Celeb Council Member, #6

Amber Johnson, Editor of Denver Post's Mile High Mamas

"I've had the opportunity to serve in food banks all over the world but since becoming a mom, I feel especially passionate about helping combat child hunger. I'm so impressed with the programs at  Food Bank of the Rockies and I feel honored to be conjoined with them."

About Amber:
Amber Johnson is so passionate about motherhood that she teamed up with The Denver Post to build a community around it. Mile High Mamas is Denver's leading social media community for moms and Amber regularly organizes events that pair local mom "Influencers" with organizations in need. Of course, her favorite event ever was when she teamed up with Food Bank of the Rockies to help bring awareness to child hunger.


Amber was selected after a nationwide search to be Microsoft's accredited blogger at the 2010 Vancouver Games. She works as a social media strategist at Pixo Web Design & Strategy and has been named as a Brand Enthusiast for companies such as Park City Mountain Resort's Snowmamas.com, Nintendo, Windex and Feld Entertainment. She is also a family travel writer and has been blogging at her personal blog Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck since 2003 and was received numerous blogging awards including being honored in Westword magazine’s Best of Denver edition.

She is originally from Canada but spent a number of years working as a publicist for Utah’s ski and outdoor industry whilst moonlighting as a radio personality and travel writer. She relinquished her wanderlust life to marry the real love of her life nine years ago. She and her husband Jamie have two kids ages 5 and 7. Well, actually three offspring if you count Jamie's obsession with growing The Great Pumpkin, for which Amber and Jamie were featured on the premiere on NBC's The Marriage Ref.

Celeb Council Members #3 & #4, Trista & Ryan Sutter

Trista & Ryan Sutter, Stars of ABC's The Bachelor

"When we were approached to be involved with Food Bank of the Rockies, we didn't hesitate. As parents, we want to teach our children to give back and thought this would be a perfect way of showing them to do so, through example."

About Trista:
Now a Vail, Colorado resident with her husband Ryan, Trista Sutter (formerly Rehn), was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. After receiving a Bachelor Degree in Exercise Science from Indiana University, she went on to earn a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami. She enjoyed Miami so much that she ended up calling it home for five more years, with four being spent practicing pediatric physical therapy at Miami Children’s Hospital, and two as a Miami Heat dancer.

Looking for something new and exciting, Trista applied for a new show called “The Bachelor”. After being chosen to appear as one of 25 bachelorettes on the ABC hit, she achieved overnight fame as the runner-up who was not ultimately picked as The Bachelor’s dream girl. Not being chosen proved to be the best thing that ever happened to her, because she was then asked to become the first Bachelorette. On this spin-off, she not only met the man of her dreams in handsome firefighter Ryan Sutter, but said “yes” to his televised marriage proposal that 26 million people tuned in to witness. After a long engagement they planned a dream wedding with the industry’s best for a special TV wedding that they shared with the millions that had watched their love story unfold. Until recently, they were the only couple from “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” to actually tie the knot, and one of few to even remain together. As icing on the proverbial cake, they welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Maxwell Alston Sutter, into the world on July 26, 2007 after 2 long years of trying, then were doubly blessed with a precious baby girl, Blakesley Grace Sutter, on April 3, 2009.

In addition to her involvement on the Bachelor and the Bachelorette, Trista is also known for her participation on the first season of the Emmy-nominated, “Dancing with the Stars”; blogging for E! Online and Buzz.com; hosting roles including Good Day Live, The View, Miss America, VH1’s All Access, and “Trista and Ryan’s Honeymoon Hotspots” on the Travel Channel; appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Fear Factor, Ellen, The Tonight Show, Howard Stern, According to Jim, and Less than Perfect; a column in Redbook entitled “My Life as a New Wife”; a diaper bag line called “Trista Baby” and multiple features in People Magazine, Maxim, MOM magazine, In Style, Good Housekeeping, TV Guide, In Touch, Life & Style weekly, and US Weekly. She is currently a stay-at-home-and-work mom who is now a designer for a successful direct sales company called, Vintage Couture.

