Press Release - Bellco Donates 150 Bags of Gags for
Starlight Starbright Kids
12.06.07, 6:52 PM ET
Posted by Business Wire, Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Wall Street Journal, YellowBrix Industry Watch, MorningStar, StreetInsider.com, Reuters, The News & Observer

Bellco Credit Union hopes to bring some smiles to the faces of children at Denver Health and National Jewish hospitals with the help of toy-filled bags from "Cacklebags."

The bags are filled with Magic Springs, Chuckle Nuts, Whoopee Seats and Kooky Cockroaches, among other toys. Cacklebags are the brainchild of founder and "chief cackle officer" Julie Haws from Castle Rock.

Haws felt typical presents for kids in the hospital -- like balloons and teddy bears -- were missing something.

"I always regarded laughter to be the best medicine, so I developed Cacklebags with items that would make kids giggle like Whoopee cushions and magic ink," Haws said.

Bellco Credit Union donated 150 Cacklebags to The Children's Hospital last year and decided to expand its donation this year to children being served by the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation - Colorado.

Bellco's gift of Cacklebags will be distributed to 48 children from Denver Health and National Jewish hospitals while they celebrate their Santa Sleigh party and trip to the North Pole with the help of United Airlines.

"Bellco Credit Union agrees that laughter can be great medicine for kids who are struggling with an illness and Cacklebags embodies the spirit of that," said Sandra Sagehorn-Elliott, Bellco vice president of customer relationships. "Bringing laughter with Cacklebags to the children served by the Starlight Starbright Foundation - Colorado brings a smile to the faces of Bellco employees."

Please join us on Saturday! Photo and interview opportunities include: children, United and Starlight employees, volunteers and Kimberly Bourne, Executive Director of Starlight Children's Foundation.

Event details:
What:
United Airlines and Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation will pick up 48 seriously ill children at Denver Health and National Jewish hospitals, escort them to DIA, where the kids will board a plane for Santa's Sleigh ride to the North Pole! When the kids "land" at the North Pole, United Airlines employees dressed as Santa's Helpers will treat the kids to goodies and gifts donated by Bellco Credit Union & Cacklebags, McDonald's, Wal-Mart and United Airlines!
Where:
Denver International Airport; kids dropped off by bus at United Door 610, Concourse B, where they will board the plane
When:
Saturday, Dec. 8 3:00 p.m. - buses leave hospitals 6:30 p.m. - buses leave DIA
Background:
Starlight Children's Foundation - Colorado is a nonprofit organization that transforms the lives of seriously ill children and their families through imaginative programs that educate, uplift their spirits, foster a sense of community, and help alleviate the pain and fear of prolonged illness. For three years, United Airlines has sponsored Santa's Sleigh ride, giving Starlight children a wonderful memory that will last a lifetime.

About Bellco Credit Union

Bellco is Denver's largest credit union, with $1.6 billion in assets, over 300 employees and 14 branches across the Denver-metro area. Bellco actively supports the local Denver community by donating funds and employee volunteer hours to many Denver-area organizations. Bellco sponsors the annual Bellco Credit Union Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade, Western Welcome Week in Littleton and other community events. Founded in 1936, Bellco offers a full range of financial products and services. Today, Bellco Credit Union has over 161,000 members and 1,450 Select Employee Groups. Member advantages include lower interest rates on loans and higher yields on savings, as well as access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs.