"Thanks to You" Award Winners
Most every year the KindTree Board selects volunteers or donors that have been consistent and outstanding participants in our success. We honor and appreciate their contributions and dedication to our mission to serve and celebrate individuals and families living with autism.
Mary-Minn Sirag
Former Board President
2026
Mary-Minn Sirag is KindTree’s longest serving President, joining the Board of Directors in 2000 and elected President in 2001. During her many years of service she was the public face of KindTree, appearing on the local news, participating in KindTree’s peer support groups and art shows, making every guest feel comfortable at the Friends & Family Camp, so many things… And for sharing her perspective and experience as a person living with autism. We are all so grateful for her participation!
You can view some of her early Stim Page articles HERE.
Frankie Sharp
KindTree volunteer
2023
Frankie has been an integral part of our Friends & Family Camp for well over a decade, hosting many Karaoke sessions, dance parties, and concert performances. Plus he stays up late and greatly enjoys games in the mess hall with other young people. He is a true star!
Suzanne Sutherland
Camp Volunteer
2023
For over a decade Suzanne has been the lead volunteer for registration, fielding many phone calls from guests with questions, chairing the Scholarship Committee, and scheduling volunteers for the info desk on site. Her attention to detail and calm and efficient manner with both guests and volunteers is truly remarkable. She is a great example to all other volunteers and team leaders.
Pictured with her husband, photograph by her son. Family!!
Donald Burton
Chief Chef and much more
2022
Donald Burton, Donald has been the Chef for our Friends & Family Camp for over a decade, consistently receiving the highest marks from our guests and volunteers for his excellent meals and deserts. Feeding 250 people 3 times a day with an all volunteer crew is not easy, but Donald does it with focus, professionalism, and joy. Thank you!
The Larson Family Foundation
The Taubert Memorial Foundation
Major Donors
2022
Both of these foundations provided donations of over $6,000 during 2021-2022 when Covid deeply affected our ability to raise needed funds. Our ability to continue serving and celebrating members of the autism community was greatly enhanced due to their help. Thank You!
If you would like to make a donation, please visit this page.
Doris Germain
2018
Doris Germain, our eminent social skills teacher who has taught our Social Skills Group for more than a decade. Thank you!
Autism Specialist at Autism Spectrum Disorders
Eileen Brixey
2018
Kitchen Crew leader at Camp, kick-ass volunteer at all our events, former long-time board member. Eileen’s upbeat demeanor, dance skills, and enthusiasm are a model for all of us. Thank you!
Eileen passed away in March 2025
Tim Mueller & Tifany Lauzon
2017
Tim Mueller – One of KindTree’s founders, who served as Treasurer, data master, website developer, fundraiser, board member, Camp Quartermaster, and much more for nearly 20 years, and still advises and manages our web presence.
Tifani Lauzon – A young woman of boundless energy, who supervises many Camp activities – often listed on Camp feedback forms as guests “favorite” part of their experience – and has participated in fundraisers and many other KindTree activities for a decade.
The Dolemans
2017
Sophie, Ron and Claudette Doleman – This family effort succeeds at formating and printing art cards for sale during Autism Artism events, the show in 2017 in particular. These cards provide sales income to the artists while educating folks about artists with autism.
Harlequin Beads & Jewelry
KindTree’s STiLE program benefits from the generous donation of thousands of beads for our Jewelry Group. Beautiful!
Rod and Susan Regnerus
2017
This couple have been schlepping stuff to camp and spending countless hours in the kitchen for years. This year Rod stepped up to the Quartermaster position in an emergency when he was really needed.
Organically Grown Company
2013
For many years these wonderful people have donated hundreds of pounds of the best produce in Lane County to feed our hungry Camp guests and volunteers. Yummm...
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The Raventones
2012
For many years Randy and TR have entertained us at the KindTree – Autism Rocks Camp / Retreat, as well as decorating the stage and helping out in many other ways. You Rock!
The Raventones
Springfield Creamery
2011
For more than a decade this company has provided yogurt and more for our guests at the KindTree – Autism Rocks Camp.
Springfield Creamery – Nancy’s Yogurt
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Steve Hansen
2011
For his beautiful photography of the KindTree – Autism Rocks Camp. Shown is just one of Steve's great photos.
See years of Camp photos and videos here
SnowTemp Cold Storage
2010
SnowTemp Cold Storage – for their continued support of the KindTree – Autism Rocks Camp.
SnowTemp Cold Storage
Robert Pasley
2009
Robert Pasley and CenterStage Karaoke – for their providing – free of charge – the Karaoke setup that gives people so much pleasure at our Camp / Retreat and our Mask Making Parties. CenterStage Karaoke
Gary Cornelius
2008
Gary was an indispensable member of KindTree’s board of directors for many years, as well as THE recycling guy at the camp. Gary passed away in 2024..
www.garycornelius.com
Nel Applegate
2007
Facilitator of KindTree’s Adult Peer Support Group since 2000 and an indispensable volunteer at our Camp. Nel was responsible for improving the lives of so very many people. She passed away in 2023
Michelle Jones
2005
Michelle Jones (now Michelle Gonzales) was KindTree Co-Founder in 1997 and Vice-president for many years. She was the driving force behind KindTree’s heart of whimsey and love.
Molly Elliot
2004
Molly Elliot – Director of Eugene’s Adaptive Recreation Program, the source of many artists with autism participating in our Art Program, and a great friend and advisor... and our very first Thanks to You award winner!.
Michael Omogrosso
2001-2026
Omo is a long time volunteer, Peer Support Group leader, Camp leader, Art Display leader, Board member, putting in thousands of hours over many, many years... and still going strong. Thank you, Omo!!
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Here we come
Random Photo from Camp...