Zumba-ing The Way to Student Fundraising 2024

 

    Hello, all you future Florence Nightingales and graduate nursing students! The PNACO Health Challenge is kicking off with more pep than a double shot of espresso on Saturday morning, March 2, 2024. And this isn’t your average, run-of-the-treadmill health kick—oh no—it’s a full-on scholarship shuffle for you sprightly Colorado nursing students! Let’s set the scene: It’s a rare day off for PNACO nurses in the peaceful Saint Gabriel Church, and then suddenly, Zumba music? 

    Enter President-elect Marilyn, decked out in her shiny fitness garb, leading a Zumba conga ring so infectious, even the statues are starting to dance. That’s right, friends, the health challenge kick-off was a Zumba session that turned the floor into a no-cal zone. Marilyn shimmied, shook, and proved that when it comes to fitness, she doesn’t just talk the talk – she dances it. 

     But it's not all high kicks and hip swings; there's some serious swag at stake here. Weekly contests will have them lunging for loot, and the group that racks up the most exercise minutes will snag a prize so good that you'll think it's calorie-free chocolate (spoiler: it's not, but it's still pretty darn sweet). 

    Now, keep your stethoscopes tuned for one of our big events of the year – on May 11, during Nurses Week celebrations, one heartbeat hero will march away with a shiny new desk treadmill. This walking wonder is the perfect multitasker's dream, letting him or her read or work on the desk and exercise with steps simultaneously. It's a good prize for a busy person.

    But more importantly, this fundraising is for 1-3 nursing student scholarship awardees in Colorado. You can ask a PNACO board member on how to apply. They have the link to the application. 

Play Cards and Donate Day 2024

    In February, we drove into the glitzy world of fundraising for a good cause in one of the atypical places: a Colorado casino at Grand Z Casino with our hardworking friend, Blessie. The Philippine Nurses Association of Colorado (PNACO) recently rolled the dice. We hit some luck with a fundraising event, with some wishing, "Winner, winner, or free lunch or dinner!" Picture this: blackjack tables buzzing, slot machines jingling, and nurses, friends, and family doubling down for a good cause. 

    The PNACO pulled out all the stops to raise funds to support the education of nurses, ensuring they can continue to serve the community with skill and dedication. Let's face it: who better to take a gamble on than the caring and capable nurses who keep our health in check? 

    A huge round of applause goes out to all the generous sponsors who donated their time and money to make this fundraising successful, especially Mrs. Blessie Tagle. Your support is truly appreciated and will make a real difference in the lives of the nurses,  patients, and the community they serve. Without you, this fundraiser wouldn't have been possible, and we tip our hats (or nurse caps) to you all! 

    But let's not forget the real MVPs of the day—the vibrant Filipino community that showed up in full force to support their nurses and had a great time doing it. So here's to the PNACO, the sponsors, the Filipino community, and the nurses whose dedication and hard work keep us all healthy and happy. 

     Remember, in the game of life, sometimes you have to bet some to win some—especially when it comes to supporting those who care for us when we need them most. Until next time!

Save the Dates: Calendar 2023

Updated Today

Calendar: Exact times may change

• November 11, 2023 - Friendsgiving Thanksgiving Potluck and Homeless Drive to Donate toiletries, socks, winter hat, and scarves through St Gabriel Church 1-5pm St Gabriel Church, Denver. Leads- Carina and Leilani
• December 2, 2023 - Holiday Party 2 pm- 5 pm St Gabriel Church - Leads Marilyn, Laila, Carina

Camp Aruga Angels Take on Boot Camp

In the scenic city of Sausalito, California, where fog clings to the hills and the bay shimmers invitingly, a group of brave souls joined the Western Region and other leaders of the Philippine Nurses Association of America,  for a unique and challenging experience. These were not ordinary adventurers, but rather nurses (and nurse practitioners too) from the Philippine Nurses Association of Colorado (PNACO) embarking on a journey of leadership boot camp and empowerment.

Among them were three of Charlie's PNACO Angels, Marilyn, Janice, and Maria, who joined the Camp "Aruga" a Filipino word meaning "caring." These dedicated nurses had volunteered to participate in a boot camp designed to enhance their skills and knowledge in the areas of leadership and community engagement.

