
Jennifer Riordan Foundation Statement
In 2018, the Jennifer Riordan Foundation was formed to honor the kind spirit and carry on the legacy of Jennifer Riordan, a pillar of philanthropy and kindness throughout the Albuquerque community. It is our mission to recognize, support and spread acts of kindness in the spirit of Jenn.
The Spark Kindness movement started by connecting with community organizations and schools to help make Albuquerque the kindness capital of the world. This started with our Spark Kindness app where you can help us get to 1,000,000 acts of kindness logged.
The foundation has since grown to support multiple school Spark Kindness grants, sponsored community acts of kindness days and more with the help of our partners who want to make the world a better place through kindness. We went out of our “kindness zone” on our Tours. Follow along with us as we spread kindness to communities across the United States!
Representing the Jennifer Riordan Foundation
This is the official branding and logo guide for the Jennifer Riordan Foundation. Each element has been carefully selected to reflect the cohesive brand image of the foundation. Please read more on our brand guidelines for proper use of our logo, brand colors, and typography when referencing the Jennifer Riordan Foundation in any publication, social media, or media outlet.
More Ways to be Kind, Loving, Caring, and Sharing
We are always looking for more ways to be Kind, Loving, Caring, and Sharing in our community. The Jennifer Riordan Foundation loves to partner with organizations in areas of Community Vitality, Financial Literacy, Childhood Education and Women’s Empowerment. If you have an opportunity for us, please reach out!
Press Releases
The Kindness Connection – Interview with Center for Women & Enterprise
This Kindness Connection episode features an interview with Faye Longo, Community Navigator Pilot Program Project Manager at the Center for Women & Enterprise. This nonprofit...
The Kindness Connection – Interview with John Pelletier
This Kindness Connection episode features an interview with John Pelletier, Director of Chaplain College’s Center for Financial Literacy, whose program educates students K-12 on...
The Kindness Connection – Interview with HarvestWeb
This Kindness Connection episode features an interview with HarvestWeb, a 501(c)3 organization that provides a network for food pantries and food shelves. Hear from the Founder...
The Kindness Connection – Interview with Vermont Senior Games
This Kindness Connection episode features an interview with guests Kevin Plette, Chairman of the Board of Vermont Senior Games and Betsy Terry, Chair of the Events Committee for...
The Kindness Connection – Interview with Jesse Bridges
This Kindness Connection episode features an interview with Jesse Bridges, CEO of United Way of Northwest VT! You can watch the full video here.
The Kindness Connection – Interview with Doug Bishop
This Kindness Connection episode features an interview with Doug Bishop, Senior Director of Healthy Living & Communications at the Greater Burlington YMCA in Burlington, VT!...
The Kindness Connection – Interview with Johnny Mendez
This Kindness Connection episode features an interview with Johnny Mendez, Owner of Hen House Media and Producer of the 2022 East Coast Kindness Tour! You can watch the full...
The Kindness Connection – Interview with Sara Wool
This Kindness Connection episode features an interview with Sara Wool, Director of Development & Planned Giving at Age Well. You can watch the full video here. ...
The Kindness Connection – Interview with Joyce Cameron
This Kindness Connection episode features an interview with Joyce Cameron, President/CEO of the Humane Society Of Chittenden County. You can watch the full video here. ...
The Kindness Connection – Kindness From A Young Adult’s Point Of View
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=392&v=3GujYQ3UbAQ&feature=youtu.be This Kindness Connection talks with Averie and Josh Riordan about what it's like to be kind from a...
The Kindness Connection- Interview with Kathleen Kourebanas, Founder of Martha’s Barn Inc.
You can watch the full episode of The Kindness Connection here.
Meet the 2022 Jennifer Riordan Women of Influence Community Impact Award honoree
You can read the full, original article here. Albuquerque Business First established the Jennifer Riordan Women of Influence Community Impact Award in 2019. Each year, this award...
