Ambassador of the Year
Stephanie Burrell, Fund Development Officer, received the Ambassador of the Year award from the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce. Stephanie has represented CHCC and the Chamber in an outstanding manner during 2009. Mark Hudson, Chamber President, gave Stephanie this award at the Chamber's annual meeting in January. Congratulations on a job well done!
The Best Year Ever
Hog Happnin' President Lloyd Williams, Jr. presented a check for $26,790 to CHCC Executive Director Margie Chrsitopher at the Hog Happnin' Volunteer Dinner. In addition to this gift a check was given to American Red Cross for $2000; a check to Shaghai VFD for $750 and $1000 to the Kiwanis Club for the Victory Junction Gang. All of these monies were a result of the successful 2009 Hog Happnin'.
Hog Happnin'
Once again the Hog Happnin' was a great success. New additions this year included a Corn Hole Tournament, rides, Karaoke, and a drive thru BBQ pickup. All of the new additions worked well and will be returning next year. The charitable contribution has not yet been announced but there were lots of people, 81 BBQ teams, 100+ judges, 230+ cars, 60 motorcycles, 37 vendors so we know it was a great success. Thanks to all who planned, volunteered their time or sponsored this event.
Ride for the Children
The 2009 Ride almost didn't happen because of the weekend snow and ice storm. But even that bad weather could not keep the Windjammers, CCIB and other clubs from their Christmas tradition. There were over 250 motorcycles and more than 400 people at Aaron's House for the donation of toys to all kids in foster care and a monetary donation to CHCC. Our thanks to everyone who participated.
Adoption Day
On Friday, November 20 we celebrated National Adoption Day with thirteen families representing twenty eight adopted children. Karen Ellis of Cleveland County DSS and Judge Larry Wilson and Judge Ali Paksoy of District Court 27-B spoke words of encouragement and appreciation to the families. After the ceremony a reception was held where each of the children received a bear from The Dave Thomas Foundation and where they enjoyed watching the balloon lady as she made characters and animals for each child. This has been described as the "happiest two hours of the year" and it certainly lived up to that claim.
