Worldwide Non-Profit Found Its Roots in Denver

Online, August 4, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Karen Loucks Rinedollar didn't invent the security blanket. She found a way to hone in on its seemingly magical powers to comfort, recruit a continental army of volunteers and provide over 3.8 million of these handmade blankets to seriously ill and traumatized children worldwide through Project Linus.

What started as a personal endeavor to comfort pediatric patients at the Rocky Mountain Children's Center has grown to be so well known that it was recently featured as a question on the immensely popular game shows, "Jeopardy" and "Cash Cab."

Rinedollar was catapulted into action after viewing a compelling picture of a three-year-old cancer patient in Parade magazine on Christmas Eve, 1995. "Originally, the vision was to give blankets to pediatric cancer patients," says Rinedollar, "Within a matter of months, we were able to blanket every child at the Rocky Mountain Children's Cancer Center. It was an incredible success, right from the start. We had immense support from all around Colorado."

Project Linus grew virtually overnight when it began receiving national media attention that quickly broadened the scope from Colorado to the entire United States, Canada and beyond. Hundreds of chapters formed and destination sites expanded from cancer centers to any hospital, hospice, social services, police and fire departments, shelters, relief organizations, military survivors, and those who had been affected through a variety of situations including natural and manmade disasters.

"Oprah", "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams", "The Today Show", People Magazine and many other mega and minor media platforms spring boarded Project Linus into the hearts of millions of Blanketeers (volunteer blanket makers) inspiring them to join the effort. Schools, churches, guilds, senior centers, community service organizations, and individuals all stepped forward to lend their helping hands.

Rinedollar now shares the story of Project Linus in her newly released book, Working for Peanuts: The Project Linus Story. "I want people to see the difference they can make by merely planting a single seed of compassion. I'm hoping to inspire people to give back, and to know that they can make a difference in someone else's life," says Rinedollar.

Although Rinedollar is no longer the acting President of Project Linus, she is still very much involved in the organization and leads the Denver chapter. She continues to be an advocate for the non-profit, and for helping children and people in need all over the world.

Her book is available on Amazon.com, and she's celebrating its release at the Warhorse Inn in Parker, CO on Tuesday, August 16th from 5-8pm. It is a free event and open to the public. Additionally, you can support Project Linus by donating a blanket at the event. To learn more about Project Linus visit www.projectlinus.org. To find out about the book and event visit www.workingforpeanuts.org , email [email protected] or call 303-478-6652.

Image Book Cover: http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227856_204452789594167_204449852927794_519953_935254_n.jpg

Author: Karen Loucks Rinedollar
ISBN: 978-0615498294
Format: Soft Cover, 5.5 x 8.5
Retail Price: $14.95
Publisher: Adores Amore, LLC