Pay It 4Ward
Another wonderful Pay It 4Ward story to share. The love and care we see around New Mexico is so heart warming! Let's keep up the kindness! You can watch the full KOB 4 story here.
Pay It 4Ward
Generosity, compassion and caring for others is priceless. We are so thankful to be the sponsor of Pay It 4Ward on KOB 4 and giving back to the community. We're thankful for all...
Pay It 4Ward
Let's keep the kindness going all year round New Mexico! Here's the latest Pay It 4ward story from KOB 4. Way to be so Kind, Loving, Caring and sharing! You can watch the full...
Pay It 4Ward
Spreading kindness around New Mexico, no matter how big or small, makes a great impact for all. We love hearing stories like this from KOB 4! You can watch the full story here.
Over 1M acts of kindness recorded by Jennifer Riordan Foundation
You can read the original article here. Joy Wang, ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Jennifer Riordan Foundation has surpassed its goal of one million acts of kindness. 1,086,595 acts of...
Pay It 4Ward
The amount of kindness we have seen this past year has been so uplifting! No matter how young, old, big or small you are, there's always room to be kind in the world. Check out...
Pay It 4Ward
KOB 4 paying it forward to those who are spreading kindness in our community - we love this! Way to be so Kind, Loving, Caring and Sharing in the world. You can watch the full...
Pay It 4Ward
Being this compassionate and caring in the world is incredible! Choosing to be kind in others lives in such an amazing act of kindness. Thank you to KOB 4 for sharing another...
Pay It 4Ward
Wow! What an incredible thing to do for the community. Way to be so Kind, Loving, Caring and Sharing. We are so happy to be the sponsor of these amazing Pay It 4Ward stories on...
Pay It 4Ward
So heartwarming to see acts of kindness like this within the community. Thank you KOB 4 for another incredible Pay It 4Ward story. You can watch the full video here.
Pay It 4Ward
This is such a heart warming Pay It 4Ward story from KOB 4! We love hearing about these amazing acts of kindness around New Mexico. Keep up the kindness! You can watch the full...
Pay It 4Ward
What a great way to Spark Kindness in the community! Have you seen the latest Pay It 4ward story by KOB 4? Make sure to check it out, it's an incredible one! Watch it here.
Pay It 4Ward
Another incredible Pay It 4Ward story from KOB 4! What are your thoughts on this amazing story? We always love hearing about how kind the community in New Mexico is! You can...
Pay It 4Ward
Let's keep up the kindness New Mexico! A huge thanks to KOB 4 for showcasing these Pay It 4Ward segments for all to see. We love hearing stories like this one. Way to be so Kind,...
Pay It 4Ward
What a great story from KOB 4! We love these Pay It 4Ward segments that show the community of New Mexico that we really are the kindness capital of the world! You can watch the...
Pay It 4Ward
Helping others in our community is worth a Pay It 4Ward from KOB 4! We love seeing the kindness around New Mexico! You can watch the full story here.
Pay It 4Ward
Here's a little positivity to brighten up your day! What a wonderful way to Spark Kindness in the world. Thanks KOB 4 for sharing another incredible Pay It 4Ward story. You can...
Pay It 4Ward
Being able to give back to those who have helped the community makes our hearts happy! Here's another incredible Pay It 4Ward story on KOB 4. You can watch the full story here.
Isotopes, Jennifer Riordan Foundation to throw ‘Be Kind’ party at ballpark
You can read the original article here. If you see a large pink van with a huge “Be Kind” slogan plastered on the side cruising the streets of Albuquerque with a driver who looks...
Meet the 2021 Jennifer Riordan Women of Influence Community Impact Award honoree
You can read the full, original article here. Albuquerque Business First’s annual Jennifer Riordan Woman of Influence Community Impact Award was established as a way to not only...
‘Be Kind’ campaign urges patience with service workers
You can read the original article here. The New Mexico Hospitality Association, the New Mexico Restaurant Association and the Jennifer Riordan Foundation have partnered to...
