Sunday, July 10, 2011

WRAPPING UP THE KARSYN KAMPAIGN

first came the Penny Wars at Sharp Creek Elementary, chaired by Rhonda Birk Dale. Over $5,000 was raised by the students, with nearly $1,000 coming in from 2nd grade penpals at Southwood Elementary, and $200 or so from Metro North.


Next came the Richvalley tenderloin dinner held on June 11. Over $15,000 was raised that afternoon. We sold out of tenderloin, and thankfully had some left from the Relay for Life walk which had been held the evening before. Above is Karsyn, dancing with God's Country, one of four bands who performed that day. It did our hearts good to see her able to swing it and have a good time!!! Chairpeople for that day included: Ron Garlits, bands; Rhonda Dale, Krista Hoover and Hayley Nicole Pence, Silent Auction; Melinda Walters, food bag prep; Sheryl & Bobby Bishop, drinks; Diane Guenin, children's games; Tom Wagoner & John Lehner, clean-up, traffic control; Buck Rodman, photography; Kathy Eviston worked the tenderloin booth, Becki Wagoner, Judy Miller and Janet Poole manned ticket sales and money, Julie Hilton kept tables cleaned off; Angie Fordyce pitch-hit wherever needed, as did Pat Bricker.




The kids games were a huge hit. It gave youngsters something to do after eating, and gave mom and dad a chance to visit a little longer with friends. The Northfield Key Club, under the direction of Christina Sapusek and Amanda Richardson, helped tremendously throughout the day, but Diane Guenin, games coordinator, said they were especially helpful with the little kids and the games and Bounce House, supplied by Tru Value!




Just look at those clouds in the background. I went to Mass the night before, and dared to ask God to hold off the rain until after 7 p.m. that night. Since we all know that God was the inspiration for this event, He took care of all the details. Solomon David (Bachelor Creek minister) told me the other day that when we accept that God will care for everything, all we have to do is give Him a willing heart and helping hands. Boy, do I ever believe!!!




The final event on June 18 was Golfing for Karsyn, chaired by Kathy Eviston and Jerry Conley. What fun we had that day!!! Once again, it looked like rain the entire morning, even slightly sprinkled once or twice.....but in the end, another $7,500 was donated by golfers for Karsyn.




So, I know that everyone wants to know how much we raised. I am going to tell you, but before I do, I want to tell you about our afternoon of praise and thank you to God at Bachelor Creek BEFORE the presentation. Simply put, Solomon David and Michael Eaton and the Bachelor Creek Praise team do an awesome job and set the mood for the afternoon. Solomon reminded us of how God has intervened so many times, when He is asked to do so. The Praise Team sang four wonderful songs, three of which had me tappin' my toes. Love, love, love their music!!!


Then, it was time for the presentation. Each person who served on the Committee was on stage when Linette, Bill, Karsyn, Jordan and Caidan came up. And now.....drum roll please.......


A grand total of $51,628.40 was raised by Penny Wars, tenderloin dinner, golf outing and Bachelor Creek Gen R Us fund. A check for the Burchett's was for $36,986.53!!!!


A cash advance of $3,020 had been given to Burchett's the month before for housing expenses in Bloomington, plus $5,000 has been put into escrow toward next year's Karsyn Campaign.


Expenses included $5,221.87 to Richvalley UMC for the tenderloin and prep, trailer usage for the day.


$1,200 in cash was paid to Etna Acres for use of the course on June 18; and $189 was paid to Poole Foods for buns. The remainder of everything used was donated by the Wabash Community businesses, individuals, and corporate sponsors affiliated with Paperwerks Wabash mill.


There is a song I learned years ago when I played piano for the children's mass. It is called "Pass It On." The words are: It only takes a spark to get a fire going. And soon all those around will warm up in its' glowing. That's how it is with God's love. Once we experience it, we want to pass it on.


That song has reverberated in my head over and over the past two months. It was a spark....just a mention on Facebook of: Who wants to help with a fundraiser for Karsyn Bratch? Within minutes, I had eighteen people responding. Our first meeting was April 21. The only thing I had to present to the group that night was 2,000 tickets for a tenderloin dinner donated by Milliner Printing. I had one parking lot spoken for (Kristy Kisner at Wabash Realty). I had heard back from Richvalley for the date, but nothing more. I presented Penny Wars, which was the idea of Jane Pence at the D Shoppe, through her daughter, Kristen Unger, Karsyn's aide at Sharp Creek. That was it. No Silent Auction, no electonic signage throughout town, no kid's games, no golf outing.

God brought us all together because He knew who would be good at particular tasks.


