ABOUT US

COLORADO FIREFIGHTER CALENDAR, INC.

Colorado Firefighter Calendar, Inc. is a Denver-based non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that creates and produces Colorado’s official firefighter calendar. Firefighters from around the state contribute many hours to help raise funds, educate and increase awareness for the Regional Pediatric Burn Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado and others around Colorado. These men and women represent one of the noblest professions, and the calendar serves as a tribute to all firefighters and the people they help every day. Net proceeds received from the sale of calendars and special events will directly benefit the Regional Pediatric Burn Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado and burn centers across the state. The centers are committed to providing the highest standard of burn care to neonates, infants, children and adolescents up to 21 years of age in the Rocky Mountain region.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CRYSTAL SULLINGS | PRESIDENT

Crystal’s passion for The Children’s Hospital has spanned over 23 years. She has been an active volunteer for the Foundation since 1989. After a close family member had to be admitted to the hospital as a baby, Crystal was moved by outstanding care that was received and decided that day to get involved. She joined the calendar in 2005, which has led her to her current role. Crystal was born and raised in Colorado and understands the changing needs of the Front Ranges’ diverse population. In Crystal’s career life, she is an Annuity Wholesaler at Jackson and has been in the financial industry for over 15 years. Her passion for reaching goals is what motivates her and helps her to stay focused towards Colorado Firefighter Calendar’s vision.

ANDREA WELTER | SECRETARY

Andrea has been working with the Colorado Firefighter Calendar, Inc. since its organization in 2011. She is a corporate transactional attorney with Burns, Figa & Will, P.C. In her free time, she is volunteering with calendar events, skiing, or being active. Andrea enjoys volunteering with the calendar and raising money for Children’s Hospital Burn Center and Burn Camp programs.

KRISTY NEARY | TREASURER

Kristy has been volunteering with the Colorado Firefighter Calendar as Treasurer since 2012. Professionally, Kristy works in Corporate Finance at a Colorado-based internet service provider. Outside of volunteering and working, Kristy enjoys athletic pursuits and makes health and fitness a priority in her life.

KARIN PALMER | MERCHANDISE AND PRODUCTION

Karin has been involved with the Colorado Firefighter Calendar for six years and serves as the Chair of Merchandise and Production. She is the owner of Zolarium Tanning Studio in Downtown Denver and also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Lodo Historic District, Inc., a 501(C)3/non-profit in Denver. As Chair of Production, Karin oversees the photo-shoot of the calendar; spray tanning, oiling, and misting the firefighters to make them look their best. “It’s a horrible job but someone has to do it”. – Karin Palmer

TARA MILLER | SIGNATURE EVENTS

Tara has been a longtime supporter of the both CFC and the mission to support The Children’s Hospital Burn Center & Burn Camp and is honored to contribute her expertise to CFC’s Signature Events. Professionally, Tara is the Senior Manager of Event Services for The Denver Center for Performing Arts and with over ten years of event experience, she brings extensive knowledge of large scale event production, event marketing, social media and management. Tara is a graduate of the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) Leadership Arts Program and applied as a Board Member with intent of utilizing the skills garnered during this unique 9-month program that is built to inspire professionals to be effective nonprofit board members and arts advocates. Working with Denver’s arts and non-profit organizations has been a great passion of hers, helping to foster a strong, supportive community that is vibrant and engaging.

LOREN SCHUESSLER | FIREFIGHTER LIAISON

Loren is a Firefighter Paramedic with North Metro Fire Rescue. He started his journey with the calendar in 2013 as Mr. September and has since been involved in developing the early childhood fire safety education program. His focus is to expand the fire safety education program and inform families of the importance of fire safety in the home. Loren also finds time for golf, hiking, travel and new adventures. He is dedicated to participating in community events and continues to volunteer with Elk Creek Fire in Conifer, CO.

DANIEL LEONARDO | FIREFIGHTER LIAISON

Daniel was Mr. September 2018 and is a new member of the Board of Directors. He is honored to continue working with CFC and working to support a great cause. Daniel is a career member of his Fire District where he currently holds the rank of Lieutenant. He started his fire service career in 2010 as a volunteer and was hired full time the following year. After he was chosen to represent the Colorado Firefighter calendar, Daniel was able to visit the Children’s Hospital Burn unit where he had a life changing moment. Nearing the end of the visit, the center had a family come visit the calendar firefighters to visit explain what the funds the firefighters raised went towards. Just before they all met in a conference room a young boy about 5 or 6 years old came running up to Daniel with his arms extended to be picked up. Daniel lifted the boy into his arms and then realized that this young boy was a survivor of burn injuries. Daniel immediately knew that he was involved with the right charity and hasn’t looked back since!

MANDY KREKORA | RECRUITING

Mandy started in the fire service in 2002 and worked her way up from a volunteer firefighter/EMT to a paramedic. She left the fire service but remained a paramedic while raising her two daughters, eventually going on to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a flight paramedic with Airlife Denver. In Mandy’s spare time she loves to teach, read, and try new things. She is a true Georgia girl who is a sucker for sweet tea and fried okra.

GINA GARDNER | SPONSORSHIPS

Gina brings over 15 years of non-profit experience, specializing in corporate development to the Firefighter Calendar. Most of her non-profit career has been with the American Heart Association, a national non-profit organization, where she raised millions of dollars working as the VP of Development and the Executive Director. Currently, she is the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for the Colorado School of Mines. At Mines, she works with corporate and foundation leaders to fund scholarships, programs, research, capital campaigns, and various projects to help brilliant students reach their potential and to increase the global prestige of the University. New to the CFC Board, Gina is honored to work with heroes (firefighters) helping heroes (burn victims) overcome their struggles and pain to lead normal, productive, and exceptional lives.

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THE COLORADO FIREFIGHTER CALENDAR IS A GROUP EFFORT, AND WITHOUT THE HELP AND SUPPORT OF HUNDREDS OF GREAT PEOPLE, IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.