Where we’ve been

Not long after Charlie’s death, plans were underway to spread the lessons learned from his tragedy. Capitalizing on the heightened community awareness and the generosity of many, Charlie’s Safe Haven was established (since renamed Charlie’s House).

In its first full year, the organization was able to:

• Raise over $66,000
• Supply more than 10,000 furniture safety straps to families
• Provide information to new parents
• Participate in 12 community events
• Assist in getting a resolution passed in the Missouri Legislature to urge the U.S. Congress and Consumer Product Safety Commission to enact regulations for use of furniture safety standards for tip-prone furniture

Riding the momentum of the previous year, Charlie’s House continued its fundraising efforts with the goal of building a real-life safety demonstration house. Children’s Mercy Family Health Partners, a continued supporter, made a generous donation in both 2008 and 2009.

In 2009, Charlie’s House hired a full-time Executive Director, Annette Teson.

2009 also featured the first Injury Prevention Day at the ‘K’ sponsored by Charlie’s House, to help spread the word and teach practical “how-to’s” for home safety.

Thanks to the generosity from the Royals Charities, Charlie’s House was able to distribute free furniture straps and safety checklists, as well as have experts on hand to address issues surrounding Home Safety topics.

In 2010, Charlie’s House launched its redesigned Web site with the help of a grant from The Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, Kansas. This year also saw the securing of land for the real-life safety Demonstration House. If donation goals are hit, construction should begin in late 2011, with a completion date in 2012.

Want to be a part of making sure the Demonstration House gets completed on time? Every dollar and helping hand makes a difference. Donate or Volunteer today.