Now as we go forth....and we are going forth.....we will plan the Karsyn Kampaign for next year. With the help of Linette and Bill, we will shoot for helping a number of kids. With the help of God, I am confident down to the bottom of my toes that we will be successful and will be able to assist financially, spiritually and communaly to those in need.


THANK YOU EACH AND EVERY ONE. IF YOU ARE READING THIS, THEN I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE HAD US IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ALL ALONG. I KNOW YOU LOVE KARSYN AND HER FAMILY. AND, I KNOW THAT YOU WILL LOVE ANOTHER FAMILY NEXT YEAR, AND FOR YEAR'S TO COME.


So, until next year....signing off for Karsyn's Kampaign!!!











Wednesday, June 8, 2011

2 DAYS - 1I HOURS - 4 MINUTES AND 31 SECONDS

Okay gang...we are down to the wire! 2 days, 19 hours, 4 minutes and seconds before KARING FOR KARSYN FUNDRAISER begins. My stomach is feeling like the day before the night before Christmas. Like how it did on my first date, job interview, before I had my wisdom teeth out...you get the picture and you know the feeling.

I know I am joined by so many people who are having this same gut feeling as I am. I saw a couple of them today out and about in town, and as we talked they said, "I have goosebumps". Mine is nausea, but the feeling is the same.

We are all so excited for one reason: One day, one little girl, one wonderful family and the potential to raise terrific amounts of money to help them in their journey with a child fighting cancer.

So, this is my wish. I wish that the skies Saturday morn are a crisp blue, with white fluffy clouds. A gentle breeze (GENTLE, Lord) blowing and 80 degree temps would also be favored.....I wish that from the time the smell of Richvalley tenderloins fill the air on North Cass Street until the moment we are out of food (well past 7 p.m.)....that the line of traffic is level, constant, and safe. No fender benders...we have no time for police cars, reports, etc. on THIS day!!! As a reminder...in from Cass and out on Harrison. Please and Thank You.

I wish that every volunteer gets there on time, is pumped and ready to give their very best for however long it takes. I also wish the porta-potty is in place very early in the day and that someone remembers to stop and get coffee on the way in!!!

I wish that no bass player breaks a string. That the mics all work, voices are in their prime and that everyone enjoys the wonderful sounds to be made by all the great artists that have signed on for the day.

I wish that our Silent Auction items break records. I wish that our Moon Walk doesn't fly away (remember CNN from last weekend?) I wish that every kid at the fundraiser wants to play games and keeps Diane and her group so very busy. Diane is like a big kid....so ready to play games for charity.

I wish that Karsyn feels really good on this day so that she can come to the fundraiser for a little while. And, while she is there, I wish that she feels like Homecoming Queen, Miss America, and Cinderella all in one...because all eyes will be on her. Our hearts will be open to receive her, and her sisters, cousin, mom and stepdad.

And finally, I wish that when I fall in bed on Saturday night...sunburned, achy, worn out, ready to sleep a solid twelve...that I will feel in my heart two things: That God truly does answer worthwhile prayers, and that whatever else may be wrong in our world...on June 11, in a little town called Wabash, Indiana, for just a few hours we all felt like everything could be right if we all worked hard enough, prayed long enough, and dreamed big enough.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

HOLY COW!!!!

"To those whom much is given, much is expected."
— John F. Kennedy (The Uncommon Wisdom of JFK: A Portrait in His Own Words)


(Paraphrased from Luke 14)

HOLY COW!!! Modern paraphrase from Karing for Karsyn Committee Chair!!!


OK....this has been quite a week! All the work, phone calls, asking businesses for donations, meetings, more phone calls, more meetings, advertising, blogs, Facebook updates and emails are coming to a close. We are down to 9 days and hours before the Karing for Karsyn Fundraiser begins.

We have now sold about 600 tickets....not that great for a super-successful fundraiser, but we are ordering 2000 cuts of tenderloin because we KNOW we will sell it!!! There has been nothing about this Kampaign that has been small, from:

LaFontaine Elementary coming up with 2000 snack cakes in about two weeks time;
Sharp Creek Elementary, along with help from Southwood 2nd Grade and Metro North raising over $5,000 in their Penny Pitch Campaign;
to the many businesses all over town who are using their electronic message boards to the good of the Karsyn Kampaign;
to the many other businesses who have donated toward the dinner as in napkins, carry=out sacks, etc.;
or businesses, hospitals (near and far away) donating all the drinks we need;
or the businesses who have donated toward the Silent Auction (now up to a number of gifts all valued from $10 to $100 and over);

How about the many folks who have just sent in a check for $20 or $50 0r $100 or $1,000 and haven't wanted a tenderloin ticket, but have wanted to give to Karsyn?