Kindness Goes a Long Way in New Mexico’s Restaurant and Hospitality Industry
You can read the original article here. ALBUQUERQUE—The New Mexico Hospitality Association (NMHA) in collaboration with the New Mexico Restaurant Association (NMRA) and...
Pay It4Ward
What a wonderful way to be kind in this world. We love sharing these Pay It 4Ward stories of all the ways people Spark Kindness in New Mexico! Check out KOB 4's latest story here.
Pay It 4Ward
Being able to help others in this way is what makes our world a little more kinder. We love hearing these Pay It 4Ward stories on KOB 4. Thank you for being so Kind, Loving,...
Pay It 4Ward
Sharing another incredible Pay It 4ward story today! Thank you KOB 4 for highlighting such kind people in the world! You can check out the full story here.
Pay It 4Ward
Another incredible Pay It 4Ward story by KOB 4! Let's continue to be Kind, Loving, Caring and Sharing New Mexico! You can watch the full story here.
Pay It 4Ward
These KOB 4 Pay It 4Ward stories keep getting better and better! We love seeing all the kindness in our community! You can watch the full story here.
Pay It 4Ward
We love seeing so much kindness in the world! Thanks for sharing KOB 4! It's stories like these that make us proud to be the sponsor of Pay It 4Ward! You can watch the full story...
Pay It 4Ward
Another amazing Pay It 4Ward story shared by KOB 4! Thank you New Mexico for being so kind! You can check out the full story here.
Pay It 4Ward
Thank you for being so Kind, Loving, Caring and Sharing in New Mexico! The more we share kindness like this, the kinder our community becomes. Check out the latest Pay It 4Ward...
Pay It 4Ward
Giving back to those who have been sparking kindness around New Mexico is what this is all about! Thank you KOB 4 for sharing another incredible Pay It 4Ward story! You can watch...
Pay It 4Ward
Keep up the kindness New Mexico! These Pay It 4Ward stories on KOB 4 are a great boost of positivity and love for the community. You can watch the full story here.
Pay It 4Ward
Being Kind, Loving, Sharing and Caring like this in the world makes a huge impact for everyone. Thank you for spreading positivity around New Mexico! Check out KOB 4's latest Pay...
Pay It 4Ward
When you spark kindness, kindness will continue to grow. KOB 4 has another amazing featured Pay it 4ward story to share! You can watch the full story here.
Pay It 4Ward
Keeping New Mexico kind- we love to see it! A big thank you to KOB 4 for always featuring these incredible people. Watch the latest Pay It 4Ward story here.
Pay It 4Ward
Knowing that New Mexico continues to be Kind, Loving, Caring and Sharing puts huge smiles on our faces! Thank you KOB 4 for sharing these wonderful Pay it 4ward stories! You can...
Pay It 4Ward
To make the sunny day even brighter, here's another amazing Pay It 4Ward story on KOB 4! You can watch the full story here.
Pay It 4Ward
Starting off the first day of June with another Pay It 4Ward story! A wonderful way to spark kindness for the new month. You can see the KOB 4 story here.
Pay It 4Ward
What a kind thing to share in NM! Thank you KOB 4 for showing the kindness around town and being a part of Pay it 4ward. Check out the full story here.
Pay It 4Ward
So sweet and kind! What a great Pay it 4ward thing to do! Thanks for sparking kindness New Mexico! See it on KOB4 Watch the full story here.
Pay It 4Ward
Another amazing Pay It 4Ward story featured on KOB4. Sparking kindness all over NM is bringing smiles to many faces! Check out the full video and story here.
Pay It 4Ward
More acts of kindness being shared throughout New Mexico! We love to see individuals making a difference in their communities! Check it out the latest Pay It 4Ward story from KOB...
Make A Wish Day 2021
One year ago we were delighted to help Sam's wish come true to give back to healthcare workers on the frontline of the pandemic. To celebrate the anniversary of Sam's wish for...