About Ryan:
Personal: Birthplace – Fort Collins, Colorado, Currently Residing – Avon, Colorado, Alma Mater – University of Colorado at Boulder – School of Environmental Design.

Interests: Skiing/Snowboarding – “Shane would do it.” Mountain Biking – “Deep within is the grit, guts and determination to move mountains.” Triathlon – “Anything is Possible.” Mountaineering – “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” Environment – “I sing of her glory because I live by her grace.”

Professional:Lieutenant, Town of Vail Fire Department, Engine Company One. – www.vailfire.com, LEED Accredited Professional and Member U.S. Green Building Council, Former Board Member – Eagle County Alliance for Sustainability, TV Personality, Spokesperson, Model

Sesame Steps Up to the Hunger Plate

We recently partnered with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, and Walmart in hosting a community screening featuring portions of Sesame Street’s newest prime time special, Growing Hope Against Hunger, featuring Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams Paisley, and the Sesame Street Muppets. The screening showcased the program and provide educational opportunities for families around the issue of hunger in America. We previewed this program at Altura Elementary School in Aurora, where over 97% of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch. FOX 31's, Ken Clark, emceed the event (thanks Ken!).

The special aired on Rocky Mountain PBS on Sunday, October 9. The special helped raise awareness of the widespread issue of hunger and provide simple, empowering strategies to families who aren’t sure where their next meal will come from-and to others who want to help. Lily, a new Muppet character who relies on a food pantry for her family's meals, was introduced.  She and Elmo become fast friends and talk openly about the prevalence of hunger in America.  Watch a portion of the programs here! 

In Colorado, 22.7% of kids under 18 are deemed food insecure. Of those 271,660 children, 43% do not qualify for government assistance and rely on food assistance from Food Bank of the Rockies and their 1,003 agency partners.  We were thrilled to be a part of such a fantastic event to raise awareness and show kids that they're not alone in their struggles with putting food on the table.

Celeb Council Member #3, Natalie Tysdal

Natalie Tysdal, Co-Anchor "Everyday" on FOX 31
Photo by Celebrity Council Photographer, Hans Rosemond

“I do my best to teach my own kids to think with what we call a ‘loving heart’.   Working with the Food bank of the Rockies is one way of doing that in the community.  It’s a pleasure to work with people who care deeply about the well being of others.”

About Natalie:
Natalie Tysdal anchors the news and talk show "Everyday" which airs at 10:00 a.m. on FOX31 Denver.

Prior to that, Natalie anchored the Emmy-award winning News2 This Morning. Since joining KWGN in 2002, the show was continually named Colorado's #1 local morning news program.

Natalie reported and anchored in Dallas,TX, Pensacola, FL, Mobile, AL, Twin Falls, ID and Lincoln, NE. She has covered major hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, moderated gubernatorial debates and interviewed political figures and Hollywood stars from around the world. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her feature, medical and investigative reporting.

Natalie started her career as a photographer and editor while attending the school of Journalism at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. With a degree in Broadcasting and minors in history, political science and psychology, she decided to become a producer which eventually led to jobs reporting and anchoring. In her words, "there is no greater compliment than to entrust a reporter with your story. It can be personal and sometimes difficult. I've learned about journalism from both sides of the camera as the subject of stories and the reporter. I choose my words very carefully and I treat every story with the respect it deserves." It is that sincere yet no-nonsense and honest approach that has won the hearts of many and gained the trust of viewers.

Natalie spends a great deal of time in the community, volunteering and speaking to charitable groups. Outside journalism, her passion is working with kids. She founded a committee that proposed and developed a new elementary magnet school in Colorado with a focus on critical thinking and responsible citizenship.

Natalie and her husband, Tyler, have an active home with two elementary-aged daughters and a little boy.