And then there are the businesses who have excelled at helping out the Kampaign....Milliner Printing (all the tix, all the posters for free);
Dr. Garner and his Midwest Eye Care Parking Lot, and
Kristy Kisner and Duke's Memorial Hospital and their Parking lot...both in use the day of the fundraiser;
Brian Howenstine from True Value----$500 from the Weber Grill Days and a donation of a "Moonwalk" for kids to play in the day of the Fundraiser;
Mitting Electronics....donating their airtime for advertising on The Bash to be used for PSA's for the Karsyn fundraiser;
The Auto Laundry, who raised over $200 with cars going through the car wash ON THE RAINIEST DAY OF THE YEAR!!! Then, they felt so bad that they hadn't raised more, that family members put in another $100 in donations....

The Plain Dealer, the Paper of Wabash County, Wade Weaver of The Bash and KISS 95.9....All have kept Karsyn's name in the headlines through articles, mention on the radio or interviews with organizers (Friday, June 3 at 9 a.m.)...

And finally, did I mention Dave and Lee Ann Pefley of Pefley Implement? They had an auction today and set up a row of merchandise (Lee Ann generously called "old stuff") for those attending to bid upon. Are you setting down???? Drum Roll Please......$13,110 was raised by auctioning off the "old stuff" today and a check has been written to the Karing for Karsyn Kampaign in that amount!!!

This brings us to about $22,000 and change so far in the Kampaign. We still have (1) the fundraiser, which encompasses selling the food, plus the Silent Auction, the 70/30 Raffle, and the Kid's Games (donation required). A week after that will be the Golf Tourney at Etna Acres (still needing teams of four to sign up....call Kathy Evist0n 765-981-2820)....Then there is the Gen R Us Fund from Bachelor Creek, which will be accepting contributions for Karsyn through June, and The Works (Manchester Avenue) is donating $2 for each KARSYN SUNDAE ordered in their store.

Originally, I thought it would be great to raise enough money to supplement the income Burchett's are losing when Linette is away from her job caring for Karsyn. Now I am thinking that only God knows how much we will raise. Which brings me full circle to the quote I put at the beginning from John Kennedy with apologies to Luke: To those whom much is given, much is expected.

I think every person, every business, every volunteer, every one who has made a donation or purchased a ticket has demonstrated that they KNOW they are lucky....they KNOW they have been given a good life....And they know and demonstrate through their actions that they are expected to give back and to pay it forward to help others in their time of need.

Thank you one and all!!!! Now, on to June 11 !!!!!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Love for Karsyn is Raining Down

Wow! What a week is has been in the KARING FOR KARSYN KAMPAIGN KAMP!!! We continue to receive donations--both in cash and Silent Auction items! I know we have had enough rain in Wabash County to keep farmers from getting in the fields, but the love that has rained down on Karsyn this week has just put all of we volunteers in "high cotton!"


At left is a picture of Mrs. McCaslin's 2nd grade class at Sharp Creek. They won the Penny Wars competition, bringing in $1,551. The total for the entire school was $5,141. Southwood Elementary 2nd grade helped to raise some of the money, and this afternoon the Metro North Penny cans were picked, up adding another $150. The kids were treated to a pizza party, thanks to Miss Rhonda and Miss Lee Ann (Dale & Pefley). The entire school was treated to cookies with their lunch last week...a thank you from Karsyn.


To date, we have only sold 551 tickets for the June 11 Fundraiser, but we are nearing the $11,000 mark in sales and donations! Our goal of $20,000 seems so reachable that maybe we should aspire higher!!


At our Committee meeting tonight, more Silent Auction items were brought in; Diane Guenin received lots of toys for the Children's Games area of the fundraiser; Ron Garlits announced that times were full with different bands and vocalists performing throughout the day. Sheryl Bishop handed out volunteer time sheets. We still need CLEAN UP CREW for after 7 p.m. the day of the fundraiser! Please, if you can help until everything is put back in place....call Sheryl at 260-563-3767 and give her your name!!! We would so much appreciate all the help we can get! I have promised Doc Garner that his beautiful grounds will look on Monday just like they did before our fundraiser invaded!!!


On July 10, a presentation event will take place at Bachelor Creek. At that time, the Burchett's will receive their "check" with our grand totals on it. Once our fundraiser is over on June 11, there will still be the golf outing on June 18, and Bachelor Creek is donating their Gen 'R' Us funds to Karsyn also. All will be added for one presentation donation. Please plan on joining us!


Thank you's this week to Somerset Lion's Club for their donation from a recent club fundraiser to Karsyn; and to Phil Delta Kappa in Wabash for their generous donation.


