Ted Nelson

The Type of Guy That Makes a Difference: Ted Nelson

Though donor Ted Nelson is the father of two sons, Griffin and Tyler, he has not utilized The Children’s Hospital’s critical services. Still, he and his wife Jill give to Children’s out of a conviction that all kids who enter the hospital’s doors will receive excellent and compassionate care and that must always be the case.

As co-owner and president at Brand Agents, he is the type of community leader who asks others to join him in supporting his philanthropic investments.

“He is very passionate about the work done at Children’s and is always trying to help however he can,” said Gwen Grant, Ted’s partner. Gwen explained that Ted will ask friends and associates to attend events, sponsor events and volunteer at events that support Children's.

“He and Jill support many organizations but they have decided Children’s is for them, personally, their number one cause,” Gwen said. “Ted is not the kind of guy who just writes a check. He gets out there and does whatever is needed.”

Ted and Jill have helped support Children’s through numerous fundraising events. They answered the phones during Children’s Miracle Network Alice’s 36 Hours for Kids  this year. Jill and youngest son Griffin have helped stuff bags for the Courage Classic and the entire family has volunteered for Concerts for Kids. This year, Ted worked on the planning committee for Children’s Classic at Sanctuary and asked others to participate. He is a supporter of the upcoming Giddy-Up Gala and Gala 2010; and he asked a friend to donate items for Giddy-Up Gala.

In addition to volunteering, Ted and Jill are generous with their financial support. The Nelson family have donated $10,000 to The Children’s Hospital Courage Classic every year since 2006 and made a $5,000 gift to the same event in 2005.

“Ted and I have been blessed with two beautiful, healthy sons but we know of so many parents out there who have not been so fortunate. What little we can do to help The Children's Hospital isn't extraordinary -- what those parents go through every day for their sick children, that's extraordinary,” said Jill Nelson.

The Inspiration

Ted began supporting the hospital in 1990, but the Nelsons’ connection to Children’s became stronger after meeting a friend whose daughter was treated at Children’s and did not live as a result of her illness. “My friend’s passion rubbed off on me. He is such a good friend and I admire his hands-on compassion,” Ted said.

“I don’t think you have to have an experience at Children’s to support it, you just have to be aware of all the good it does in our community,” Ted said.

“Also, the passion and compassion of virtually every person we have met from the hospital is refreshing. The enthusiasm at Children’s to make things better, to improve what is already excellent, makes me excited to do more, to further its mission,” he said.