Published: May 17, 2008 11:57 pm            

Cheers & Jeers - Sunday, May 18, 2008

Compassion appreciated

Duane “Butch” Powell of Kempton sends this Cheer to a local business:

“I would like to send this Cheer to the fine folks at Wayne Miller Travel Agency in Kokomo.

“Several Saturdays ago, my wife received a phone call from Tampa, Fla. Her stepmother informed her that her father was near death and that she needed to get to Florida as soon as she could.

“I called Wayne Miller Travel. I informed them of the situation and that my wife needed a one-way ticket to Florida as soon as possible. In a matter of a couple of minutes, they had found a seat for later that evening.

“When I asked how soon we could pick it up, the lady said they were due to close in about 15 minutes but that she would stay at the office until we got there. We arrived 20 minutes after their scheduled closing time and closed the deal.

“Unfortunately, my father-in-law passed away two days later but thanks to the effort and compassion of the folks at Wayne Miller, my wife made it to Florida in time to see her father.

“On behalf of my wife and family, thank you all at Wayne Miller Travel.”

Caregivers raise $10,000

Jamey Henderson sends this Cheer on behalf of Samaritan Caregivers:

“Samaritan Caregivers would like to express sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in any way during the recent Chocolate Celebration at the Kokomo Mall. During this event, sponsored by Central Bank and Palmer’s Jewelry, 3,275 servings of chocolate were sold, generating $10,000 for the general budget of Samaritan Caregivers, a local nonprofit whose volunteers provide free help to people who are elderly, ill or disabled.

“A big thank-you to the vendors: The Barefoot Baking Co., Big Ben Coffee, Bodywork West, Boyd’s Fudge, Come and Get It, Crystal Teal Room, Encounter Cafe at New Life Assembly of God Church, F.C. Tucker/Tomlinson Realty, GFS Marketplace, Girl Scouts of Tribal Trails Council, Glass Canopy Restaurant at Kokomo Area Career Center, Golden Living/Sycamore Village, Howard Regional Health System, J. Edwards Fine Chocolates, Gourmet Cakes & Unique Gifts, Jefferson Manor, Manna from Heaven/Cakes by Lisa, Marsh Hometown Market, Meal Thyme Solutions, North Woods Commons, North Woods Village, Partyopolis, Pastarrific Italian Restaurant, Pasta Diva, Rozzi’s Catering, St. Joseph Hospital/St. Vincent Health, Salvo’s Ristorante Italiano, Sam’s Club, The Siding Restaurant, Starbucks, Sterling House, Sunset Grill Catering, The SunSpot Natural Market, Windmill Grill and Xocai Healthy Chocolate.

“Others who generously contributed: Kokomo Mall – Mariesa Skogland and staff, Kokomo Mall merchants, Haynes International, Horoho Printing, Coca-Cola of Kokomo, American Tool & Party Rental, Howard Regional Health System, Expressions Silk Screening, Miss Hoosier Heartland – Jacqueline Dobbert, Kokomo Men of Note, Village Pantry – Hoffer & Home, Kokomo Perspective, Kokomo Tribune and Spotlight Indianapolis.

“Door prizes were made possible by all participating vendors and sponsors in addition to: The Cellular Connection, Kokomo Mall merchants, Elder Beerman, Moore’s Pie Shop, Panera Bread, Omeletty’s, Walgreens – LaFountain, The Olive Garden Restaurant and Kroger – Reed Road.

“Judges with the tough job of tasting all 33 entries: Central Bank – Karen Smith, Kokomo Perspective – Pat Muncy, Kokomo Tribune – Erin Shultz, Palmer’s Jewelry – Scott Gill, Shine 99 – Scott Alan, WFRN – Gary Henderson, WWKI – Kevin Burris, Z92Five – Allan James.

“Thanks to everyone who enjoyed lots of chocolate to make this day a great success! Because of you, we make a difference!”

‘There, but the grace of God ...’

The Rev. Ruth Lawson of Coordinated Assistance Ministries sends this Cheer:

“CAM Inc. sees over 1,000 clients each year, but one overwhelming need led us to go to WWKI and seek assistance from the community directly.

“Thanks to WWKI and to the community. Within one week, the financial crisis was met for a family, and their utility was kept on.

“This family was a classic CAM family – about to be homeless, if assistance was not found, doing all the right things, veteran, working, on two-months sick leave without pay, has church family, married 12 years, three children – one ill, rent reasonable, wife going to school full-time to be a teacher, no drinking or drugs involved, the salt-of-the-earth facing a major financial crisis.

“You stepped up to the plate – not only was the financial situation restored, but a physical and spiritual healing has occurred and the father is back to work – not only in his job, but assisting CAM when our van broke down (he is also a mechanic).

“What if we missed two paychecks? There, but the grace of God, go I? And Jesus said, ‘Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, My brethren, you did it to Me.’”

“Thanks, WWKI, and thanks to the people of Howard, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Miami and Tipton counties.”

        

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