Letter to the Editor

PC Youth Development Commission says thank you

Friday, August 31, 2018

To the Editor:

On behalf of the PC Youth Development Commission we wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Putnam County community for your generosity in support of our 10th annual “Dancing with the Putnam County Stars.”

Words cannot begin to express how humbled we are to live in such an extraordinary community that embraces our mission of serving children and youth of Putnam County. This event continues to highlight the areas’ most outstanding talent, while raising money for our most precious assets, our children!

The event was held Saturday, June 2 at DePauw University Track and Tennis Center. The evening was a tremendous success and the willingness of DePauw to serve as our host was genuinely appreciated. We’re proud to announce that while contributions were down some this year, the monies raised will ensure continued support of all services and programs for families all across Putnam County, Thank you.

A “huge” thank you to all our sponsors. Title Sponsors: Concept the Cabinet Shop and Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, Event Sponsors: State Farm Insurance, Heather Taylor, agent and Concept the Cabinet Shop – Waypoint. Platinum Sponsors: Hutcheson Insurance Inc. & Farm Bureau Insurance, Willer Timber Ridge, Brad Van Bibber, owner of All American Restoration Inc.; Jackson Contracting, Detro Trailers and Putnam County Hospital. Decade Sponsors included: Mark and Deb Smith, Crossroads Care Pharmacy, Putnam County Hospital Pain Management, Garage Door Solutions and More and Brownsburg Glass & Mirror. Perfect 10 sponsors were: North Salem State Bank, Pingleton Saw Mill, Old National Bank, Shuee Furniture & Mattress, BMC Construction, Hayman Farms, Re/Max Cornerstone Real Estate, Criss Construction, S & W Feed, Harcourt Real Estate, West Central Veterinary Services, Don’s Garage, Cash Concrete, Pure Health Acupuncture, Marvin’s, Hendershot Service Center, Case Chiropractic, Jack’s Trash and Quality Title Insurance Inc.

A special thank you to those who purchased our premium tables ($1,000): Putnam Plastics, Collins Evans Real Estate, R. Marsteller/J. Hutcheson, Cathy Clodfelter, All-American Karate, Jeff Boggess, attorney; Daniel Builders Inc.; Tracy Bridges and Chicago’s Pizza. Silver tables ($800) included: Darrel Thomas, First National Bank, Grable Group, Julie Thompson, Co-Alliance, Cathy Clodfelter, Endeavor Communications, Greencastle Dentistry and Detro Trailers.

To our special volunteers whose work and selflessness means so much: Justin Long, Samantha Richardson, Josh Gibson, Penny Long, Dan, Paula, Sarah, Grace, and Katie Fry, Joe, Jamie, Brooke and Noah Mourey, Emma Harrison, Donnie Hot, Bill Merkel, Bob & Linda Merkel, Cory Robinson, and Tom Sutherlin. Thanks to our Judges, Stacey Monnett, Eddie Felling, Brandon Halleck and former Mayor Sue Murray; co-host Jeff Rich, DJ, Mike Welch and videographer Zane Earles, and certainly we must thank Jinsie Bingham and Eric Bernsee for rejoining us for a short monologue, they were the first two emcees when the event began 10 years ago. Thank you as always to Amber Bowers for the amazing pictures she captures; and to Clay Carter and DePauw Media Services for their tech support and contributions of equipment. Jenny Sullivan and the staff of Eitel’s & Co. Florist, the designs they create are beyond amazing, they are spectacular. Also to Dominique Gibson, for her program design. A big thank you to Mitch Myers and Myers’ Market, Jenny Hutcheson of Chicago’s Pizza and to Dixie Chopper for the many weeks we rehearsed in the airport hangar. We must not forget to thank Judges Matt Headley and Denny Bridges for their time in driving the Club Golf Carts (donated by Detro Trailers).

Our dancing instructors continue to amaze everyone. As in a few short weeks they transform the stars into accomplished and competitive dancers. We begin with thanking Tara Gardner of Dance Workshop, for her ongoing dedication and commitment, Instructors - Lita and Brad Sandy, Logan Kuhne, Sarah Bond, Josh Bain, Katie Wallace, Mike Balka, Megan Riffe and Isaiah Mattas, we are amazed by your spirit and ability. To our 2018 Putnam County “Stars” your sacrifice and competitive nature in making this event awesome, we humbly thank you. Your performances were absolutely entertaining and inspirational. Jeni Balka, Travis Nicholson, Stacie Stoffregen, Jill Albers, Zach Rhine, Tracy Bridges, Darrel Thomas, Cathy Clodfelter, Andrew Ranck and DuJuan McFadden. We must not forget to thank our many alumni that returned with energy, excitement and a desire to make the 10th year a memorable evening.

Thank you, Penny Long, for making the silent auction one of the best ever, and to everyone that donated such wonderful silent auction items: York Pontiac, Myers Market, Indonesia Interiors, Red Harvest Barn, McDonald’s Ron and Mary Birt, Mason’s Jewelry, Purdue University, Deer Creek Golf Course, Sarah Creations, Twin Bridges Golf Course, Ella Mae Boutique, Brad Tucker Insurance, Eli Book Store, DePauw University, TCU, Super Wash Car Wash, Pizza Hut, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Indians, Shannon Lutes, Crickets Boutique, Scoops, French Lick Hotel & Casino, Holiday World, Children’s Museum, Wasser Brewing, Monical’s Pizza, Tap House 24, Indiana University, NAPA, Auto Zone, South Putnam High School, Walmart Superstore, Hampton Inn at Purdue, Homewood Suites at Purdue, Cincinnati Reds, French Lick Big Splash, Mike Goss, Attorney at Law, Putnam Inn, Hendricks County YMCA, Brandon Halleck, Kuddles Kennels, Walmart Distribution Center, Greencastle High School, Katherine Asbell, All-American Karate, Buffalo Wild Wings, Indianapolis Colts, Wine, Dine and Dance, Co-Alliance - Sun in the Fun, Jerrod Baugh, Megan Riffe, Joyce Hutcheson, Mary Harrigan, Chicago pizza, Moore’s Bar, Sarah’s Creations, Emily Bennett Photography, Jeff and Lou Fordice, Jane Bray, Almost Home, Cathy Clodfelter, Robin Ades and Lori Kirk, Putnam County Hospital, Becca Clark, Jill Albers, North Putnam High School, Kim Duell, Miranda Heavin, Courtney Williams, Endeavor Communications, Chelsea Neier and Putnam County Comprehensive Services.

We continue to appreciate the many families that support our open dress rehearsal with their contributions of non-perishable canned food items: Four 30-gallon containers were shared with needy families throughout the Putnam County area.

The evening was another great success and because of you, Putnam County, the following programs and events will continue at no cost to Putnam County families: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Program, Putnam County Teen Court, Choices, Coats for Kids and National Night Out.

Annually, the PCYDC touches the lives of more than 3,500 community members.

Thank you again, we hope to see you in 2019.

Amy Felling

President

Linda Merkel

Executive Director

PC Youth Development Commission