Kirton McConkie Celebrates 50 years and Kidney Kars Donation!

Kirton Mcconkie Celebrates 50th AnniversaryLast Night we were invited to Kirton McConkie’s 50th Birthday/Anniversary.  Since 1991 the National Kidney Foundation of Utah & Idaho and the Kidney Kars program has been on the receiving end of many of KMC Law’s charitable donations, use of their facilities for board meetings, and pro-bono (tax, trademark/copywright, contract writing work).  They’ve even sent a litigator to small claims to help us address an abuse of process claim brought to the foundation by a local towing company in 2004.   Kirton McConkie’s past President, the late Graham Dodd, Esq. was also the president of the NKF of U & I’s Board of  Directors for the 3 years prior to his untimely passing.  I personally loved Graham for his orange and green checkered wool golf knickers and the title ESQ. which he wore without the slightest irony, because that gentleman was the real deal.  We were very lucky to have his guidance and presence for so many years as we were becoming established as one of Utahs most recognizable non-profit organizations.

So yesterday, I arrived at the 4th floor of the Kirton McConkie building ready to mix and mingle. The name tags were laid out on the welcome table and featured a hit list of Utah’s most powerful, smartest, most philanthropic people.  I was very lucky to get Pamela Atkinson all to myself for a minute.  She’s clearly one of Utah’s foremost philanthropists and the woman for whom several Utah clinics for the less fortunate are rightfully named in her honor.   When I introduced myself, and she looked at my name tag she said “Oh yes, I know you ‘ www.towKars.org ‘Kidney Kars’ with a K like kidney. You’re quite well known.”  As Director of the Kidney Kars donation program since 1991, as a marketer and a human– I was really, truly flattered.  Whilst Ms. Atkinson administered the Intermountain Health Care Foundation grants, the Kidney Foundation of Utah & Idaho was fortunate enough to receive several grants.  Those substantive funding helped us fund Youth Transplant Kamp, our Kidney Patient Financial Aid services,  start what is now known as KARE (Kidney Assessment Renal Evaluation) which are free community kidney screenings for Utahns at highest risk of kidney failure.

I was able to visit our board members Jason Beutler (the fine young litigator fresh out of UC Berkeley Law school sent by KMC Law to save us in a ridiculous small claims proceedings) and who is now a trusted NKF U & I board member and friend; as well as Doug  Wright (KSL Newradio) also a board member and friend.  The view from the KMC Law firm building is beautiful, the catering was magnificent, and the signature Kirton McConkie mocktail ‘cosmo’ and celebratory cookies  were yummy.  But most of all, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the association and support of such an upstanding firm and to be surrounded by men of integrity and charity.  We are very grateful Kirton McConkie Law is celebrating 50 years in Utah!  They are truly some Utah’s finest .

Wonder who is winning the National Kidney Foundation of Utah & Idaho Kidney Kars donation battle?

Coaches Billboard

Coaches Billboard

I put a Kyle Whittingham, University of Utah Kidney Kars Donation Ad up the day before their homecoming and got 106 Facebook ‘likes.’ They won their game and continue in their winning streak. However, someone wrote “You Suck” in the comments. We got 17 Kidney Kars car donations from Utah within 3 days of the posting. Then we put up a Bronco Mendenhall ad 2 days before BYU’s homecoming game. Bronco, got 117 Facebook ‘likes.’ and someone wrote “Love and Respect” Bronco!’ in the comments. BYU lost their game (continuing their losing streak). We only received 9 donations after we ran that ad. So to conclude: People donate more Kidney Kars to the winning U of U coach, but there is more loyalty and respect for BYU. No matter, win or lose Kidney Kars still provides free towing, and a tax deduction to Utah & Idaho car donations! If you want to donate your old car for a tax deduction, call us M-F/9-5 at (801) 226-5111 or visit www.towKars.org
Utah Men or Cougars welcome! Either will get you a great tax deduction, free towing, and will help over 3,000 Utah & Idaho Kidney Dialysis and Transplant patients with services that save lives and lighten the burden for those in need. Make your car donation a Kidney Kar! www.towKars.org!