Below is the letter I wrote to the VP after hours of trying to work with the organizer. Still no results. Based on the integrity of the organization in this situation, I would not trust them with funds donated to them......
On February 5th of this year, I learned about the Pikes Peak Challenge event for the brain Injury Alliance of Colorado. I learned of it from one of my 14er group memberships. I was immediately excited and wanted to work toward summiting Pikes Peak for a cause. It would be a synergistic partnership - I would be raising money for your organization, and you would be supporting my summit. Win win. I immediately posted my intentions on my Facebook page and asked for donations. I was overwhelmed by the immediate response of support I received from friends and family. It was super touching that this many people believed in me. I set my calendar for the date when the registration would open up. I asked folks to wait to send money, to be sure that the event would take place, and that I would indeed be able to participate on my end. Two and a half weeks before the challenge, I sent out the call for checks, and they came rolling in. I raised $490 fo the BIAC. I was excited, happy, and humbled by the support I was receiving.
My reasons for choosing to support the BIAC was two-fold; 1) to summit a unique 14er with support and a shuttle back to the trailhead (it was to be my 15th fourteener) and 2) to support the mission of the BIAC. I worked in the disability support services department in a college in northern Wisconsin. I've seen what traumatic brain injuries do to people. It's pretty devastating. Also, a hiking friend of mine was attempting to summit one of the Wilsons last summer, when a rock came down, injuring another climber. My friend called EMS and stayed with the man until SAR was able to get to him. Six hours. The man was transported to the hospital - long story short - he experienced a TBI and will never be the same. As you might see, I fully support your mission, with personal emotional investment.
I spent 6 months hiking and participating in a training program geared toward doing the challenge. Fully invested.
As you might imagine, when you cancelled the event TO SUMMIT the peak, I was more than "crest-fallen". I stress TO SUMMIT, because that's what my monetary supporters were promised. If I did not summit, I would not take their money. That was the agreement. Because you cancelled the summit hike and its supporting services, I could no longer complete the challenge. Based on your commitment to me, and mine to you - the summit could not take place, and I could not hold up my end of the deal with my supporters.
This brings me to my request for a refund for the entrance fee. I have contacted Tina Ziwak several times requesting this refund, and she had not been cooperative, which is why I'm turning to you. We have had several email interchanges, which I will happily forward to you, in which I felt she was less than helpful ...
(Her words ... "Again, this event is to raise funds for BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS, not just so participants can say they hiked to the Summit, Barr Camp or in Manitou". And ... "We still provided t-shirts, lunch, transportation, etc. All the things that the event includes."
In a nutshell, The Pikes Peak Challenge Event did not hold up their end of the deal, did not provide the supported summit hike and the shuttle back to the trailhead - which is what I signed up for - hence I was not able to provide my end of the commitment to my sponsors. I was not there for lunch or t-shirts. I was there to summit for a cause, as agreed upon. I was also not dong it just to boast that I had summited Pikes Peak as Tina eluded to in the above remark.
I mailed the checks back to my supporters because I could not follow through on my commitment to them, I would thank you to do the same. I am looking forward to hearing from you, and will be most appreciative of any help you can provide.
I have been involved with the Brain Injury Alliance (BIAC) for the past 20 plus years. BIAC is the only statewide advocacy organization for individuals with brain injury in Colorado. Their staff is extremely invested and care greatly for the people with brain injuries they support. In addition to advocacy, BIAC has taken the lead on policy and legislative efforts that advance the care and treatment of individuals with brain injury. As Director for the Brain Injury Program for the State of Colorado Department of Human Services, BIAC is an extremely valued partner for the state. I could not do the work that I do without exemplary partners such as BIAC. Individuals with brain injury and their families benefit greatly from the tremendous work of the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado.
I am a Certified Therapetuic Recreation Specialist that has worked with adults who have a mild traumatic brain injury for the past 16 yrs in a community recreational setting. Having the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado at my back door has been a wonderful thing. I have referred many clients and their families to this organization and have received only positive feedback. They provide wonderful education sessions and are very welcoming organization.
Wow what an amazing organization. I started with the organization in 1980 and have had many positions over the years. I have learned about leadership, non profits, relationships and brain injury through the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado. As a Therapeutic Recreational Specialist for over thirty years this organization has taught me what I know. This organization was started by families and a few professionals and today has been shown to be an influence in the legislature and able to reach so many more people across the state. My feeling are the individuals that choose to be a part of this organization gain so much more than what they can contribute. My life is definitely richer because of the people I have met through BIAC.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado is an incredible advocacy organization for persons with brain injury, their family and friends and services provider. My first experience with BIAC was as a volunteer at their Adventure Camp in the Rocky Mountains for survivors of brain injury. What an amazing experience! I have continued to be involved with BIAC as a Support Group Leader, member of the Brain Injury Professionals Networks, attended and presented at their annual conference and as a provider of services for persons with brain injury. We are so fortunate in Colorado to have this valuable organization available to us. I encourage others to contact BIAC and see what they have to offer you.