Pay It 4Ward
Sharing these Pay It 4Ward stories really warms our hearts. Keep spreading kindness New Mexico! Check out the latest story featuring the Tigers animal sanctuary owner from KOB 4.
Legacy of kindness lives on
Our recent partnership with Youth Department Inc. (YDI) brought together New Mexico youth to learn how they can Spark Kindness in their lives. Thank you to the Albuquerque...
Pay It 4Ward
Another wonderful way to share a little kindness in NM! Have you seen the newest KOB 4 story about ways to Pay It 4Ward? Check out the full story here.
Pay It 4Ward
We always love seeing all the kind, loving, caring, and sharing things happening around NM! Check out the latest Pay It 4Ward segment from KOB 4 honoring those spreading kindness...
Pay It 4Ward
Way to be kind! KOB 4 has done it again honoring another New Mexican sparking kindness in the community in the latest Pay It 4Ward!
Pay It 4Ward
There's always plenty of ways to be kind and help out your community! That's exactly what this Pay It 4Ward story from KOB4 is all about! Check out the full story and segment...
Pay It 4Ward
Did you see the latest Pay It 4Ward story from KOB 4? It's stories like this that make us so happy to be a sponsor of such an amazing kindness outreach! Thanks for being Kind,...
Pay It 4Ward
Learning new skills is not always easy, but this kind New Mexico woman was honored for persevering and helping others no matter what! Check out the latest Pay It 4Ward story from...
Pay It 4Ward
Just another reason why we LOVE New Mexico! Thank you KOB 4 for letting be a part of this Pay It 4Ward story! Check out the full video and story here.
Pay It 4Ward
When everyone is kind to each other, we can get through anything together! That was the goal behind the latest story from KOB 4 Pay It 4Ward. Thank you for allowing us to be a...
Pay It 4Ward
Way to be kind KOB 4! It is stories like this that make us proud to be a #PayIt4Ward sponsor and to support the community in any way we can! Check out the full story here.
Pay It 4Ward
Did you see the latest segment of KOB 4's Pay It 4Ward? We are honored to sponsor kind acts where neighbors make #ABQ a better place to live! Keep up the great work! Check out...
Pay It 4Ward
Thank you to KOB 4 for letting us help "Pay It 4Ward" by sponsoring the latest segment! This story shows that our community has what it takes to be Kind, Loving, Caring, and...
Pay It 4Ward
It's acts of kindness like this one that make us proud to sponsor KOB4 Pay It 4Ward! Check out the full story featuring Padilla's Mexican Kitchen and Catholic Charities.
Paying It 4Ward- Bookworks
We are proud to sponsor the acts of kindness and the generosity of our community that is being highlighted in this KOB4 Pay It 4Ward segment. Check out the full story and video...
Pay It 4Ward with KOB4
We are proud to sponsor the acts of kindness and the generosity of our community that is being highlighted in this KOB4 Pay It 4Ward segment. Check out the full story and video...
Paying It Forward with KOB4
The Jennifer Riordan Foundation has partnered with KOB4 to sponsor Pay It 4 Ward. Check out the latest announcement from the KOB4 team: Jennifer Riordan Foundation becomes new...
Vermonter’s legacy lives on in message of kindness
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A freak accident in 2018 claimed the life of a woman who grew up in Vermont, but her family turned that tragedy into a mission to share her passion --...
Spreading kindness to communities
Read the original article here. Spreading kindness to communities Wells Fargo is adding kindness to its employee service and giving. [video width="640" height="360"...
Giving back in South Burlington, the American Red Cross honors 9-11 and Vermont-born Jennifer Riordan
The Red Cross hosted its 3rd Annual 9-11...
Community helps 100-year-old woman celebrate birthday with a parade
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- An Albuquerque woman was treated to a parade on her 100th birthday.
