from the Chicago area and currently live and work in Denver.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Bloom family and myself as we work toward the important mission of the Donna Wheeler Foundation and the Wish of a Lifetime program.

Best Personal Regards,

Patrick Sablich
Executive Director
Donna Wheeler Foundation