— Kats for a Cure Track Club thanked

Coach K.O. Jackson sends this Cheer to the families of the athletes of Kats for a Cure Track Club:

“Many know the names of student athletes who appear in news stories detailing their accomplishments. However, rarely do people know the behind-the-scene names of those who accomplish amazing things.

As a result, I’d like to thank the parents and families of the Kats for a Cure Track Club for their support this past indoor track season: Cavalene (Deju) Miller, Marty and Shelly (Taylor) Coram, Cassandra (Darryelle) Cole, Bruce and Merry (Haven) Young, Jia (Jania and Andria) Eddington, Linh and Gina (Anh and Lana) Pham, Greg and Karon (Brianna) Lancaster, Carmalita (Ma-Ryssa Martin) Thomas, Darla (Raven) Pugh, Nate and Crystal (Summer) Blackamore and Donna (Cinnamon) Andrews.

Since January 20, these parents and families spent every weekend criss-crossing Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, so their daughters could compete in national-caliber track-and-field invitationals.

Many know of their daughters’ successes, and of course, their names. Now you know the names behind the names. Thank you parents and families. Catch us if you can!

New vehicle shopping made easy

Robert and Madeline Hines of Kokomo sends this Cheer to H. E. McGonigal:

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Jim Thrasher and Mike Christopher of H. E. McGonigal. We were in the market for a new vehicle that would better accommodate our needs and be easily accessible as we are both handicapped; both Jim and Mike went above and beyond to help us make our shopping easy. On a beautiful, but chilly Saturday afternoon, we went to H. E. McGonigal and were directed to park in one of the inside bays. After telling them what we were looking for, they brought three vehicles inside for us to look at before we found the one we liked and that fit our needs; they assisted us in every aspect without ever making us go out in the cold. We purchased a new GMC Terrain that day and went back Tuesday to pick it up, which happened to be Jim’s day off. We were again directed to park in one of the inside bays and were met by Jim, Mike and our new vehicle. They were there to answer any questions we had and to ensure our satisfaction, all while keeping us warm and dry. We cannot thank H.E. McGonigal, Jim Thrasher and Mike Christopher enough for all of their assistance and attention to our needs.

Thatchers benefit Carver Community Center

Carver Community Center Executive Director Dennis Morgan sends this Cheer for Joe Thatcher and his family:

“The Carver Community Center staff and board of directors would like to acknowledge Joe Thatcher and his family, who unselfishly gave of their time to promote a fundraiser to benefit Carver Community Center.  

The fundraiser’s success is magnified because of the Thatcher family’s previous connection to the Carver Community Center. Joe played youth basketball at Carver Community Center.

Further, Carver Community Center also extends a good-luck wish to Joe and his San Diego Padres’ teammates this baseball season.

‘Walk a Mile’ event a success

Van Taylor, executive director of the Kokomo Rescue Mission, sends this Cheer to everyone in the community who made the ‘Walk A Mile in My Shoes’ event a success from:    

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for those who participated in the 12th annual ‘Walk A Mile in My Shoes.’ This was a record-breaking year for our event. This year we raised $139,423!  There were 175 registered teams who signed up to walk, translating to more than 1,000 walkers! St. Joseph Hospital, Hewitt Molding, Jean Rinehart Independent Longaberger Home Consultant, Beck Foundation, Coca Cola of Kokomo, Choice Real Estate, Regions Insurance Co. and many more corporate sponsors, volunteers, individual donors and walkers went above and beyond to support the Open Arms women’s and children’s shelter. The money raised will continue to keep the Open Arms doors open to those women and children who need a place to stop along their life’s journey to find the hope and the love of Jesus Christ. Last year, Open Arms housed 127 women and 89 children, with an average stay of 245 days.    

On behalf of those we serve, thank you for your generosity, compassion and dedication to the Kokomo Rescue Mission and Open Arms in making this event so successful. We appreciate your support of ‘Walk A Mile’ 2013!  Because of you, women and children no longer have to walk those miles alone.