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.
Vermont Teddy Bear Company
Coming to a town near you
(Hopefully soon) this year
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
- Colombus, OH
- Cleveland, OH
- Buffalo, NY
- Colchester, VT
Share an Act of Kindness
Kindness Feed
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
