Doug Goldsmith
Chief Operating Officer
All Earth Renewables

Sponsor Doug 



Recent stories in the news of people freezing to death because they can't (or didn't) seek out shelter raised my awareness of the issue of homelessness.  Spectrum's Sleep Out is an opportunity for some of us who have homes to experience a taste of what it’s like to be without and raise money for those who need it.  These events nudge all of us to do a little more for others.

Katie Camardo 
Sr. VP, Chief Operating Officer
The Vermont Teddy Bear Company
 
Sponsor Katie 
 


I am representing The Vermont Teddy Bear Company by participating in Spectrum’s Sleep Out.  Our goal is to help draw awareness to the reality of teen homelessness, especially within our local community.  We live in such a wonderful part of the world that it is often very easy to forget the challenges that many of our teens face.  Spectrum is a great organization that provides support to hundreds of our Vermont teenagers each year.  Spectrum can help these teenagers change their lives and become contributors to our local community.

Ian Wyatt
President
Wyatt Investment Research

Sponsor Ian 

I'm participating in Spectrum's Sleep Out to help bring attention to this great organization that positively impacts the lives of so many youth throughout Vermont. As a new board member at Spectrum, this is an outstanding way for me to better understand the daily issues faced by homeless youth. I hope you'll join me in supporting Spectrum through this event.

Mark Redmond
Executive Director
Spectrum Youth & Family Services

Sponsor Mark 

 



I have been working with homeless and at-risk teens for 30 years, the last 9 here in Vermont as the executive director of Spectrum.  I can’t tell you how proud I am of our staff and of the work that we do.  It is an honor for me to take part in the Sleep Out on March 29^th.  I am doing it as a way to raise awareness of the reality of youth homelessness in our state, and our commitment to do all we can to provide housing and support for all who need it.  We help many youth at Spectrum, but there are still others who require what we offer.  We cannot let them down.

Michelle Little
Director of Finance
Lake Champlain Regional
Chamber of Commerce 

Sponsor Michelle 



As a Board Member and Treasurer in my 3^rd  year with Spectrum, I couldn’t be more delighted to help out in any way possible.  It’s imperative that we continue to raise awareness for our youth & young adults.  Homelessness is a serious topic that hits us right here at home in Vermont.  Imagine having no comforts of home, no safety, nothing…..Vermont is a very chilly state with weather that is all over the map.  One night to help out – raise awareness – make a small difference is why I am participating.

Sara Byers

Executive Vice President
Leonardo's Pizza 

Sponsor Sara  

I am very proud to join Spectrum's Sleep Out.  It is an opportunity for me and other community leaders to better understand the challenges homeless young people face each and every day.  For many of us, the idea of sleeping and living outside during a Vermont winter is unimaginable.  As the epidemic of youth homelessness increases, it becomes an all too familiar reality for many young people.  Spectrum's work to support these individuals is an incredible asset to our community.  I am honored to be a part of raising funds for this tremendous organization.

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Meghan Haley
Director of Digital Strategy
Kelliher Samets Volk 

Sponsor Meghan 

I believe deeply in Spectrum’s mission and, as a board member and volunteer, see first-hand the great work they do in our community. When first asked to participate in The Sleep Out, I declined. I didn't see how subjecting myself to the discomfort, both physical and psychological, of sleeping in such an exposed environment, would help me feel more connected to a cause for which I already have so much passion. Then, I realized: How can I truly relate to the homeless youth we work with at Spectrum if I can’t even spend one night in their shoes? And, let’s be real, as authentic as we try to make the experience, we will all have safe homes with warm showers to return to in the morning. So, I am proudly participating -- knowing that losing one night of sleep is worth helping to raise awareness of this very real issue.

Mike Deweese
Superintendent
Chittenden Central Supervisory Union 

Sponsor Mike 




I'm pleased to participate in Spectrum's Sleep Out.  It's a modest way for me to give thanks for my own station in life, which currently includes a roof over my head and a warm bed to look forward to each evening.   I hope my small part in this event further calls others to action in helping address daily issues faced by our homeless youth.  Thanks to those who can support Spectrum's important work through this event.

Mike Smith
Vermont State President
FairPoint Communications 







Spectrum’s Sleep Out is a demonstration of the realities that face some Vermont teens and their struggle to build a better life for themselves. Spectrum is Vermont’s only organization that empowers Vermont’s teens, young adults and their families to make positive change. I am showing my solidarity for the hope Spectrum gives our next generation of Vermonters.