Teen’s wish supports RR health-care workers
Inspired by the care he received from an oncology nurse, a 17-year-old used his wish from Make-A-Wish New Mexico to give workers at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center and two...
Mural aims to spread positivity in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- A reminder to be kind, loving, caring, and sharing probably couldn't come at a better time. At Central and Walter, the artist Paz is working on a mural that is...
‘Create & Connect Campaign’ Kicks Off With Encouraging Messages
Beginning in March, the Aging and Long Term Services Department (ALTSD) distributed 350 tablets across the state to connect residents of long term care facilities with their...
Make-A-Wish Grants Sam’s Wish to Give Back to Healthcare Workers on April 29
Make-A-Wish® New Mexico 7400 Tiburon St. NE, Suite A1 Albuquerque, NM 87109 MEDIA CONTACT: Sara Lister via slister@newmexico.wish.org or 505-463-1369 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE...
Flash Drive: In the Garden of Sharing
Join us and the Albuquerque Community Foundation as we remember the beautiful Jennifer Riordan and (for the first time) light up the "In the Garden of Sharing" mural painted in...
The Jennifer Riordan Foundation Helps Grant a Wish to Help Healthcare Workers
We are honored to help grant the wish of a caring and kind hearted young man wanting to support the heroic efforts of health care workers! Thank you Sam for choosing to help...
Jennifer Riordan Foundation Kicks Off 2020 Kindness Tour
January 20, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mike Riordan Michael@JRSparkle.org 505.238.0743 JENNIFER RIORDAN FOUNDATION KICKS OFF 2020 KINDNESS TOUR Multi-state tour will...
Kindness Tour 2020- Get Involved
The Jennifer Riordan Foundation is setting off across the US to encourage kindness and to celebrate the people who spread kindness throughout their own cities. The Foundation was...
A Spark of Kindness
Our mission is to spark kindness throughout Albuquerque by creating beautiful public art that brings together the people of our community along with visitors and reminds them of...
3 New Mexicans to know and turning a loss into legacy
Albuquerque Business First highlights three New Mexicans everyone should know and the legacy of Jennifer. Her life and career was an example of a New Mexican who chose to keep...
Business First names Jennifer Riordan Woman of Influence community award winners 2020
This year, the selection committee for the Jennifer Riordan Woman of Influence Community Impact Award found itself in a tie vote. So the committee chose to honor two women. Read...
Family of Jennifer Riordan looking for more locations to put up murals in her memory
“In the Garden of Sharing” mural is now on display on the Albuquerque Community Foundation building in downtown Albuquerque. We want to beautify Albuquerque and remind the...
Albuquerque sports complex renamed after Jennifer Riordan
Story from KRQE: The Albuquerque Regional Sports Complex will now be called the Jennifer Riordan Spark Kindness Sports Complex. City councilors passed the resolution as a way to...
Downtown mural a tribute to Jennifer Riordan’s spirit
“Getting the mural off the ground came with effort from the Jennifer Riordan “Sparkle” Fund and the Albuquerque Community Foundation, who are both partnering with Working...
Five classrooms honored as ‘Spark Kindness’ award-winners
At the beginning of the school year, we challenged five local Albuquerque elementary schools to log acts of kindness using the Spark Kindness app. We found the top classrooms...
Local kids inspired to be kind through app honoring Jennifer Riordan
“The smallest things are making a big difference at local elementary schools. A new app is helping kids ‘spark kindness’ while honoring an Albuquerque woman who lived to make...
First Jennifer Riordan Woman of Influence community award winner named
Annemarie Ciepiela Henton, vice president of business development and marketing at Albuquerque Economic Development, is the inaugural winner of Albuquerque Business First's...
Jennifer Riordan Memorial Trust awards $50,000 in grants to local nonprofits
Michael Riordan announced the first round of grantees, awarding seven grants totaling $50,000 to local nonprofits in memory of his wife Jennifer Riordan. Click here to read the...
Questions?
Reach out to us if you have any questions.