ABOUT THE JENNIFER RIORDAN FOUNDATION
About Jennifer
Jennifer’s vibrancy, passion, and love of philanthropy infused our community and reached across our country. Her impact on all she touched can never be fully measured, but can be honored and continued.
The Jennifer Riordan Foundation continues her legacy to support the causes she cared about so deeply: Albuquerque Vitality, Financial Literacy, Childhood Education, and Women’s Empowerment.
“Sparkie” the Spark Kindness Bear
The Spark Kindness App
This is Spark Kindness. An app created by The Jennifer Riordan Foundation to honor the kind spirit and carry on the legacy of Jennifer Riordan. Her mantra in life that she instilled in family, friends, and our community was “Please remember to always be Kind, Loving, Caring, and Sharing.”
Coming to a town near you
(Hopefully) in 2021
Spark Kindness Tour
Join us as we unite our country in kindness! We are kicking off our Spark Kindness Tour starting in Albuquerque, New Mexico and ending in Colchester, Vermont. We’ll have many stops along the way to spread kindness across cities near and far.
We believe kindness can be found everywhere. So, we want to show our support to more places and organizations making a difference along the way! If you know of a person or organization spreading kindness in your town, we want to know about it! Use our contact form and bring the Spark Kindness Tour to your town.
Why Albuquerque and Colchester?
Both Albuquerque and Colchester hold a special place in Jennifer’s story. Her hometown of Colchester, VT taught her the values that shaped the Kind, Loving, Caring, and Sharing person we knew.
Jennifer and Michael Riordan took a leap of faith and moved across the country to make Albuquerque, NM their home. Jennifer touched the lives of countless people in both cities through her love for life and many passion projects. So, it’s only fitting that our first Spark Kindness Tour begins in Albuquerque and ends in Colchester!
Our stops along the way will include:
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Amarillo, TX
- Springfield, MO
- Indianapolis, IN
- Richmond, IN
- Columbus, OH
- Cleveland, OH
- Buffalo, NY
- Colchester, VT
Kindness Feed
Made soup for a team meeting.
January 13, 2021
My brother and sister-in-law took the kids tonight for a sleepover, so my husband and I (and our dogs) are enjoying a peaceful, quiet evening to ourselves.
January 13, 2021
My daughter and I spent the afternoon with my home-bound grandma, just chatting and helping pass the time. It was good to see her light up when we got there.
January 13, 2021
My husband went out in the snow after dinner to get me a chocolate chip cookie just because I wanted one.
January 13, 2021
Made 75 boxes at Storehouse.
January 13, 2021
Two IPA are out three times a week to support throughout the pandemic. 96 days of support.
January 13, 2021
UNM make 230 food boxes today!
January 13, 2021
We bought lunch.
January 13, 2021
We gave gift cards to friends.
January 13, 2021
I gave makeup to a friend.
January 13, 2021
I gave my boss a gift certificate to LuluLemon.
January 13, 2021
Remembering Jennifer at Jumpstart New Mexico
December 17, 2020
I found a twenty and returned it to the owner and he gave me $40 in return for doing that.
September 13, 2020
Fixed a grate in the street to prevent an accident.
September 9, 2020
Checked on relatives
September 6, 2020
Baby sat my grand baby so her parents could go to lunch.
September 6, 2020
Took breakfast to elderly father.
September 6, 2020
Ran errands for parents.
September 6, 2020
Gave a tape measure away to friend.
September 2, 2020
My little brother got our sister a glass of milk to have with her oreos.
August 30, 2020
Brought my friend and her kids a few dinners because she is very sick.
August 27, 2020
My friend made me a mermaid mask.
August 27, 2020
Team leader made us laugh.
August 26, 2020
I got to sleep in! Kind act for myself.
August 25, 2020
My friend sends me a song and poem each morning.
August 25, 2020
A volunteer brought me breakfast.
August 25, 2020
Got my dad food.
August 24, 2020
A friend treated me to dinner.
August 23, 2020
I made a blanket for my friend’s baby.
August 23, 2020
My mom babysat for us so that we could spend a much needed socially distanced night out with friends.
August 23, 2020
My friend let me borrow her weights and mat.
August 23, 2020
Ran errands for my dad.
August 23, 2020
Bought elderly father groceries.
August 23, 2020
I bought a burrito for my son.
