Article Contributed on: 2/24/2007 1:42:07 PM
The Christmas Season is long, long over! But between two Christmas Parties and the Needy Food Basket Program which were completed in December 2006, I felt that those in the Denver Community should know what was done to insure that many of are less fortunate children were not left behind during the holidays. And, in addition, to say thank you publicly to many volunteers who made the entire Season of Giving a success.
Denver 17 Elks Lodge provided 27 food baskets to those in need. That was only possible because of the generosity of lodge members who donated to the Charity Fund either with cash and/or donations of turkeys. The Quality Bingo Supply Company donated over $200 worth of canned food products to help fill the food baskets and Aardvark Box and Packaging Inc provided (free of charge!) all the boxes needed to handle the weight of the food.
Charity Queen Barbara Furnari and Past Charity Queens Janet Rauen, Arlene Gustafson, Kathe Pizzitola, Janet VanEps, Marcia Amen, Marilyn Arrick and Valerie Fitzgibbons organized and conducted outstanding Needy Children's and Elk Children's Christmas Parties.
The breakfast with Santa was delicious because of the cooking abilities of Bob and Marti Jones and Barry Smart. A big thank you to all those volunteers involved with the breakfast. We also thank Robinson Dairy for donating 125 individual bottles of orange juice and milk for the thirsty children that attending these parties. We feed 46 children, parents, DAYS and SPF staff members. This number does not include the workers or Elk members who also enjoyed the breakfast.
We invited 25 families to the Breakfast with Santa but only 14 of those families were able to attend and participate in the breakfast and party with Santa. The Elk's children's party was attended by 42 children. Games, face painting, a balloon man, musical chairs and the Music Men (Cliff Fitzgibbons and Andy Romero) entertained the children during the parties. The children attending these parties were given a Christmas present and other items to help them enjoy the season.
As the Chairman of the Charity Committee, I thank each member of the Denver 17 Elks Lodge, the Elkettes and their family members who worked so hard to make this Season of Giving one that I will never forget. Special thanks to Pete Vigil, Justin Jones, Doris and Andy Romero and Santa's Bill Morris and Jerry Sheridan. Phi Pham, the photographer, donated his talents and gave pictures with Santa to each family. To all those who volunteered their time and effort, the parties were only successful because of you.