Celeb Council Member #2, Mr. Joe Sakic

Mr. Joe Sakic, Executive Advisor/Alternate Governor for Colorado Avalanche
Photo by Celeb Council Photographer, Rachel Kemble

"During tough economic times, Deb and I are even more passionate about fighting childhood hunger. No child should be hungry. They can’t support themselves and it’s important that we give back. With the help of Food Bank of the Rockies and the community, we can provide hope and much needed nutrition to Colorado kids and families."

About Joe:
Former Avalanche captain Joe Sakic began his first season as the organization’s Executive Advisor/Alternate Governor in 2011. He was named to his new position on March 25, 2011 and officially began his duties at the conclusion of the 2010-11 season.  In this role, Sakic serves as an executive advisor regarding all facets of hockey operations. He also represents the Avalanche at the Board of Governors Meetings as one of the Alternate Governors.

Sakic announced his retirement from the game of hockey on July 9, 2009, following a career that spanned 20 seasons and 1,378 games with the same organization. He wore the ‘C’ as team captain for 16 consecutive seasons (17 seasons overall), making him the second-longest serving captain in NHL history. Sakic led the Avalanche to two Stanley Cup titles (1996, 2001), which included the city of Denver’s first major professional sports championship in 1996. The Burnaby, B.C., native captured the franchise’s first Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2001, won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1996, earned the Lester B. Pearson Award (NHLPA MVP) and Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship) in 2001 and was named to the NHL’s First All-Star Team on three occasions (2001, 2002 and 2004).

Sakic is the eighth-highest scorer in NHL history with 1,641 career points. He ranks seventh all-time in both playoff goals (84) and playoff points (188-tied), and holds the NHL record with eight postseason overtime goals.  Selected by the Quebec Nordiques in the first round (15th overall) of the 1987 Entry Draft, Sakic is the franchise’s all-time leader in nearly every statistical category. With Sakic as team captain, the Avalanche/Nordiques captured an NHL-record nine consecutive division championships from 1995 to 2003. In addition to its two Stanley Cup titles, the Avalanche also won two Presidents’ Trophies and made six appearances in the Western Conference Finals during that time span.

Sakic’s #19 jersey was retired by the Avalanche during a pre-game ceremony on Oct. 1, 2009.  Joe and his wife, Debbie, have three children: Mitchell and twins Chase and Kamryn. Joe and Debbie are active with Food Bank of the Rockies charity and Joe hosts his own charity golf tournament to benefit the Food Bank every summer in Denver. Sakic was awarded the 2007 NHL Foundation Player Award in recognition of his commitment and service to charities in his community.

ANNOUNCING...FBR's Brand New Celebrity Council and GOOSE

We live in an awesome state.  And we're fortunate enough to have a rather impressive list of local celebs to call our own.  A few months back our staff sat down and discussed how amazing it would be to join forces with a host of Colorado celebrities in the fight against hunger.  And so we did.  We drafted letters and reached out to celebs from all different talent areas.  The response was overwhelming and incredibly touching.  These dedicated Coloradans didn't hesitate to come on board and volunteer their name and time to fighting hunger and feeding hope. 

We're SOOOOOOO excited to launch this Celebrity Council and will announce one member every work day for the next month.  Check in daily and visit our Facebook page for all the fun!  THANKS to all our Celebrity Council members for teaming up with us on such a vital issue in our community.  We couldn't be more proud to have you all on board. 

ANNOUNCING CELEBRITY COUNCIL MEMBER #1

Mr. Goose Gossage, Former Major League Pitcher & Hall of Famer
Photo by Celeb Coucil Photographer Rachel Kemble

“Colorado has a plethora of charities that do amazing work. One cause I fully support is combating hunger in our state. It’s shocking how many of our neighbors are hungry, but fortunately, Food Bank of the Rockies exists to make sure those folks don’t go to bed hungry. That’s a cause I can stand behind without hesitation. I’m proud to lend my voice through the Celebrity Council to encourage others to get involved in the food bank’s mission of fighting hunger and feeding hope.”

About Goose.....

Richard Michael "Goose" Gossage is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. During a 22-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972-1994 for nine different teams, spending his best years with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. The nickname "Goose" is a play on his surname. Although otherwise known as "Rich" in popular media, to family and friends he is "Rick."