August 23, 2020
We are celebrating my friend’s birthday.
August 23, 2020
I gave my friend a gift.
August 23, 2020
My friends worked out with me.
August 23, 2020
My son put away the groceries.
August 23, 2020
My friend is covering my shift for an hour.
August 22, 2020
Kind to myself. Facial for me!
August 22, 2020
My friend planned a sweet, pleasant evening.
August 21, 2020
My friend made me a blanket.
August 21, 2020
My son took out the trash.
August 21, 2020
I stopped by my friend’s work with orchids to cheer her up.
August 21, 2020
My friend brought me a milkshake. Yum!
August 21, 2020
My friend bought me flowers.
August 20, 2020
I helped my friend through a rough day.
August 20, 2020
I took my friend out for her birthday.
August 20, 2020
My son put together my new water pic.
August 20, 2020
My girlfriend curled my hair for an event.
August 19, 2020
My son did the dishes.
August 19, 2020
My friend picked out clothes for me.
August 19, 2020
My friend made me a tart.
August 19, 2020
Taking breakfast burritos and coffee to my dad and his caregiver this morning.
August 19, 2020
My friend worked out with me.
August 18, 2020
My friend helped my by booking appointments for me.
August 3, 2020
My friend gave me perfume samples.
August 2, 2020
My friend delivered flowers.
August 1, 2020
Helped by friend choose new work outfits.
August 1, 2020
Self care night.
July 30, 2020
Supported local brewery by purchasing gift cards.
July 30, 2020
Made sure to let my bestie trinity know how much I love each of them.
July 30, 2020
Wrote kind words to someone who is moving on. Made sure she knows she is cherished.
July 30, 2020
Helped coworker with project.
July 30, 2020
My friend bought string to braid my hair.
July 30, 2020
Sent green chile to friends.
July 29, 2020
Brought bagels for staff.
July 29, 2020
Bought flowers for my dad’s birthday.
July 29, 2020
Took groceries to elderly father.
July 29, 2020
Plannong special lunch for a favorite staff member who is moving on.
July 29, 2020
Staff is going to start a gratitude board.
July 28, 2020
I was a good listener for friends who needed to vent.
July 28, 2020
A friend made us all burritos.
July 28, 2020
Found a special gift for a coworker.
July 28, 2020
Had a lot of patience with a family member.
July 28, 2020
Took my dad flowers for his new home.
July 28, 2020
Had patience with someone who frustrates me.
July 28, 2020
Prayed that a friend does well with her shadowing today.
July 28, 2020
My friends have been very supportive on my new life choices.
July 28, 2020
Stopped by a friend’s home and dropped of bags of relaxation and kind notes.
July 28, 2020
Made care packages for my godson.
July 27, 2020
Bought dog toys for my girl.
July 27, 2020
Setting up staff with more stress reliever techniques.
July 27, 2020
Started a secret santa at work!
July 27, 2020
A friend researched apartments for me.
July 27, 2020
Bought a friend some coffee.
July 27, 2020
Gave my friend some hygiene stuff.
July 27, 2020
My neighbor helped me make sure my package didn’t get stolen while I was gone over the weekend.
July 27, 2020
Gave socks to a friend.
July 27, 2020
Brought a friend some groceries.
July 27, 2020
My friend helped me with a delicate problem.
July 26, 2020
Took breakfast to my parents.
July 26, 2020
Dropped off supplies to elderly father.
July 26, 2020
Taking my friend to and from the hospital tomorrow. She has to have a biopsy.
July 26, 2020
Gave a friend a ride.
July 26, 2020
Made my son’s girlfriend a care package.
July 26, 2020
Helped someone push their car.
July 26, 2020
Prayed for my friend’s sick doggie who are lots of muffins and is very sick.
July 5, 2020
Treated myself to a hot bath after a long hike.
June 29, 2020
Bought my niece a toy.
June 29, 2020
My neighbor helped me sell my old car.
June 29, 2020
My brother attempted to buy me shoes.
June 29, 2020
My friend forgave me for burning oatmeal in her apartment.
June 29, 2020
Helped a homeless man with clothing.
June 29, 2020
Made sandwiches for the homeless in the area.
June 29, 2020
My friend edited my work
June 28, 2020
I made sure to celebrate my friend today.