Brian Boardman
Owner, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Hickock & Boardman Realty 

Sponsor Brian 



I am pleased to take part in Spectrum’s Sleep Out. As part of my ongoing commitment to Burlington and Vermont, I support the valuable work of organizations like Spectrum and the amazing work they do with today’s youth. Spectrum provides essential services to at-risk youth at a critical point in their lives, giving them much needed support & guidance. Their advocacy & direct service work on behalf of homeless youth is essential to the overall well-being of our community.

John Bodnar
Senior Financial Advisor, Vice President
Merrill Lynch

Sponsor John 


I am participating in Spectrum's Sleep Out because I really believe in the program.

Gaye Symington
Executive Director
The High Meadows Fund, based at the Vermont Community Foundation

Jim Howard
VP, Sales & Marketing
Twincraft Soap 

  Sponsor Jim 
 

Shelter is a basic necessity that many of us take for granted.  The impact of the economic downturn, of Hurricane Irene as well as more recent news of homeless Vermonters dieing on our streets this winter reminded me of the need to help raise awareness and bring focus to homelessness in general and especially for our youth in Vermont.  Our youth needs a roof!

Ted Adler
Founder and President
Union Street Media 

Sponsor Ted 



I've been proud to support Spectrum Youth & Family Services since joining the board in 2007. The Sleep Out raises awareness about one of the most pressing challeneges homeless young people face: where should I spend the night? Through the awareness, comes support, which will help Spectrum successfully complete its mission. 

Gary Vassar
Director, Human Resources
Greater Burlington YMCA
 
Sponsor Gary 





The missions of the Y and Spectrum are similar with respect to youth development and strengthening communities.   I am proud to support Spectrum’s staff as they draw attention to people who have not had the advantages many of us had.  Spectrum has made a difference in many families’ lives and I would like to help them continue to do that.  

Pam Mackenzie
Chair
Vermont Telecommunications Authority  

Sponsor Pam 
 
If you are not helping – you are hurting.  I come from a very long line of “helpers”.  Grandma Decker always made “extra”, Grandpa Decker supported his family during the Depression playing pool at the local pool hall in Grand Junction, Colorado.  His Dad was the Sheriff, and he helped the local Japanese Farmers during WWII.  We can all do something.

David White
President
White + Burke Real Estate Investment Advisors 

Sponsor David 



I'm sleeping out to help bring attention to the often overlooked problem of homelessness among young people. No young person should be left with no place to sleep other than outdoors. Many of these young folks have lacked the kind of safe, stable home life most of us give our own children. I want to do my part to help them.

Esther Lotz
Realtor
Esther Lotz Realty 






I am a business owner and community member who is highly committed to the health of our community.  My participating in the Sleep Out helps Spectrum to reach as many at-risk kids as possible and it allows me to feel like I am an instrument of change.  There is also a great deal of joy and satisfaction that I feel serving as a mentor to my mentee of over a year.  If more people opened themselves up to this kind of enriching experience, they’d be surprised at how powerful and life-affirming it can be.  Spectrum makes these relationships happen.

Tuck Rainwater
Director - Government & Community Relations
Comcast

Sponsor Tuck 
 

I am proud to take part in the Sleep Out on March 29^th.  Comcast is committed to giving back to and improving the quality of life in the Vermont communities where our employees and customers live and work.  The reality of youth homelessness in our state is something we must confront head on.  At Comcast, community service means much more than just writing checks to organizations.  Every day our employees work side-by-side with community partners that make a real difference, and Spectrum’s Sleep Out is just one example.  We have long-supported Spectrum’s powerful work and are honored to be a part of this event.

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Tom Brownell
Chief Investment Officer
National Life Group 

Sponsor Tom 





Talk about a no-brainer!  Our community, and on a broader level our society, has this enormous issue around homelessness that needs to be tackled with awareness, commitment and resources.  The Sleep Out is a fantastic idea and I am thrilled to be able to join in.  By participating, hopefully I will do my very small part to help our community continue to make progress toward claiming victory on this critical issue.”

