JIM VERTEIN – PRESIDENT
I first met Chloe at the wedding of my good friends John and Joy Wallace (Joy is also John Karline's sister). I had the opportunity to hold her and while she couldn't verbalize how she felt, all you had to do was look into her eyes to know she had a lot of love, that, and the tight grip on your finger. Chloe had a unique way of telling you that everything was going to be okay. Everyone talks about a person's legacy. Chloe's is seen every day when a child's face is brightened by the gentle touch of a stuffed animal.
I have been involved with The Chloe T. Foundation for 7 years now, and have seen it grow from the 2-3 hospitals we were supporting in the first few years, to the over 17 health organizations we contribute to now. I have been on the Board of Directors for 4 of the 7 years, and have witnessed many changes. This year we are facing new challenges, but with every challenge there lies an opportunity. OUr goal is to be a regional organization touching the lives of children needing a little comfort of a stuffed animal. I look forward to this year, and am excited for all the challenges and opporunities we will face. Thank you for visiting us and I hope you can help us reach our goals.
KAREN BRENDAL – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Karen has been married to Bruce since 1972 and lives in Prior Lake. They have 2 daughters, Jenny (Karline) and Leanna (Suarez) and 6 grandchildren, Chloe, Max, Colby and Sarah (Karline) and Madeleine and Xavier (Suarez).
Karen love having Grandchildren and is touched differently by each of them. Chloe being the first will always hold a very special place in her heart. She called Chloe "Babydoll" and poromised her she would never call another granddaughter by that name. Karen has kept that promise to this day.
Karen's involvement with the foundation has been from the very beginning when Jenny and John first started thinking about starting a non profit. She was able to help with the IRS paperwork and has been on the front lines ever since. From chairing events, meeting new people, working at expos and everything in between, she is there to the number one supporter of the the foundation. She says, "I can't think of a better way to honor by granddaughter wh fought such a courageous battle for life."
JENNY KARLINE - DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
John and Jenny have been married since 1998 and have 4 children, Chloe, Max and Colby and a little girl named Sarah. John works for Ford Motor Company on the assembly line in
John and Jenny started the foundation after their 1st child, daughter Chloe, earned her wings on December 13, 2000. It has given them a chance to give back to the hospitals that had given them so much while Chloe was in their care.
AMY MCKEE - DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING
Amy is Jenny’s cousin and is married to Jeff. They recently purchased a town home in Champlin
Amy loves the summer season. She loves being outside getting sun or playing on the water at Jeff’s family cabin in
She says “Chloe touched my heart the day she was born. Jenny and I are very close and I was with her throughout Chloe’s ups and downs. Chloe is one of the main reasons I chose to go into nursing. This foundation is very powerful and I have heard numerous stories of how these stuffed animals have touched people’s lives. It is amazing what one little animal can do.”
DARRELL PETERSON – DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
I'm thrilled to be serving as the Director of Marketing with this wonderful organization. Such a simple premise--providing stuffed animals to children that are hospitalized during the holidays. Being hospitalized as a child is a traumatic experience. Children are in an unfamiliar space and often away from their family. I remember as a child being hospitalized for an appendicitis. Since my parents worked, there were times throughout the day that I was alone in my hospital room and I know the difference a cuddly friend makes in the eyes of a scared child. When kindness is expressed, people change. People learn to give, to accept, to connect with others, and most importantly, are inspired to continue the act of kindness.
The Chloe T Foundation is teaching our children the importance of giving. The benefactors of the animals are given a glimpse of happiness in an uncertain time. They are gifted with a friend to share their fears, hopes, and dreams. It is important to recognize the big impact a small act of kindness can have in the life of a child.
LYNN JOHNSON – DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Lynn Johnson is a Real Estate and Mortgage Loan Closer, managing an office in Lakeville and Prior Lake. She has two grown biological children, Jason and Nicole, and two grown stepchildren, Celeena and Cassy, that she loves to call her own. She also has an “adopted” grown daughter, Meghan, and many grandchildren to love and cherish.
Lynn was introduced to Jenny Karline a number of years ago through a business relationship. She later had the opportunity to meet her husband, John, and, in time, their family. “I admire this couple and their family for their ability to take a sad and difficult chapter of their lives and turn it into a positive way to show care and love for other children who, for whatever reason, find themselves hospitalized and/or in need of medical care and attention. I am blessed that they have allowed me to be, not only a part of this organization, but a part of their family.”
All of our Board of Directors are volunteers of their time and talents. No one within our foundation is compensated for their time or expertise. They have committed themselves to The Chloe T. Foundation and its' mission.
