About Ginny's Kids
The Ginny's Kids Experience
Ginny died at the age of 50 after a battle with cancer. Her brother Marv wanted to do something in her memory for families to create memories that would last a lifetime.
Ginny’s Kids International is an all-volunteer 501 c (3) organization devoted to bringing help, hope and happiness to families in their time of need. The mission of Ginny's Kids is to create cherished memories for families with children facing life-threatening illnesses by providing them with an opportunity to experience a dream vacation.
Ginny’s Kids has provided a variety of dream trips to over 340 families since 1982. The majority of the families travel to Disneyland, all expenses paid, with the participation of local businesses in Arvada, Colorado and Anaheim, California. Funding for these trips comes from the generous donations from individuals and businesses as well as our fundraising events such as our annual Wine Tasting and Golf Tournament.
Ginny's Kids Board Members
James Homer Anderson
President
Homer Anderson’s family came to Arvada Colorado in 1936 when he was 26 months old. Homer attended the Arvada Grade School (now Lawrence Elementary) for 1st Grade in the fall of 1940 and graduated from Arvada High School in 1952.
Homer and his wife, Lorraine started Anderson Tire Service, Inc., in 1973. It was during the course of business that he was asked by Marv Rowley to donate so Marv could honor his sister Ginny by sending a family with a seriously ill child to Disneyland.
In addition to Ginny’s Kids, Homer served 20 years on the Arvada Volunteer Fire Department achieving the rank of Captain. He belonged to the Arvada Kiwanis Club for 22 years and served as President. He has given back to his community in many ways by helping organizations such as the Rolling Cowboys Basketball team to helping people with disabilities. Homer was named Man of the Year in 2010 for his contributions to the Arvada Community.
Homer loves to tell the children that they get to go on a trip to Disneyland and always makes sure they have an ice cream cone for him.
Kristi Anderson
Vice President
Kristi Anderson serves as the Vice President of Ginny's Kids International. Her dedication to Ginny's Kids is rooted in the belief that every child deserves love, care, and support, especially during their most challenging times.
In her role as Vice President, Kristi oversees fund raising events, and scheduling the family trips.
Through her efforts, she is committed to making a meaningful difference for the families.
Keith Anderson Secretary
Keith has been volunteering for Ginny’s Kids since 2008. As the board Secretary, he efficiently supports the organization's mission of aiding families.
“The most rewarding thing about working with Ginny’s Kids families is seeing them have a fun, positive family experience where they can forget about hospital visits and the stress that comes with their illness.”
David Anderson
Treasurer
Gerry Rowley asked David to join Ginny's Kids in 1995 and he has loved every moment of it.
As treasurer, David oversees all the financial operations for Ginny's Kids.
Pete Frank
Board Member
Cheryl Smith
Board Member
Cheryl has been a board member of Ginny's Kids since 1995. Cheryl joined Ginny's kids in 1995 when she met Pat Rowley, sister-in-law of Ginny Rowley. Pat invited Cheryl to join Ginny's Kids. Cheryl has always felt that it is important to give back to the community that you live in.
Cheryl's favorite part of Ginny's Kids is seeing a smile on the faces of the kids and their families enjoying themselves and getting a chance, if only for a short while, to forget about their illness.
Cheryl has been married to her wonderful husband and they have 4 kids, 2 girls and 2 boys, an adorable grandson and a cat named Rocky (pictured above) who is more spoiled than the grandson!
Cheryl and her family love walking, hiking, spending time in Rocky Mountain National Park, exploring other parts of Colorado and traveling and are avid flower and vegetable gardeners and love needlework. They are Horticulturists and spend any time they can seeking out and identifying wildflowers, esp. in the Snowy Mts. of Wyoming and giving their time to Ginny's Kids.
Bud Obert
Board Member