Friends of the Park begins annual support drive this month

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Friends of the Park (FotP) is looking for volunteers and donations to help their free Summer Fun in the Sun programs and other events at community parks in Roachdale, Bainbridge and Russellville.

The non-profit charitable organization raises funds for the program by hosting the Blast from the Past festival and through donations. Approximately 100 kids take part in the programs.

Beside the summer program, the group also has a Fathers Day Cookout and Car Show at Roachdale, an End of Summer Luau in Russellville and Red Ribbon Day and Fall Finale in Roachdale.

"To continue with the free programs, FotP needs volunteers as well as money. Our goal is to work closely with town councils and park boards to provide summer programs and to help improve the parks," said FotP President Dianna Gorrell.

According to Gorrell, the summer program is designed to provide a way for kids to interact together throughout the summer in a controlled atmosphere and at the same time learn the values of working together and getting along.

The Red Ribbon event takes place during National Red Ribbon Week when kids learn about the dangers of drugs. Kids taking part in the FotP project even pick a police officer to receive an Outstanding Service Award.

During past festivals, the group has asked for suggestions on ways to improve the event. These included changing the carnival to an old-fashioned non-motorized one and adding fireworks. Both of these changes were made last year.

"The other suggestion was to create a support drive for the organization. That's what we're doing now," said Gorrell

Amounts from $1 to $500 or more are welcome. Different levels of support have been created by the group and named by children who participate in the program.

Donations to purchase benches, trees and other items for the parks are also welcome.

Support forms can be picked up at any of the Russellville, Roachdale or Bainbridge town halls, at Tri-County Bank in Russellville, Roachdale or Bainbridge, North Salem State Bank in Greencastle or Waveland or Farmers State Bank at Roachdale.

They are also available online at www.friendsoftheparkrussellville.org.

Donations should be mailed to FotP Support Drive, c/o Friends of the Park, PO Box 162, Russellville, IN 46175. For more information contact any officer or Dianna Gorrell, 765-435-2813.

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