Our latest news on Karsyn is that she is in Bloomington and began treatment at 1 p.m. today. Let's all remember Karsyn and Linette in our prayers. It has to be so hard to not only be in treatment, but also away from family and friends.


Until our next update....THANK YOU....People who are selling tix....People who have purchased....Silent Auction donors...Local businesses and entrepreneurs who have donated merchandise or gift certificates...


Karsyn couldn't come from a better community! Wabash has rained down love on her! Let's keep showering her with our care and concern!!!!





Hayley Pence took this picture of Karsyn and called it,

"Karsyn in Twilight."

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Karing for Karsyn Breaking All Expectations



This is a pic of our dear little friend, Karsyn, smiling for Hayley Pence. (Thanks Hayley for use of your pics!) And, she should be smiling because the entire Wabash area has opened their hearts to Karsyn!!! The number of special events, monies, etc. all for Karsyn is absolutely heart-warming!!!


RHONDA DALE, Penny Pitch Chair for Sharp Creek reported a total of $4,718.65 brought in by students to date. Tomorrow is the final day (5-20). $900 of the total was raised by Southwood 2nd graders who are pen pals with Karsyn's class. Metro North begins their Penny Pitch tomorrow, thru the end of school. And, LaFontaine Elementary didn't do a Penny Pitch, but the teachers challenged the students to a "Dessert War". Over 2,000 pre-packaged desserts, such as Hostess and Little Debbie were brought and the students earned themselves extra recess time! If converted to cash, these 2,000 desserts would equal about $2,500!!! Thank you so much, LaFontaine Elementary, Southwood Elementary, Sharp Creek Elementary and Metro North Elementary!!!


The SILENT AUCTION, also chaired by RHONDA DALE, is acquiring more items daily. To date, we have blankets, pedicures, dinner certificates, tire alignment, acrylic nails, welcome baskets, top-notch photography studio gift cards, and more! These items will be up for bid during our June 11 fundraiser!!


A number of new fundraising dates have been added this week. On May 27, AUTO LAUNDRY, South Wabash St., will donate $2 for every vehicle that passes thru their car wash.


On June 2, PEFLEY FARM EQUIPMENT, Lagro, is setting up a row of auction items donated by area citizens. They ask that any donation be farm and/or garden related, such as old lawnmowers, wire, old cars, etc. All proceeds are returned to the Karing for Karsyn Kampaign. Call Lee Ann Pefley at 260-782-0762 to donate or for questions!


And finally, the Golf Scramble at Etna Acres is in the midst of being organized for June 18. Anyone wanting to put together a team for the Shotgun Start event can call KATHY EVISTON, Chair, at 765-981-2820.


SHERYL BISHOP, Chair for the WORK DETAIL VOLUNTEERS on June 11 announced categories she wants covered on that date. Categories still needing volunteers and a Head are: Traffic Control, Pop (keeping coolers filled). Those areas already covered by volunteer heads are: Set Up/Tear Down: John Lehner & Tom Wagoner; Ticket Collections and Sales - Shirley Mackey, Janet Poole and Becki Wagoner; Trash and Table Patrol - Julie Helton; Bagging of chips and desserts-Melinda Walters and 70/30 ticket sales - Tiffany Barton and friends, and Kitty and Chris Bishop, along with help from many from Bachelor Creek Young Adults Class. Help in the tenderloin trailer for Troy Cole will be provided by the Northfield Key Club. This group has volunteered to work in teams of five throughout the entire day. The Silent Auction group is Rhonda Dale, Kristin Unger, Kristie Hoover and Angie Dale. If you would like to volunteer to work that day, please call SHERYL BISHOP AT 563-3767 and volunteer your help and the times you can work.


DIANE GUENIN, is Chair for CHILDREN'S GAMES. We are hoping to have a Bounce House that is free for all children under age 12. In addition, Diane is preparing children's games that can be played for a freewill donation. This should keep the little kids at bay while parents are waiting for food, or are listening to area bands which will be performing that day.


We will be doing limited advertising with the newspapers and radio stations. In essence, for whatever donation they make in advertising, we will place an ad of the same size at the non-profit rate for that company. The funds for this advertising is being used from a Silpada/Mary Kay Fundraiser from Shannon Schleining and Becki Wagoner, which netted nearly $400. The group passed on full approval use of these funds for advertising.


Our next meeting will be THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2011. That meeting will mark our countdown to KKK Day! We are asking that MONEY AND TICKETS BE TURNED IN. If you have sub-contracted your tickets, please arrange to collect your money and tickets. ALL tickets and money need turned in NO LATER THAN JUNE 2.