As the days unfolded, they were put through their paces. They participated in workshops on topics such as leadership, mission, and policies to strengthen the group. They will update our group in Colorado and share what they learned on our next face-to-face get together on 11/11/23. See you there.

Garden of the Gods Hike 2023

PNACO members went for a hike in the Garden of the Gods and brunch at Black Bear Restaurant. 

In the name of the Philippine Nurses Association of Colorado (PNACO), we want to share our fun hike to the mesmerizing Garden of the Gods, followed by a brunch rendezvous at the Black Bear Restaurant. 

The day began with the PNACO members eagerly gathering at the Garden of the Gods entrance in beautiful Colorado Springs. The air was filled with excitement and the scent of adventure. As we began our hike, little did we know they would soon encounter a special breed of hikers—the amateur photographers. The group made countless stops at every turn and scenic backdrop, not for water or rest but for those amateur photographers determined to capture the perfect shot. It seemed like there was a competition among them to see who could strike the most creative poses or find the most unique angles. From awkward poses to pretending to climb with their hands, the photographers left no stone unturned in their quest for the following Instagram-worthy picture. 

Wait, it was actually us. We are the photographers and posers ourselves. :)

We couldn't help but chuckle at our antics, turning the hike into a hilarious photo marathon. After what felt like a million stops and countless laughs later, we finally reached the end of our hike, hungry and ready to refuel. What better place to satisfy our cravings than the esteemed Black Bear Restaurant?

We were greeted with warm smiles and the aroma of mouth-watering dishes as they entered. The brunch was a delightful mix of familiar faces, new acquaintances, and new members. The existing PNACO members were thrilled to meet the new Filipino nurses who had recently arrived in Colorado. The atmosphere was buzzing with stories of their journey, cultural exchanges, and jokes sprinkled with nursing humor. The blend of camaraderie and great food made the brunch an unforgettable experience. As the day drew close, we bid farewell to our friends, leaving the Garden of the Gods and the Black Bear Restaurant with cherished memories and aching hiking laughter muscles. 

Oh, by the way, in the garden, we did not find the "kissing elephants." But we did find the kissing camels, right, Lani? :)

PNACO Invite and Sign-up (Personal info will not be published in the Blog)

 

Nurse's Month

May is the month to celebrate the nurses in the United States. This annual event, which takes place from May 6 to May 12, is a way to recognize the important role that nurses play in delivering quality patient care and promoting health in our communities.

One of the ways that Filipino American Nurses Week is celebrated is through the awarding of nursing scholarships to deserving Coloradan Nursing students. These scholarships provide financial support to students pursuing nursing degrees, helping to ensure that the healthcare industry continues to benefit from the talents and skills of local nurses.

In addition to scholarships, Filipino American Nurses Week also includes health challenges and charity events. These activities offer opportunities for Filipino nurses and their allies to come together to promote healthy lifestyles and raise funds for important causes.

One of the key goals of Filipino American Nurses Week is to help increase awareness of the important contributions that Filipino nurses make to the healthcare industry. By promoting the accomplishments of Filipino nurses, we hope to inspire more young people to pursue careers in nursing and to join the ranks of these dedicated professionals.

If you are interested in getting involved in Filipino American Nurses Week, there are many ways that you can help. You can participate in health challenges or charity events, volunteer your time to support nursing scholarships, or simply spread the word about the important contributions of Filipino nurses to your friends and family.

In addition, if you are a Filipino nurse or a nursing student, you may want to consider joining a professional organization like the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA). The PNAA is dedicated to promoting the professional development and advancement of Filipino nurses in the United States and offers a wealth of resources and networking opportunities to its members.

In conclusion, Filipino American Nurses Week is an important time to celebrate the contributions of Filipino nurses to the healthcare industry in the United States. Through nursing scholarships, health challenges, charity events, and other activities, we can help raise awareness of the important role that Filipino nurses play in promoting health and well-being in our communities. So let's come together to celebrate and support our Filipino nurses, and to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.