Letter to the Editor

Your View

Thursday, August 30, 2001

Dear Editor

On behalf of all associated with Kenny Rogers Children's Center, I would like to say thanks for Tonia Pennington's recent article regarding Camp Barnabas. It was an incredibly special week in July that none of us will ever forget.

The total cost of camp was a little over $9,500. That cost covered transportation, lodging, meals, T-shirts, activities, etc., for 24 children from five area counties for the entire week. Activities included a water slide, swimming, a ropes course, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, flying in an airplane, dances and building an absolute lifetime of friendships and memories.

I would like to acknowledge some very special folks who made this week at Camp Barnabas possible. Simply stated, without their help we would not have been able to send the number of children that we did. So, a big, big thank you to:

* Easter Seals West Kentucky

* Scott County Senate Bill 40 Board

* Henry Meldrum American Legion Post 114

* New Madrid County Memorial VFW Post 7183 Ladies Auxiliary

* New Madrid County Memorial VFW Post 7183

* Sikeston Elks Lodge 2319

* New Madrid Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge 4206

* American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 369

* Qulin Memorial American Legion Post 494 Ladies Auxiliary

I would like to thank each one of these outstanding sponsors. Perhaps the following words written by one of the children's parents is a fitting way to let each of the sponsors know how much of an impact they truly had. The letter says, "I thank all of you for giving my child the opportunity and experience of a lifetime. He said camp was awesome and he had a fantastic time. He is ready to go back again next year. Thanks for making my son's dreams come true."

To our sponsors, thanks for making dreams come true. That says it all!

Chuck Martin,

Executive director

Kenny Rogers Children's Center