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he was one of the earliest manifestations of the dominating modern closer, with wild facial hair and a gruff demeanor to go along with his blistering fastball. He led the American League in saves three times and was runner up twice; by the end of the 1987 season he ranked second in major league history in career saves, trailing only Rollie Fingers, although by the end of his career his final total of 310 had slipped to fourth all-time. When he retired he also ranked third in major league history in career games pitched (1,002), and he remains third in wins in relief (115) and innings pitched in relief (1,556⅔); his 1,502 strikeouts place him behind only Hoyt Wilhelm among pitchers who primarily pitched in relief. He also is the career leader in blown saves (112), three more than Rollie Fingers. From 1977 through 1983 he never recorded an earned run average over 2.62, including a mark of 0.77 in 1981, and in 1980 he finished third in AL voting for both the MVP Award and Cy Young Award as the Yankees won a division title.

Respected for his impact in crucial games, he recorded the final out to clinch a division, league or World Series title seven times. His eight All-Star selections as a reliever were a record until Mariano Rivera passed him in 2008; he was also selected once as a starting pitcher. He now works in broadcasting. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.

Gossage lives in Colorado and is active in the community promoting and sponsoring youth sports. In 1995, the city of Colorado Springs dedicated the Rich "Goose" Gossage Youth Sports Complex, which features five fields for youth baseball and softball competition. He also owned a hamburger joint in Parker, Colorado, called Burgers N Sports.

He has written an autobiography, released in 2000, entitled The Goose is Loose (Ballantine: New York). 
His son Todd is a professional baseball player who currently plays for the Sussex Skyhawks in the Can-Am League.  Gossage coached the American League team in the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game in Anaheim, CA on July 12, 2010.

At the Hall of Fame induction in 2008, Gossage expressed gratitude to a number of baseball people who had helped him through his career, and several times described his Hall of Fame week experience as "amazing". The inductions included Dick Williams, his manager at San Diego. After the ceremonies, the two of them sat together for an ESPN interview on the podium, taking audience questions and gently ribbing each other, especially about the upper-deck home run Kirk Gibson hit in the 1984 World Series.

Paper Plates & YOU

Through an initiative organized by Feeding America, we recently asked our agency partners to have clients receiving food assistance to write about their situations on paper plates.  We received hundreds and hundreds of paper plates, filled with heart breaking stories and comments from our neighbors in need.  Those plates were brought to our Senator's office to bring to Washington DC, along with thousands from other states.  Can you imagine the impact something as simple as a paper plate might have? 

Your voice is also needed to show Congress people care about our nation’s investment in anti-hunger programs!  We're working to end hunger in our community. This work requires all of us to let decision-makers know we want them to stand up for those who need food. Join people across the country in speaking up for vital anti-hunger programs for low-income individuals and families.

This is a significant moment in the debate on federal deficit reduction. Congressional committees have until Friday, October 14 to provide recommendations to the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction about where to find savings. If nutrition safety net programs are not safeguarded in the deficit reduction plan, this would lead to even more hungry people, particularly children, seniors and the working poor.

Programs like TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program), which provides high-quality, nutritious food to food banks; CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program), which provides a monthly food box for low-income seniors; SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program), which provides households monthly benefits via a grocery debit card; and WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children), which serves low-income women, infants and children younger than 5 who are at nutritional risk, are essential to the well-being of our nation.

Your Members of Congress can influence the direction of deficit reduction talks in the next two weeks. Make a difference TODAY by calling your Members of Congress to deliver this important message: “My name is ________ and I am from (city, state). With the need for food assistance at unprecedented levels, I urge you to protect federal nutrition safety net programs like TEFAP, SNAP, CSFP and WIC in the deficit reduction plan. Please reject proposals that would increase hunger and harm vulnerable populations in our communities.”


In Colorado, call 1-877-698-8228 to be connected directly to Senators Bennet and Udall or to Barrasso and Enzi in Wyoming.