1,200 children expected for Goodfellows Christmas party
12/21/2007
Messenger-Inquirer
Excitement is building for the children who were invited to the 92nd annual Goodfellows Club Christmas party, which is Saturday morning.
The youngsters were recommended by family resource centers at area schools. They are on the free or the reduced-lunch programs or school officials think their families could use an extra boost at Christmas.
The Goodfellows Club is expecting 1,200 of them this year for the party at the Owensboro Sportscenter.
The party is what Goodfellows is most known for, although the organization works all year to provide winter clothing and emergency dental care for low-income children.
In years past, the party was on Christmas Day, then Christmas Eve. The last couple of years it has been on the Saturday before Christmas at the request of the children's parents, said Barry Carden, the Goodfellows treasurer.
Ten committee members, not all of them Goodfellows board members, started meeting in August to plan the party, said Carla Vied, this year's chairwoman.
The Shriner Clowns will be a new feature of the party this year. This is also the first time the celebration has included giant inflatables.
After some free play, the children will go to their seats for a time of singing Christmas carols. The Rose Curtain Players from Owensboro High School will perform, then Santa and his elves will arrive "in a very noisy way," Vied said.
Each child will be allowed to select a toy to take home and will eat refreshments donated by Papa John's Pizza, Coca-Cola and other vendors.
The event usually involves 75 to 100 volunteers.
The party starts at 9:30 a.m. Adults who want to volunteer should sign in at the volunteer table at the Sportscenter by 9 a.m., Vied said.
Today's Roll Call
Previously reported... $92,731.90
Messenger-Inquirer Soup Day for Kids... $501.25
In honor of the families of Don Moore Jr., Don P. Moore III, David R. Moore, and John Moore by Moore Automotive employees... $480
In honor of James Lyddane by Sutton Elementary faculty and staff... $330
Donna and Paul Haire... $250
In memory of Evelyn Speer and Bill and Jean Skillman by Jon and Jo Anne Skillman... $200
In loving memory of Charlotte Eirwin and Billy Whitt by Jack and Charlene Eirwin... $200
In honor of Susan Mayes, Marsha Day, Becky Teasley, Lee Waldroup, Steve Bratcher, Susan Goad, Melody Brooks, Lisa Maglinger, Jen Maschek, Zaletha Brown, Kristy Brackin, Debbie Mascenik, and Frieda Miller... $150
In loving memory of John W. "Bill" Hayden by his children... $125
In memory of our parents, sisters, and Aunt Fran by Nancye Kelley and Carolyn Fenwick... $100
Stephen Bosley... $100
In memory of Norris Whitaker and Geneva Ambrose... $100
In memory of my husband and son, Paul A. Westerfield and James A. Westerfield by Ruby M. Westerfield... $100
Nick Shiarella Jr. ...$100
In memory of Jeff Crady by Ed and Patsy Crady... $100
In memory of our parents, Jack and Joan Fisher by Amy, John, and Robin... $100
In memory of Roselie Brady and Luke Woodward... $100
In memory of Frankie, Mom and Dad, and Doris and Raymond by Ann... $100
In honor of the OHS front office staff by Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Smith... $100
In loving memory of my parents, Todd O'Flynn and Ona Ruth Vickers O'Flynn, and sister, Lona
O'Flynn by Bob O'Flynn... $75
In honor of Gay Lynn Lile Merry Christmas from your school health team... $75
In loving memory of our mom, Tara Powell by Michelle, Brandon, and Josh... $50
In honor of Justin, Tyler, Erin, Dylan, Paige, Colin, and Adian by Nanna $50
In memory of Virgil, Pauline, Harvey, and James R. Young... $50
In honor of James Horn by Bradley, Morgan, Brynnan, Addisson, Finlay, and Lilly ...$50
In honor of Tab Quisenberry and family by Corporate Office staff of Moore Automotive.. $40
Anonymous... $40
In memory of my grandparents, Robert and Evie Embry, and my uncle, Floyd Foreman... $35
In honor of my traveling buddies, Tonya Barr, Pam Hardesty, and Shelly Johnson by Melisa Saalwaechter... $30
In honor of Joe Bachmeier... $30
In honor of Russ Ranallo... $30
In loving memory of Eric Emerson ...$25
In memory of Jim Blackburn by Mom... $25
In memory of E.L. Mobley by great-grandsons, Alexander Thomas Mobley and Alexander Dean Winborn... $25
In memory of deceased loved ones by Bob and Betty Troutman... $25
In loving memory of my grandparents, Stuart and Joanne Speer by Nathan Payne... $25
In honor of Joy Johnson, Renee King, and Margie Vetter by Kailey Nall... $25
Tamarack Elementary faculty and staff additional donation... $24.17
In memory of an old friend, A.J. Winklepleck by R.M. Miller... $20
In memory of Edna C. Beatley... $15
Anonymous... $14
In memory of James H. Abshire Bolton and Lawrence E. Bolton Missing you so much, Mary Lorene
Bolton... $10
In memory of Louise Hettinger, longtime friend and neighbor of 45 years by Theresa and Tony Payne... $10
In memory of my beloved aunt, Gladys R. Poole and her deceased husbands, Earl Rice and Carl Poole....................................$10
Total as of Dec. 21... $96,776.32
