As we enter the new year, we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge those who made significant contributions to The John Taylor House in 2008, both financially and in-kind.

The JEPS Foundation and the Kennecott Utah Copper Charitable Foundation led the way among all donors in 2008. These two high-profile nonprofit foundations have repeatedly found The John Taylor House worthy of financial support over the past five years. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We also received significant contributions from Frank C. Carter Residuary Trust, N. G. Foundation, Royal Street Corporation (the parent company of Deer Valley Resort), and Dr. W. C. Swanson Family Foundation. We're extremely grateful for the faith and support demonstrated by these generous organizations.

University of Utah Athletics donated 10 pairs of tickets to the Utah vs. TCU football game on November 6, which we gave away to several individuals donating at least $40. Their fundraising donation surprised us, was extremely successful, and we thank the University of Utah for their faith and support, too. We hope to do this again next fall.

Appliance Service by Paul donated a gently used refrigerator/freezer, replacing the unit in our dining room used to keep refrigerated foodstuffs available to residents that was all but dead. They've also promised a washer and dryer, and at least one freezer and one more refrigerator freezer. We cannot adequately express our thanks for these donations and what they mean to The John Taylor House and how they significantly benefit our residents.

The San Diego Chargers donated a limited edition football boasting the signatures of all their 2007 starting players, which we auctioned off on eBay to raise some funds. An NFL franchise so far away from us finding us worthy of their time and support is truly humbling, and we thank the Chargers for helping us out.

We also receive weekly food donations from the Utah Food Bank, without which we simply wouldn't be able to feed our residents.

Several individuals made donations last year, but we'll respect their right to privacy and not list them here. Know, though, that we're grateful for all donations we receive, large or small, from large organizations or single individuals.

In early January we received a sizable donation from the Sterling & Shelli Gardner Foundation. This is the first time they have donated to The John Taylor House, and, like all donations we receive whether large or small, we are very, very grateful. We hate to keep using that word over and over, but, well, we are.