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Nydelis Ortiz
Miss Vermont USA 2010

Sponsor Nydelis 

Thanks to organizations like Spectrum my family and I were able to overcome homelessness when I was a young child. Homelessness organizations hold a very dear place in my heart for this reason and what better way to give back and show my gratitude for what they did for me and my family than to help raise awareness for this wonderful cause? I gladly share my personal story triumphing over homelessness to motivate other children, teens, and young adults who are now in the position that I once was in to show them that they can overcome whatever obstacles are set in their path and become absolutely anything they want to be. Thanks to organizations like Spectrum I became the first in my family to graduate from college doing so with two degrees, studied abroad in Argentina, represented Vermont at the Miss USA pageant, and am now celebrating my one year mark of mentoring a young girl through Spectrum. Organizations like this give young people hope. Let's help them inspire other young people to reach for their dreams!

Jim Fogler
President and Publisher
FreePressMedia  

Sponsor Jim 




I am participating to support the Spectrum mission and to help make positive change among those teenagers, young adults and their families in the Greater Burlington area.   

Mary Lee
Vice President & Chief People Officer
National Life Group

Sponsor Mary   

 

Michael Seaver
President, Vermont
People's United Bank

Sponsor Michael 

People ask me why am I participating in a fundraiser like this Sleep Out? It’s because I’m crazy and because I think it will help change the world. Maybe they’re the same reason. Also, I’m joining this effort in honor of southern Vermont’s great champion for homeless people, Melinda Bussino, longtime executive director of Brattleboro Area Drop-in Center. Melinda died on March 4^th. My small effort pales compared to her great work.”

Dan Feeney
President
North Star Leasing

Sponsor Dan



I feel that the staff at Spectrum Youth & Family Services on a daily basis is teaching young people the independent living skills needed to secure employment, encouraging them to stay in school, start a bank account, save money and get them back on track for a successful life. There are many reasons why teens are homeless and it is not as cut and dry as one might think. After my night of sleeping out on the Unitarian Church lawn is over, I have a home to go back to because of good options I had growing up as teen, some of the kids who visit Spectrum are not so lucky.

Kimberly DuBrul
Business, Life and Mindset Coach
Your Year of Transformation

Sponsor Kimberly 

Until this event came up, I had no idea of the homeless teen situation in Burlington.  Having a teen myself, I can not imagine her on the streets with no home.  It really struck me- if I do this and make sure my network knows then I will have done something great to raise others' awareness, too.  Raising the money is important too, as these young people need to be cared for and money is necessary.  It's just the bottom line.  So, I hope people will really rally around this event.  On a personal note, I am uncomfortable with the idea of sleeping outside myself, something I have never done, and getting out of my comfort zone is something I know is always a good thing.

Lisa Andrew
Red Sapphire Consulting  

Sponsor Lisa  




I am proud to participate in Spectrum's Sleep Out because I believe as community leaders, we have not only the opportunity but also the responsibility to educate and engage others in understanding how youth homelessness affects the entire community on all levels. I believe that Spectrum leads this effort through their advocacy and programs offered to youth and their families. Through Spectrum's efforts, it is possible for youth to change their lives, become an active voice, and amazing contributors to the Burlington community.   

Tom O'Leary
VP, Sales
Dealer.com

Sponsor Tom 

Phil Merrick
Owner
August First Bakery  

Sponsor Phil  

TJ Donovan
State Attorney
Chittenden County State's Attorney
 
Sponsor TJ 

Rob LaClair
Business Development Officer
Vermont Economic Development Authority

Sponsor Rob 

Andy Bowen
Owner
Green Mountain Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine

Sponsor Andy 

Bruce Baker
Partner
Clarke Demas & Baker

Sponsor Bruce 

Carl Padula
CFO
Chroma Techonology Corp

Sponsor Carl 

Larry Williams
Development
Redstone

Sponsor Larry 

Chuck Lacy

Sponsor Chuck  

Susanne Schmidt
Agency of Human Services

Sponsor Susanne 

Tawnya Safer

Sponsor Tawnya 

Tom Nolting
Vice President, Billing and Revenue Assurance
FairPoint Communications

Sponsor Tom 

Brian Murphy
Attorney
Dinse, Knapp & McAndrew 

Sponsor Brian 

Peter Potts
Attorney
Clarke Demas & Baker

Sponsor Peter 

Dave Gibson
Founding Partner
Propeller Media Works 
  
Sponsor Dave