Shirts heaven sent for children
11/30/2007
Messenger-Inquirer
The custom red T-shirt with wings on the back that shoppers will find at Excursions boutique this holiday season is angelic in more ways than one.
Store owner Jaye Moseley Evans is donating $5 from each one sold to Goodfellows, which makes the "Excursions Angels" shirts angels to the local nonprofit group as well.
"During the holidays especially, I like to help out some organization," Evans said. "I usually try to pick some charity close to home."
Several of the 72 custom shirts Evans had printed for the holidays have already moved, even before knowing about the added incentive of the Goodfellows contribution.
Wednesday, Evans did let her loyal customers know about the new shirt and contribution in the newsletter for her two stores.
"We've probably sold half a dozen just without any promotion at all," Evans said. "We feel generous this time of year, and we're hoping to sell lots."
Evans also will match the $5 donation from each $15 shirt from her own pocket to ensure Goodfellows gets a boost from the fundraiser.
The work of Goodfellows has been well-known to Evans and many in the Owensboro community for years.
With the help of Goodfellows, children in the community are clothed, cared for and are able to celebrate Christmas with smiles on their faces and special gifts in their hands.
Evans has used custom shirts in past years to benefit a charity and plans to make it an annual event to offer help to Goodfellows.
"I think it's a tradition, especially here in Owensboro," Evans said. "I think this is going to be one of our traditions here, too."
The shirts can be purchased at Excursions in Owensboro at 2738 Frederica St. and in Evansville at 4910 Lincoln Ave. off Green River Road.
Donations to the Goodfellows Club can be made by sending a check to the Messenger-Inquirer, P.O. Box 1480, Owensboro, KY 42302, or by bringing it by the newspaper office at 1401 Frederica St.
Today's Roll Call
Previously reported: $15,399.05
Marybelle and Jack Darnell: $500
In memory of A.W. Sweat and Russell Davis by Edna M. Sweat: $500
Audubon Elementary School staff Jean Days fund: $250
In memory of our parents by Norris and Elise McDivitt: $100
In memory of our sister and nieces by Elise and Norris McDivitt: $100
Cecil and Anna Lee Street: $100
In memory of Mrs. Jessie Jones Washburne by sister, Mrs. Colistia Jones Savage: $100
In memory of Helen and Elmer Beckley: $100
In honor of my sister, Ella Mae Peay by Henrietta Thomson: $50
In memory of Nisa N. Witt by Jim, Terry, Crystal and Roxi: $50
In honor of Pat and Barry Embry: $50
In memory of my friend, Mrs. Joe Tanner by Sallie Egli: $50
Sam and Pat Patterson: $50
In honor of grandchildren Alicia, Angie, Taylor, Hailey, Kamryn, Kendall, Grace and Bryan by Nancy Barker: $40
Don and Pat Ortkiese: $35
In loving memory of Jim Burns by wife Pat and family: $25
In memory of deceased members of Theta Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi: $25
In honor of best friends by Nancy Barker: $20
In memory of Robert M. Johnson by Brenda Willis: $10
In memory of Loretta A. Willis by Brenda Willis: $10
In memory of Russell "Jack" Willis by Brenda Willis: $10
Total as of Nov. 30: $17,574.05