At the June 11 fundraiser, it was decided that Sandwich Only people could pay $4.00 and those wanting bulk tenderloins would pay $3 per tenderloin, with a maximum of ten tenderloins per person. A total of fifty (50) bulk tenderloins per hour will be allotted for this type of sales, in order to ensure that at 6:59 p.m., a ticket holder will have access to a full meal. It was also agreed that area shift personnel could pre-order and pay for their food to be delivered that day.

Any order over 10 tickets, prepaid, will be delivered within the Wabash City area.


Earlier this week in the Wabash Plain Dealer, Editor Joe Slacian said that the KARING FOR KARSYN KAMPAIGN would most likely be one of the biggest fundraising events for Wabash in years. We sure hope his prediction is right!! We so appreciate all that the Wabash Plain Dealer and "the paper" of Wabash County have done to share Karsyn's story and to keep her in reader's minds over the past two months. You are both truly friends of Karsyn's and our Kampaign. Thank you!!!


My grand daughter, Gabi, spent the evening with Karsyn and they had fun, just like old friends do. When we went to pick Gabi up, Karsyn had time for me. She is the sweetest child, never complaining. It was obvious she was exhausted, but she didn't want us to leave.

Karsyn begins treatment on May 26 in Bloomington. That night, even if you don't normally say a prayer....will you say one for Karsyn and her mom, Linette? These next few weeks are going to be extremely difficult for both of them. Treatment by day and away from their family by evening. No amount of money that we can raise will buy Karsyn the cure that she needs.

But, our caring....our concern....the love each and everyone of us show her when we attend an event to raise funds, or send 'couch change ' to school with the kids, or come out for a tenderloin on June 11....will show her how much she is loved. And, she has shown us how much one little girl can touch the hearts of so very many. As Linette said tonight, there are so many like Karsyn. We just don't hear about them. Helping one is sometimes helping many. Let's keep up the good fight....for our little Karsyn and all the other little Karsyn's out there who are fighting the fight of their life.


Friday, May 13, 2011

Challenges Met....Donations Rolling in from Schools

I want to share this wonderful pic with you of Karsyn and Miss Carol Hiner. Miss Carol is the dance instructor for Wabash Valley Dance. She took Karsyn out onto the Honeywell Stage and danced with her during regular rehearsals for this weekend's recital. What a sweet picture. I am sure Karsyn will remember her swirl on the stage with Miss Carol for a long time to come!

In the meantime, while Karsyn is doing the light fantastic....the elementary school kids from LaFontaine, Sharp Creek, and Mrs. Denney's 2nd grade Southwood class have been busy trying to meet and beat challenges!!

LaFontaine students and teachers brought in 2,000 packaged desserts for the fundraiser on June 11. Sharp Creek raised another $1,219 this week in the penny wars, and Mrs. Denney's class is at about $200.

Isn't it wonderful how our younger citizens are involved? They all love Karsyn so much. For most of them, this is their first "reality check" of life. I think they are meeting it head on with hope, optimism and enthusiasm. Proud of you all!!!

Until next week....if you want to help.....BUY A TICKET!!! We still need canned pop and bottled water donated. Volunteers to work the day of the fundraiser are now being put into time slots. If you can give an hour or the day, please call Sheryl Bishop at 563-3767.

Until next week....I'm up to my ears in Kampaign details. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to do a little something for Karsyn!!!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Karing for Karsyn Kampaign Moves Into FULL SWING



WOW! What a week we have had!! It's hard to believe we have only been organized one week and so much has happened already!!!!


As of tonight's meeting, 204 tickets have been sold.


Rhonda Dale, Chair for the Sharp Creek Elementary Penny Wars, brought in $1,142 this evening....that represents TWO DAYS of kids robbing their piggy banks to help Karsyn!!!! Right now, Mrs. McCaslin's class is ahead....and that is the class that Karsyn is in!!!


Rhonda reports that Metro North is now doing a Penny drive, and the second grade class at Southwood Elementary (they are pen pals with the 2nd grade class from Sharp Creek) is doing a Penny drive in Mrs. Denney's class.


WAY TO GO, KIDS!!!! It is absolutely wonderful to see children get involved and learn to give and care for others! I have had reports from mother's who have said their children took money they had been saving for something they especially wanted, and took it to school for Karsyn instead! God works in the most wonderful ways!


For me, personally, my Thanks for the week goes to Bachelor Creek Church of Christ. They have agreed to be the keeper of the funds for us. Silly me thought I could go set up an account at a bank and put the money there! Not so! I needed a Federal Tax I D number and a letter of resolution....and I was afraid the Federal Tax ID number might take weeks!!! Thank you, Rev. David and Stan Wilmert!!


Tiffany Barton and Katina Beavers have worked with 'the paper' and KISS 105.9 and we now have courtesy advertising in 'the paper' and an interview the week of the fundraiser! Thanks to both of you and to 'the paper' and KISS.


