Who we are
About Special Moments
“Every child deserves a moment so special, they forget their circumstances and just… be a kid.”
— Laura A. Cook, Founder
Vision
Special Moments organization believes that every child deserves to experience a moment so special that it allows them to let down their guard and forget about their circumstances which prohibits them from being childlike or just enjoying the moment. A child, regardless of their economic or social status should be able to experience a moment so incredible that it creates a joyful & lasting memory. Our programs are meant to impact and balance the lives of these children emotionally as well as to create a more positive outlook on life and their futures. Special Moments, transforming memories one child at a time.
Mission
Special Moments mission is to create special events that will afford children & teens that are homeless, in foster care or vulnerable, the opportunity to experience a moment so special that ignites a sense of Joy, Love & Hope. Creating these special moments we hope to impact the lives of these children & create a more positive outlook on life and their futures.
Board Members
Laura A. Cook
Founder and President · Kent, WA
Laura A. Cook is the Founder and current CEO of Special Moments.
After working in management for 17 years for a Fortune 500 Transportation Company - UPS, she decided to take time off and focus her energy on raising her two young boys. Being a true entrepreneur at heart, three years later she shifted gears and expanded her focus to include her true passions in life: travel, event planning and children. Inspired by her passions, Laura decided to form an organization that would include all three. In November 2011, Special Moments, a nonprofit organization for children, was formed.
Prior to entering the corporate world, Laura was the sole proprietor of LAKEnterprises her private parent company. She also owned the retail store, The Joint and was an authorized dealer for Forty Acres and A Mule merchandise, along with other brands. In addition to merchandising, she specialized in urban promotions, and helped create and market the branded merchandise for John Singleton's movie, Boyz N the Hood while working with Happi Nappi Wear.
Laura attended the University of Washington and received her BA in Political Science in 1990. She was also a participant in the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Program and attended the University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School and then UW’s Graduate School of Public Affairs where she received her (MPA) Master in Public Administration, with an emphasis in Public Management, in 1993. Laura now looks forward to serving disadvantaged children and making a difference in their lives via the services provided by Special Moments. Laura believes Special Moments, “Transform lives and memories, one child at a time.”
Heather Schossow
Secretary
Heather is an Esq. Manager at DTI Global in Seattle, WA.
Gary Wright
Enterprise Architect at BI on the Fly · Covington, WA
Tabitha Hazeur
Independent Individual & Family Services Professional · Redmond, WA
Andre Arnold
Senior Admission Representative · Federal Way, WA
Chase E. Cook
General Board Member - Tech · Kent, WA
My name is Chase Cook, and I’m a Computer Engineering student at the University of Washington Tacoma, WA. I’m passionate about using technology to solve real problems and support the communities around me.