June 28, 2020
My friend helped me with a garage issue.
June 28, 2020
A friend helped me through a break up.
June 28, 2020
Helped a coworker with a project.
June 27, 2020
Took my dad dinner.
June 27, 2020
Prayed the rosary with my elderly father.
June 27, 2020
A friend gave me a foot massage.
June 27, 2020
A friend gave me a facial.
June 27, 2020
A friend helped us paint.
June 27, 2020
Played match maker.
June 27, 2020
Some friends downloaded the app so they could spread the word about giving back with kindness.
June 27, 2020
Bought my friend a shirt.
June 27, 2020
Gave someone Girl Scout cookies.
June 27, 2020
Swept out my neighbor’s parking spot.
June 27, 2020
Gave luggage to a homeless woman.
June 27, 2020
Collected trash at the Storehouse.
June 27, 2020
Helped the Storehouse staff make baby food boxes.
June 27, 2020
Volunteered at the Storehouse.
June 27, 2020
My mom cleaned up my room.
June 27, 2020
I cleaned up the kitchen.
June 27, 2020
I bought breakfast for a homeless man.
June 27, 2020
I took my sister out to breakfast.
June 27, 2020
I made breakfast for my family.
June 27, 2020
I volunteered at the Storehouse!
June 27, 2020
Offered my dad dinner.
June 27, 2020
Picked up prescriptions for someone.
June 27, 2020
Made dinner for family.
June 27, 2020
Taking the night shift watching my grandmother.
June 27, 2020
Picked up food for a neighbor.
June 27, 2020
I gave my friend a cookbook.
June 26, 2020
I sent emails of gratitude to friends.
June 2, 2020
I made sure everyone stayed hydrated at the park.
June 2, 2020
A volunteer made me a mask.
June 2, 2020
I gave my brother a ride to buy food.
June 2, 2020
Complimented my friend on her photo.
June 2, 2020
Friend thanked me for his Graduation gift.
June 2, 2020
I mowed my neighbor’s lawn!
June 2, 2020
Took coffee and breakfast to folks.
June 1, 2020
Got a list from elderly parents of supplies they need.
June 1, 2020
My friend bought me a sonic slushie!
June 1, 2020
Bought my boyfriend dinner.
June 1, 2020
Buying coffee for someone behind me.
June 1, 2020
Bought my co workers some coffee.
June 1, 2020
I offered to share my lunch with my co worker.
June 1, 2020
I helped my mom washing the dishes.
June 1, 2020
Made food boxes for a friend.
June 1, 2020
Gave a friend a gift card.
June 1, 2020
My friend supported me through a rough morning.
June 1, 2020
Ordered supplies from Amazon for elderly father.
June 1, 2020
Took my dad lunch.
June 1, 2020
Took my elderly dad’s laundry so I could do it for him.
June 1, 2020
My friend bought hair products for me.
June 1, 2020
Bought clothes and shoes for granddaughter.
May 31, 2020
My friend was patient when I overslept for an appt.
May 31, 2020
Bought toys for a new baby.
May 31, 2020
Checked on my dad.
May 31, 2020
Let someone cut in front of me when there was a really long line at Target.
May 31, 2020
Bought groceries for my mom.
May 31, 2020
Called my elderly grandfather to check on him.
May 31, 2020
Cleaned up trash and broken glass in the parking lot.
May 31, 2020
Settled someone who was super upset.
May 30, 2020
Donated money to the church.
May 30, 2020
Gave my friend a salad.
May 30, 2020
Someone complimented my glasses.
May 30, 2020
Dropped off gloves to my high risk aunt.
May 30, 2020
Bought my friends some plants.
May 30, 2020
Told my friend to think of himself in a better light.
May 30, 2020
Took my dad dinner.
May 30, 2020
Prayed for humanity.
May 30, 2020
Friend motivated me to run even though it was raining.
May 30, 2020
My friend shared her salad for lunch.
May 30, 2020
My friend bought me a coffee.
May 30, 2020
A friend made me a mask
May 5, 2020
The Storehouse: Albertsons donated pet food to us.
May 5, 2020
The Storehouse: The VCA donated pet food to us
May 5, 2020
Told someone he was amazing.
May 5, 2020
I helped coordinate to get supplies to a family in need.
May 5, 2020
My friend made a financial donation to help us out.