The Northfield Key Club is working with the sixth grade and second grade at Sharp Creek on two blankets to be auctioned off the day of the fundraiser, June 11. Christina Sapusek and Amanda Richardson came to the meeting and told how the 60 member Key Club wanted to be involved!! We need all the help and support we can get!!! If anyone reading this has an item they would like to contribute for the Silent Auction, please contact Rhonda Dale, Krista Hoover or myself. We will be glad to come and pick it up!!!


A Karing for Karsyn poster will be going out to all the area churches within the next week or so, asking them to mention in their church flier. If anyone out there would like to sell tickets at their church, or circle meeting, Sunday School class, etc., please contact me and I will get you tickets.


Ron Garlits reports the line-up for bands on June 11. They are:


Small Town from Noon to 1


Mike McGriff, folk singer, from 1-2


A surprise band, featuring Bobby V and friends from 2-4


God's Country from 4-7


We will be requesting that people park downstairs at 807 North Cass St. so that the upstairs parking lot can be used for tables and chairs, walk-ups, etc. There will be signage that day to help people know where to go and volunteers will help direct traffic.


Sheryl Bishop reports that 45 plus businesses in Wabash have either electronic signs or changeable signage at their business. Sheryl and myself are going to be contacting each business to see if they will put up the info for the fundraiser a couple of days prior to June 11.


I heard from Brian Howenstein of True Value Hardware. He is donating proceeds from the Weber grill Demo Day on May 14 to Karing for Karsyn. So, all of you get out to True Value and buy a hamburger or hot dog on that day....and while you're at it, support Brian and the hardware by taking home a few nuts and bolts as well!!


Kathy Eviston announced that Etna Acres Golf Course, State Hwy 124, will close the greens on May 18 for a Karing for Karsyn Golf Scramble IF 18 TEAMS SIGN UP!


They will be charging $50 for 18 holes, with $20 going for green fees and the other $30 being given to the Karing for Karsyn Kampaign. If you know you would like to play, please call Etna Acres at 260-468-2906 and reserve your group, or Kathy Eviston at 765-981-2820. Don't wait!!! Call soon so they know they have enough to close the greens for that day!


As of this writing, I have not heard whether or not Linette and Bill have any news from St. Jude's.


My prayer for the day: Dear Lord, You have put Karsyn in our lives for a purpose. Thinking of her and her family each day brings out the best in me to want to help her, and others like her. I thank you for my healthy grandkids and for not having to go through the terrible devastation that comes with cancer. I ask that you use me and any talents that I possess for the glory of your name in helping Karsyn and her family. I would love to ask for a miracle for Karsyn, but I know that your will be done. I will ask for a clear, sunshiny day on June 11...slight breeze and not to hot, please! Could you do this for me, Lord? In your name I pray!



Update you all next week! If you want to pass this on to friends, all you have to do is cut the www.karingforkarsyn.com at the top of page and paste it into a new e-mail and send out to your list of friends!


Becki Wagoner

Monday, May 2, 2011

SHARP CREEK KICKS OFF KARING FOR KARSYN KAMPAIGN

Sharp Creek Elementary students kicked off the KARING FOR KARSYN Penny Wars Campaign on Monday, May 2, 2011.

Amazingly, $551.12 was in the cans before the kick-off began at 1:30!!! I think the students must have gotten a "heads up" to bring in spare change on Monday.

All grades, K-6 were in the gymn when principal Jay Snyder talked to them about Karsyn. For those who didn't have on pink, flowers had been purchased for a quarter. Ellie Schuler, sixth grader at the school, had helped Becky Mast organize the
making of the flowers. I was so proud of Ellie. I have known her mama, her aunt and her grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hoover) for many years. I told her how proud her family must be of her carrying on the tradition of giving to others. She had tears in her eyes and just smiled. Thank you, Ellie!!!!

"How many of you know that Karsyn has cancer?", he asked. Hands flew up.

Then, Principal Snyder explained that when a person has cancer there are so many bills that come in. "Sometimes insurance pays, but not everything," he explained. "And then there are hotel bills, gas, food bills...lots of bills that have to be paid." The students showed him rapt attention.

Principal Snyder introduced Karsyn's mom, Linette and her stepdad, Bill. Then, he introduced Jordan, who is Karsyn's older sister. "You are a wonderful older sister," he said. "I know you support Karsyn in everyway you can." The sixth graders cheered and Jordan beamed.

