Goodfellows party a hit with kids
12/23/2007
Former police chief Kazlauskas presented with service award
By Joy Campbell
Messenger-Inquirer
Caroll Dean's three children, Alazia, Dezmond and Adrianna, had been ready to go to the Goodfellows Christmas party all week, she said.
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The crowd cheers as Vernon Cunningham drives Santa on his 2000 Harley
Davidson Ultra Classic on Saturday during the 92nd annual Goodfellows
Club Christmas party at the Sportscenter. Santa was Billy Joe Gaddis. Photos by John Dunham, M-I
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Participants have their arms stretched out as a thrown T-shirt drops into the crowd Saturday during the 92nd annual Goodfellows Club Christmas party at the Sportscenter. The party was held for at least 1,000 disadvantaged children in the community.
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At 10 a.m. Saturday, the kids sat patiently in the stands of the Sportscenter waiting for Santa to arrive and for their turns to select a toy and other goodies.
"Ever since we got the letter from their school, they've been excited," the 27-year-old mother said. "Goodfellows has also helped us with clothing. I can't express how much that has helped my kids."
Dean recalled attending the party as a child with her mother.
The annual Goodfellows Christmas party was a big hit for at least 1,000 disadvantaged children, who also had a chance to play on an 18-foot inflatable slide and obstacle course, and get balloons from Shriner clowns. Face-painting and decals also were available.
The children also could sing Christmas songs and watch actors from Owensboro High School's Rose Curtain Players perform holiday skits.
The party is a tradition that was salvaged 91 years ago when Lawrence W. Hager Sr. of the Owensboro Inquirer learned that the Charity Girls could no longer afford to distribute toys and candy to Owensboro's less fortunate kids.
The newspaperman appealed to the community to make a donation to "the Goodfellows Club" to carry on the tradition.
Thousands of residents, many who also have been helped, have since joined the club, providing funds during the annual campaign, volunteering and sometimes both.
The Goodfellows board of directors works with the school systems' family resource center coordinators to identify children who need help -- and not just at Christmastime.
The nonprofit organization's mission quickly expanded. The group furnishes coats, shoes, underwear, socks and emergency dental care to needy children year-round.
"Our strength is working with that group of resource center coordinators," said board member Barry Carden. "Who knows better than those who go to school with them? They know the kids and their families. We, then, know where the need is and that it's being met."
Other families in need sometimes learn about the party and show up. They're welcome, too, he said.
Dorothy Aud, 80, said she also had been looking forward to the party. She and friend Virgie Sharp usually volunteer.
"We've been talking about this for a month," Aud said. "I also made a contribution, and I wish I could do more."
Aud said she intends to volunteer for the Christmas party for the rest of her life.
The Sportscenter floor was set up with tables lined with toys and other goodies. Children got to choose a toy, an age-appropriate book and a bag containing candy, apples, oranges and another toy.
Families also were invited to eat pizza from Papa John's with Coca-Colas, cupcakes and other treats.
Goodfellows president Sally Wood presented the Ann Sabetta Memorial Service Award to John Kazlauskas, former Owensboro police chief, who retired this year.
The award honors individuals who demonstrate exemplary volunteer service or financial generosity in support of the Goodfellows Club, Wood said.
Kazlauskas participated in the annual children's Christmas party for at least 20 years and encouraged other police officers to volunteer.
Kazlauskas accepted the award on behalf of police and firefighters who give back to the community every year and help at the party.
Today's Roll Call
Previously reported ...$98,071.82
In loving memory of my dad, Paul Moore, and in honor of my mother, Ann Moore, by Paula
A. Moore $1,000
In memory of our granddad, Dr. John S. Oldham by Jeffrey, Seth, Benjamin, and Josie Oldham, and
Mitchell and Walker Owens ..$200
In loving memory of my husband, Bob Reid, by Wanda.. $100
Kathy Grant .$100
In memory of Eunice Ranson by her family $100
Anonymous.. $100
In honor of Principal Connie Morgan by West Louisville Elementary School faculty and staff ..$100
Scott and Anne Baumgardner... $100
In memory of Robert Aaron Simmons by Bobby and Kelley Simmons $50
In memory of Jean Lawwill and Alma Taulbee.. $40
In loving memory of Chelsey Renee Mudd by Granddaddy and Grandmama Elder ..$30
In memory of Gilbert Gough.. $25
Stewart Coomes Construction ..$25
In loving memory of Mama, Ma-in-Law, and special Grandma in Heaven, Marjorie A. Keohane by
Kelly, John, and Jordan Steitler ..$25
In memory of Edith L. Vogles Rearden by The Rev. Leroy and Shirley Rearden, son and
daughter-in-law ..$25
In memory of Bewley Hardison, and Sarah and Adam Stevens by Brenda and Jerry Conder.. $10
In memory of Jody and Ethel Conder, and Vince and Charles Conder by Jerry and Brenda Conder ..$10
In honor of Mom, Erma Hardison, by Jerry and Brenda Conder.. $10
In honor of our grandchildren, Allison, Lane, and Ashely Conder, and Railey and Katie Abell by
Papaw and Nana Conder ...$10
Total as of Dec. 23.. $100,131.82