May 5, 2020
I made dinner for my mom.
May 4, 2020
I told my boss she was awesome.
May 4, 2020
I helped my friend study for a test.
May 4, 2020
I got my brother to exercise with me and get off the couch.
May 4, 2020
My friend took pet food to the Pueblo.
May 4, 2020
Bought breakfast for police officers in line behind me at a fast food drive up.
May 4, 2020
I worked on my sister’s yard.
May 3, 2020
Gave an elderly neighbor my cell number in case he needs my help.
May 3, 2020
Babysat my grand baby to give my daughter a break.
May 3, 2020
Took cold water to workers remodeling a family member’s home.
May 3, 2020
Bought Starbucks for the person in the car behind me.
May 3, 2020
Complimented a grocery store worker.
May 3, 2020
A client stopped by the Storehouse today and gave a donation because he received his stimulus check.
May 3, 2020
The Storehouse: Donated clothing.
May 3, 2020
The Storehouse: Dropped off gifts to a toddler who is sad at home.
May 3, 2020
Created a graduation basket for a friend
May 3, 2020
Made a care package for a sick friend.
May 3, 2020
Prayed for a return to normalcy.
May 3, 2020
Found cute office supplies for my friend.
May 3, 2020
Sent a dolly over to my niece.
May 3, 2020
The Storehouse: we gave away toys to the children who came into the Storehouse today.
May 2, 2020
Gave a ride to someone in need.
May 2, 2020
Planned my nephew’s birthday.
May 2, 2020
Helped my dad with electronics in the house which he doesn’t understand.
May 2, 2020
Sent crossword puzzles to my friend.
May 2, 2020
My friend wrote me a song.
May 2, 2020
A farmer gave me a dozen eggs.
May 2, 2020
A friend made a donation to help out the Storehouse.
May 2, 2020
Someone gave me flowers.
May 2, 2020
Helped my mom color her roots.
May 2, 2020
Helped a senior transfer heavy items from her cart to her trunk at the grocery store.
May 2, 2020
Let a senior go ahead of me in line at Home Depot even though I only had one item.
May 2, 2020
Dropped off pictures of my baby granddaughter to elderly father in senior facility to cheer him up.
May 2, 2020
Called my elderly grandfather to see what he needed from the grocery store.
May 2, 2020
The Storehouse: A family took part of their stimulus check and donated fresh produce to the warehouse.
May 2, 2020
I was a little sad and a friend lifted my spirits.
May 2, 2020
Connected two people together to help a friend.
May 2, 2020
Helped elderly neighbors lift a heavy object into a truck.
May 2, 2020
My mom is such a huge help, she has helped me tons at my new hose and also watching the baby when I need to do errands.
May 2, 2020
I am immunosuppressed and at high risk to have bad outcomes if I get the virus. Two friends offered to drive 30 miles each to bring me groceries.
March 21, 2020
I am in self quarantine until March 31st so I can’t go anywhere. Yesterday I told my friend Jennifer H. that the only thing I needed was distilled water for my humidifier. Today she called to tell me she was at the store and asked how many I needed. I told her I only needed 2. They were on my doorstep within 20 minutes. Thanks, Jennifer! I appreciate you!!!
March 21, 2020
PNM employees (not me, I’m just praising their kindness) are making food and school bag deliveries this week. With social distancing and sterilizing as a top concern too.
March 21, 2020
A very dear friend brought me a much needed present while my son and I are in self quarantine for 14 days.
March 15, 2020
A friend brought homemade soup to me at work because she knows I’m not feeling well.
March 2, 2020
Corporate volunteer council had 253 volunteers at missions across ABQ last month.
February 27, 2020
Corporate volunteer council has 253 volunteers at missions across ABQ last month.
February 27, 2020
Bought and pair for an item over the phone from a local business today. I’ve never been in the store before and it was my first time buying anything from them. I asked the person on the phone to mail the item to me because I wasn’t sure when I’d have time to pick it up. When I got home tonight, there was a bag hanging from my front door handle… someone had personally delivered it to my house.
February 26, 2020
We were out to dinner tonight and a woman from another table came over, put her hand on my shoulder, and said, “Your kids are great.”
February 26, 2020
700 attendees at the Women of Influence event honoring and supporting women.
February 25, 2020
Our neighbor backed some banana bread.