Finally, Principal Snyder introduced Rhonda Dale, the Chair for the Penny Pitch Wars at Sharp Creek. When she held up the sign showing that $551.12 had been raised since Friday until noon on Monday, the kids went wild!!! Then, she announced the classes in the lead......no surprise that Mrs. McCaslin's class (which is where Jordan is) was in the lead.

To end it all, Principal Snyder asked Karsyn if she would like to say anything. She took the microphone in her little hand and spoke in a voice loud and clear:

"Thank you all for coming today, and I hope you have a safe journey home tonight., And, before you go to bed, please pray for everyone that has cancer."

Not a dry eye in the house.....


SHARP CREEK KICKS OFF KARING FOR KARSYN KAMPAIGN

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Organizational Meeting for KARING FOR KARSYN KAMPAIGN

Organizational Meeting - Karing for Karsyn
The organizational meeting for the Karing for Karsyn Kampaign was held at 7 p.m., April 28, 2011 at Bachelor Creek Church of Christ. Fourteen people were in attendance.
Recap of the meeting includes:
WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED:
Richvalley Tenderloin/Lions Club secured from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on 6-11-2011
Fundraiser to take place in parking ...lot of 807 North Cass Street.
Upper level will be for the foodl; lower level will be for the bands and eating area
Checking account has been set up at CONCORA (Container Corp. Credit Union). Please have checks made payable to KARING FOR KARSYN KAMPAIGN when selling tickets.
A Penny Pitch will begin on May 2 at Sharp Creek Elementary. Rhonda Birk Dale reports that the kick-ff will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 2. The competition between classes to raise the most money in classroom containers will end May 20., The official color for the Kampaign is pink and pink flowers will be sold by the student council for 25 cents each, for boys who won't wear a pink shirt!!! The winning class will be rewarded with pizzas donated by Lee Ann Pefley and Rhonda Birk Dale. This is an officially sanctioned Student Council activity.
Rhonda reports that she has been contacted by Metro North parents interested in doing the same at their school, and since both schools will be integrated for the 2012 school year, everyone involved thinks Karing for Karsyn Kampaign is a good way to get students to get to know each other.
For full accountability, there will need to be two signatures on all checks paid out from the fund. A final recap of the fundraiser will be available online to anyone interested by June 30, 2011.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

Rhonda Birk Dale: Auction for the Vera Bradley purse filled with candles, Tastefully Simple and other donated items. Contact Rhonda if you would like to buy tickets. I will have more info available on the Blog and this site by tomorrow.....Signage for Entrance off Cass and Exit to Alber for the day of the event to keep traffic from backing up on Cass Street.

Ron Garlits: Coordinate Small Town and God's Country, both local bands who have volunteered to play on June 11. Ron may try to get another band or two also. All tips given to the bands will be donated back to the Karing for Karsyn Kampaign.

Sheryl Bishop: Make a list of all electronic signs in the city/county by next week so that businesses may be contacted regarding putting info on signage about the fundraiser.

As of this moment, tickets are available at these locations:
Ford Meter Box - HR and Credit Union
Paperworks - HR and Credit Union
Wabash County Historical Museum - Front Desk
Midwest Eye Care - Front Desk
The Noisemaker
Kitchens Plus
Family Physicians - See Tiffany Thomson Barton in Radiology
Get Nailed - Lauren Graf


and through the following individuals: Becki Wagoner, Mike Ridenour, Angela Kay Miller, Rhonda Birk Dale, Diane Guenin, Kathy Eviston, April and Emily DeVore, Judy Miller, Shirley Mackey, Alecia David, Angie Fordyce Brewer, Sheryl Bishop, Melinda and Mick Walters, Ron Garlits, Hayley Pence, Monica Sparling.

The pork chop dinner, being held by the Somerset Lions Club on Saturday night, has offered to donate a portion of their proceeds to Karing for Karsyn. Thank you to Pat Knoblock for his generous donation, representing the Lions Club. If you are free on Saturday, it would be nice to support this group since they are supporting us!!!

To date, Milliner Printing has donated tickets and fliers. Poole Foods, Smith Street, will supply buns and chips at a reduced cost.

WHAT NEEDS DONE?

Cases of soft drinks can be donated and delivered to Visionary Web Design on Stitt Street, Wabash IN. We will need at least 300 cases of soft drinks (12 per case) donated for the Kampaign. Also, packaged desserts....such as Little Debbies, etc. donated and delivered to the same location. Again, we will need approx, 300 boxes of pre-packaged desserts donated.

We need 2500 sacks donated. We can advertise for anyone willing to donate the smaller bags that carry-out food comes in. We didn't have a volunteer for this tonight, so if you know of any place that would donate the bags, please contact me. Also: Napkins, condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo).....Disinfectant towels to wipe off tables the day of the fundraiser....trash cans and liners....

