 Elizabeth Bailes,
President
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Elizabeth Bailes didn’t know she had a heart for orphans until 2016, when she met her new 3-year-old nephew adopted from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was love at first sight, and the rest is history! The explosion of love in her heart led to the formation of Restore Orphan Fund. How can a person feel so much love for a child they had never met!? Previous to this revelation of a new interest, Elizabeth enjoyed her career as a Registered Nurse. Over twenty years ago, she joined Moms In Prayer, International and has led a group of moms who pray for their children weekly. In 2007, after victory over breast cancer, Elizabeth founded Healing Hearts Healing Rooms, a Christ-centered prayer ministry that continues to serve her community. Elizabeth and Doug have been married for over 34 years and are blessed to be the parents of a medical student and his lovely wife, and a daughter who, as a Registered Nurse, cares for children with cancer and blood disorders. Truly, this family is blessed to be a blessing! |
 Ann Babcock, V.P.
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Ann Babcock is one of those people who pays attention to signs and is open to opportunities to serve. When she shared a dream about helping orphans with other board members, it amazed her to find they also shared the same dream. Many conversations and many prayers followed… and today, the Restore Orphan Fund is assisting many children! For several years, Ann has served on the board of the Dial Hope Foundation, which provides daily inspirational messages of encouragement and faith worldwide. After serving as a trustee of a state college, she now focuses on helping students in their formative years, so they may have the tools needed to grow into productive, confident young adults. Married to Ken, they have five adult children and almost three grandchildren, and enjoy fishing the oceans of the world together. “To experience the past, touch a stone. To experience the present, smell a rose. To experience the future, help a child.” -Anonymous |
 Hannah Gottman,
Secretary
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Together with her husband, Jacob, daughter and sons, Hannah Gottman serves as a champion of God’s concept of family. When called upon to adopt a child, Hannah and her family became laser-focused on the goal. After much prayer, paperwork, Skype phone calls to their future son in Africa, and miracles, they joyfully welcomed the new member of their family a year after he was officially adopted. They know how to persevere and to work in unity with God, each other and the body of Christ. Professionally, Hannah earned a B.S.N. and works as a House Supervisor at a regional hospital. For fun and adventure, this family supports their daughter as she plays League softball on a travel team. They also find time to take the boys fishing. Hannah and her husband teach youth Sunday School, lead Bible studies in their home and have served as foster parents to children in crisis. |
 Sue Smit, Treasurer
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Sue Smit is privileged to be the treasurer for Restore Orphan Fund. She is a graduate of Hope College, Holland, Michigan (1990). She has experience in finance and accounting as a former CPA with a large accounting firm, a business owner, and an accountant for several small businesses. She also has experience working with children as a teacher and nurturer which remains a highlight of Sue’s life. She considers children and family to be among the most precious of God’s gifts. Sue is often heard calling a child “blessing” in place of his or her name. She believes that joy and laughter should flow naturally from every child and that love, care and met needs are essential in restoring this in orphaned children. Sue and her husband, Brian, enjoy life in Phoenix, Arizona, during the winter; Macatawa, Michigan, during the summer. They value time spent with their two adult children. |
 Lynn Salman, Member
Karen Sumner, Member
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As a retired Speech Language Pathologist, Lynn has worked with children for most of her life. Her interests lie with helping children communicate effectively and to advocate for those with special needs. Lynn has also volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), bringing a "voice" to children in foster care. She is a mother of 2 adult children, 6 step children, grandmother to 18 wonderful "grands" and a wife to her husband, John. Lynn received BS and EdS degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Georgia. Being on the Restore Orphan Fund Board is an honor and a privilege, knowing that the possibilities of making a difference in a child's life are endless! Karen’s priorities are faith, family and friends. She has over 25 years of senior level fundraising experience and is currently the Chief Advancement Officer at Colorado Ballet. Her professional resume includes leadership roles at New York City Ballet, the Menil Collection in Houston, the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin and the Honolulu Museum of Art. Karen’s volunteer service began with the Junior League of Honolulu decades ago and her passion for helping the community and making an impact blossomed into a professional career. Karen is grateful to the Lord for bringing her to Colorado to be near her grown sons, Wil and Nick. |