February 24, 2020
At practice we wrote to the team that lost some girls from their club.
February 20, 2020
Let a senior citizen ahead of me in the checkout line.
February 20, 2020
While on a museum field trip, a 7th grader helped a man with a walker make it safely down the stairs.
February 18, 2020
A friend nursed me back to health.
February 12, 2020
A friend has written me a kind note every month for the last 22 months.
February 12, 2020
My cousin treated my kids to frozen yogurt as a surprise.
February 11, 2020
I donated money to Camp Corazon which is a special camp for kids living with cancer that my friend is the medical director for.
February 5, 2020
Created 100 kits for cancer patients today with 15 kind friends at PNM and CSNM.
February 5, 2020
Gave my sucker to my brother.
February 5, 2020
Bought a special kindness bear for some friends of mine who recently adopted a child.
February 4, 2020
Returned a shopping cart for someone else.
January 30, 2020
A loving boy showed how much he cares about me by sharing his air pods. His kindness will help me achieve my goals. Thank you!
January 28, 2020
Thank you to the NM ARVC Volleyball team for making Valentine’s Care packages with treats and notes of encouragement for the women and children at Barrett House shelter. Their kindness will be felt by 40 women and children experiencing homelessness currently residing at the shelter.
January 23, 2020
Graduate student came back to help a current student as a mentor. It was so kind of her to give her time and to help another student in a similar situation.
January 22, 2020
One of my 7th grade students stopped by my room to tell me he knows the life I juggle and to thank me for everything I do for them. Caught me completely off guard and made me feel really good.
January 22, 2020
Thought about how nice some people are.
January 21, 2020
Thanked an Iranian postal worker in Persian for helping me.
January 21, 2020
A group of students cleaned the kitchen after an inspection.
January 19, 2020
A beautiful lady made my family a traveling care package for our upcoming road trip.
January 17, 2020
Future cities competition judges and their time to encourage kids.
January 12, 2020
Students helped clean and organize the classroom and materials.
January 11, 2020
Students organized a canned food drive.
January 11, 2020
A student was teaching two other students how to shoot a basketball.
January 11, 2020
Kind, encouraging “chalk” messages on park sidewalks. See the front page of the Abq Journal!
January 11, 2020
Nikes and Kindness Bears headed to Skid Row.
January 4, 2020
Sean helped to pick up dog poop today.
December 26, 2019
Evan just cleaned off the dog poop from his little brother and his friend’s shoes.
December 26, 2019
A very special family of a very special lady gifted me a very special bear today for Christmas! Tears of love from this ole lady and undying gratitude and love to them. You all are K,L,C,S to the max!
December 26, 2019
ACS 6th grade collected food for people who needed it.
December 25, 2019
Our class bought warm clothes for kids who needed it.
December 25, 2019
Helped someone jump their car on a chilly 6 degree morning.
December 22, 2019
A lifelong friend came over and helped move appliances and reminded me he is always here to help.
December 22, 2019
San Diego State and Central Michigan football players visited kids at Isleta elementary school and UNM children’s hospital
December 20, 2019
Donated 45 gifts for Christmas
December 17, 2019
Charity golf tournament
December 15, 2019
ACS 7th grade delivered 90 care packaged
December 15, 2019
Rolled a neighbor’s trash barrel back into their yard.
December 10, 2019
Some wonderful Christmas angels surprised our family by putting beautiful holiday lights up on our house.
December 7, 2019
Baked some banana bread for the senior living center in my town.
December 4, 2019
My sister sat on my bed and stayed with me until my mommy came in the room.
December 3, 2019
My brother told me I am the best sister ever.
December 3, 2019
Told the post office crew they are doing a great job.
December 2, 2019
Held the door at the post office.
November 29, 2019
Comforted a very old person.
November 29, 2019
Shovelled the neighbor’s walk.
November 29, 2019
Held the door for an old person.
November 26, 2019
Annunciation 6th grade fed 14 families Thanksgiving Dinner.
November 25, 2019
Kids cleaned 100 yards in Rio Rancho.
November 24, 2019
Annunciation fed 21 families.
November 24, 2019
Gave positive encouragement to a person going through a hard time.
November 22, 2019
My daughter told me I looked “super pretty”.
November 22, 2019
A friend offered to hang Christmas lights on our house for us.
November 22, 2019