We would like to do a 50/50 drawing but need someone to sell 6 tickets for $5 in the parking lot when cars come in. If you are a natural at getting $5 from a total stranger, give me a FB heads-up!!! This job is not for the faint of heart. It takes a real go-getter with no shame to hawk these tickets!! I know SOMEONE out there is a natural for this job!!!! FB me, please!!! Good money in this!!!

Tiffany Thomson Barton has volunteered to work with KISS 105 RADIO on free advertising for the Kampaign. Thank you, Tiffany!!!

There are three more possible areas for fundraisers which I cannot announce at this time. They were discussed this evening and I will be able to enlarge on them at next Thursday's meeting. Same time and place.

Many, many of you who have wanted to be part of the Kampaign could not be present this evening. I totally understand how hard it is to attend a meeting when you have children involved in sports, work late, etc. But please....if you wil FB me with how many tickets and fliers you would like....I will deliver them to you on Friday and Saturday!!! If you don't like to sell, then subcontract the tickets out! We all have a church affiliation, clubs, busineeses we cater to, a friend of a friend...while you are responsible for the tickets you take, any way to sell 2,000 is open for possibilities.

I have established a blog, KARING FOR KARSYN. I can send this Blog to you if I have your e mail address.

PLEASE....WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! It would be wonderful to present Karsyn's mom and stepdad with a check for thousands of dollars. Even then, it is like spiitting in the ocean when you consider the costs involved in her illness and care....but.....

By July 4, you are most likely going to be paying $7 for a gallon of gas....Which makes you feel better....giving $7 to the big oil companies, or $7 for a ticket to help a little kid who is fighting for her life???? I thought so.....call me!! Or anyone above!!

Becki Wagoner
571-4988
782-2192
msvid2007@gmail.com

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

KARING FOR KARSYN


This little girl is named Karsyn Bratch. She is not my grandchild, or my niece, or a cousin or a distant relative of any kind. She is just a little girl I have known for a few years that I feel and care very deeply about.

Karsyn is just like most other eight-year-old girls. She loves tattoos's, picking on her little "brother", FLARP (an obnoxious form of silly putty that sounds like....you guessed it!). But, Karsyn is different than my little eight-year-old grand daughter, Gabi. She is different from my little niece, Abby, who lives in Miami.

Karsyn is blind....and she has cancer. And, she has had cancer since she was so little she probably can't remember a time when she could see well or didn't have to undergo chemo or radiation. What a crappy life for a little kid, right?

That's exactly how I feel about it! I truly believe God put Karsyn on earth to teach us all the importance of living for NOW...of being grateful for TODAY! That being said.....how can I help this child, this family?

In Mid-May, Karsyn will be undergoing her 4TH round of PROTON RADIATION and/or CHEMOTHERAPY! That is 5 weeks of grueling days of lying still while a radiation beam tries to kill the cancer growing around your spine. That is 35 days of keeping up confidence and hope and joy and thoughts of the promise of a future....Could you do it? Could I?

I would like to think that if I were placed in the position of Karsyn that I could be positive. That I could inspire others to want to live each day to the fullest. I don't know if I have it in me.

But, I do know that Karsyn Bratch does! Everytime I see her....she is an eight-year-old. I would like to forget how ill she is. When I talk to her mother, I see incredible strength coming from inside an absolutely beautiful woman. If you visit her at home, the family is so "normal" you wonder if she could possibly be so ill!!!

So, this is my commitment to Karsyn and Linette. I will help you in any way that I can to at least alleviate financial worries from your life. I will provide any substenance that I can to make your life easier.

That being said....A benefit to raise money to help offset the ancillary costs of Karsyn's illness will be held JUNE 11, 2011 in the parking lot of Wabash Realty. 807 North Cass Street....yeah, it used to be Video Sideline!! We will be serving RICHVALLEY TENDERLOINS with chips, a drink, a dessert....there are bands playing that day....a clown doing balloon magic...all for $7.00 a person.

After tomorrow night's organizational kick-off meeting (which you can attend if you would like to help Karsyn)....7 p.m. at Bachelor Creek.....tickets are ready for purchase!! Or, you can donate your time. Maybe a couple cartons of soft drinks....anything to help raise funds for her.

Why is this so important to me? Three words: Gabrielle, Izabielle, Alison Rebecca. They are perfect little girls. No tumors growing in them. A lifetime ahead of dreams...goals...a future.

Help me help Karsyn. All I am asking is the price of one ticket....Seven bucks. Think of a gallon of gas by July 4 or a ticket for a little child who has been dealt an absolutely crummy hand. Which makes you feel better paying out???? I thought so......Call me!!!

Becki
260-571-4988
260-782-2192