We had the opportunity to talk to Greg Tiedeman and Karen Nguyen about the race and the impact it had on them, as well as Greg’s past experience as a competitive racer.

How long have you been a supporter of Children’s National? What experiences led up to you wanting to be a part of what Children’s National does?
Greg – My personal charitable focus has always been focused on helping children, so when ConectUS made the decision to get involved with Children’s National, I was super motivated to participate.
Karen – Rick, Neil, and I had the opportunity to learn more about Children’s National through NASCAR driver David Starr. David had told us exactly what Children’s National does and how he is involved in the organization.
We know that you had just represented in Children’s National’s 10th Annual ‘race for every child’ in Washington, D.C. How was that experience?
Greg – With a good deal of experience running competitively, yet one also very interested in the success of the charity event, I was very pleased with the level of organization for the race, as well as how the event focused on its primary purpose – raising money for the kids. Great job!
Karen – It was an amazing experience! This was my first time ever participating in a 5K, and it was truly such a wonderful experience being able to do it in the Nation’s Capital.
Tell us more about your experience with competitive racing. How has your past prepared you to run in this weekend’s race?
Greg – Simply knowing what to expect from the event and you nailed it. Great representation of the charity and great support by the local police force, making sure the runners were safe and the track was clearly laid out.
Have you participated in any races in support of another charity? How did that experience motivate you to race in support of Children’s National Hospital?
Greg – I have participated in many charity races over the years. What prepared me most was the cause – helping sick kids get better in order to live the life they deserve.
What is the importance of taking time out of your week to be able to attend an event in support of a good cause?
Greg – My belief in helping others, while humbly knowing I need to do more.
Do you think you will be wanting to attend more events like these in the future?
Karen – Absolutely! I have never experienced anything like this, but charity work is something that I am extremely fond and passionate about. I am looking forward to being able to donate my time to be able to make my mark in a cause.

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We had the opportunity to talk with Jackie about the impact that CASA of Collin County has made, as well as what she and Rick does to assist in their efforts.

How long have you been a supporter of CASA of Collin County? What personal experiences led up to you wanting to be a part of what the CASA organization does?

I have made blankets for CASA for the last 5 or 6 years. I work at the UT Dallas Police Department, and David Spigelmyer, who plans our National Night Out, does things for CASA like toy drives and toothbrush drives.

We know that you had just gone to CASA of Collin County’s annual gala in Dallas, TX. How was that event? Have you been to any events prior to this in support of CASA?

The CASA event was spectacular! We had so much fun. This was the first event I have ever attended for CASA.

Tell us more about your sewing projects. What made you decide to start sewing? How many blankets do you think you have donated? Would you ever consider donating to other CASA sectors?

I sew fleece blankets for CASA to hand out to the children that are brought in. I have made over a hundred blankets for them. I started making blankets when I heard there was a need for it. I don’t know much about the other sectors of CASA. 

I understand that you (Jackie) have made many new friends while supporting CASA. How did they become involved, and do you find yourself socializing with them even outside of CASA-related activities?

My sewing group got together and made a whole bunch of blankets in one day, it was a great team effort and a lot faster than me doing it alone.

CASA of Collin County is committed to advocating for abused and neglected children. CASA of Collin County is appointed by District Court Judges as the child’s guardian ad litem or volunteer advocate and will be there to support these displaced children as they navigate through the child welfare system. Over the past 30 years, CASA of Collin County has been able to help over 12,000 children.

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Children’s National is a world leader in ground-breaking research and technology. Children’s National Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation receives more than 70% of its research funding from federal agencies, including 60% from the National Institutes of Health. Through the Research Institute and the Pediatric Surgical Innovation Institute, Children’s National is committed to improving the understanding and prevention of childhood diseases, as well as the treatment and care.

With the Level 1 Surgery Verification obtained from the American College of Surgeons, Children’s National recognizes surgery centers that have improved surgical quality, prevented complications, reduced costs and saved lives.

Children’s National is committed to advocating for children on local, state, and national levels. They advocate for children by being first responders when pediatric healthcare legislation is being developed.

Every year, Children’s National hosts the ‘race for every child’ in Washington, D.C. The race is a 5K walk/run in the heart of the nation’s capital that includes family-friendly activities with live entertainment, an awards ceremony and more. ConectUS Wireless, a Platinum Member of the Verizon Partner Program, was fortunate enough to be a part of this year’s race. Our very own Greg Tiedeman and Karen Nguyen had the opportunity to run in the 10th annual race. This year’s race is supporting Children’s National’s new ‘follow the leader’ initiative. ‘follow the leader’ is Children’s National’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign that is led by Amy and Bret Baier. The initiative is focusing specifically on prenatal pediatrics, treatments for complex conditions, integrated mental health care, stronger access to care, and pediatric discoveries.

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Guardian ad litem, also known as GAL, volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate and support children in their best interests. Many of these children are children who are stuck in foster care, and many have experienced abuse or neglect. CASA works with judges and government agencies to provide a life-changing difference for those youth.

CASA currently operates in 49 out of 50 states within the United States of America. There is a network of 950 CASA/GAL organizations within the States and the District of Columbia. Through the National Organization, state organizations follow standards and protocols set by the National Organization to support those children and families who are in need. Founded in 1977, CASA has been standing up for children who needed someone to advocate for them. The idea was rooted from a Seattle juvenile court judge named David W. Soukup in 1976.

On May 18th, 2021, Congress designated the day as CASA/GAL Volunteer’s Day in support of the impact that these volunteers have made within their surrounding communities. Across the country, there are over 90,000 volunteers, allowing them to facilitate and advocate for almost 300,000 children and youth through different CASA programs.

ConectUS Wireless is proud that Rick and Jackie Stapp have been supporting CASA of Collin County for many years. Along with her busy schedule, Jackie Stapp knits blankets to donate to CASA of Collin County. Jackie believes that every child deserves a warm blanket to sleep with every night. In 2021, CASA of Collin County served 401 children with 322 advocate volunteers. These volunteers worked tirelessly across 15,612 service hours to help ensure that each child gets the opportunity to thrive in a safe environment.

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