PCYDC thanks community

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Putnam County Youth Development Commission we extend our sincere appreciation to the Putnam County community.

Words cannot begin to express our thankfulness for the way our first ever fundraising event was embraced. It has been years since a local event brought together an entire community to have fun, highlight the talent in our area, while raising money for our most precious possessions, the youth of Putnam County.

We are indebted to all of our sponsors for their contributions: Dixie Chopper Business Center, Tara Gardner of Dance Workshop, Stephanie Neeper of Greencastle School of Ballroom Dance, Dave Murray & Associates, Walmart Distribution, Cummins Behavioral Health, North Salem State Bank of Greencastle and McDonald's Restaurant (Jedele Enterprises). Others who made significant contributions: Martin's Emporium, Almost Home, Sounds Unlimited, Lita Sandy, Fig's Folly's, Debbie Wachel, Mona Lisa Spa and Salon, Bert & Betty's Kitchen, DePauw University, South Putnam High School, Area 30 Career Center, Carrie Howe, Sarah McClaine, Sarah Holloway, Doug Pritchard, Faith Lenihan and the staff of Final Approach Bistro and Dixie Chopper Business Center.

Without the generosity of our emcees and judges the evening would not have been so entertaining: Eric Bernsee, Jinsie Bingham, Denny Bridges, Matt Headley and Diana LaViolette.

Our instructors were amazing: Tara Gardner, Stephanie Neeper, Jessyca South, Katie Wallace, Colleen Muir, Tim Tillotson, Kyle Booher, Brad Sandy, and David Terry. The Putnam County Stars were beyond belief and without question absolutely brilliant: Beau Battin, Tammy Amor, Rick Alexander, Gail Smith, Nick Mourouzis, Elaine Peck, Sue Murray, Jim Ensley, Mark Wildman, Jana Brothers, Stacey Baugh and Mike Van Rensselear.

Our silent auction was very successful thanks to the wonderful donations of so many individuals and businesses: DePauw University Bookstore and President Casey's office, Vickie Moore, Sue Brucks, Turning Point Equine Center, Enchanted Evenings, DePauw Theatre, Chicago's Pizza, Almost Home, Barbara Fields Timm, Stu Fabe and Marla Helton, Scott Cooper, Domino's Pizza, The Game Preserve, Banner Graphic, Foxtail Photography, Wilson's Photography, Wilson's Tuxedo Rental and Wilson's Framing Shop, Final Approach Bistro, Dance Workshop, the Greencastle School of Ballroom Dance, Walden Inn & Conference Center, Greencastle Aquatics Center, DePauw Tennis Coach (Scott Riggle), Amber Bowers Photography, Dixie's Barbecue, The Putnam Inn, Jackson's Family Restaurant, Casa Grande, Treasures on the Square, Identity Hair Design, Mason's Jeweler's, Shoe Sensation, Radio Shack, Walmart Super Center, Super Wash Car Wash, B&B Ink, Headley Hardware, Eitel's, Fig's Folly's, and Cloverdale, Greencastle, North Putnam and South Putnam high schools.

We are so grateful to the many families present at the dress rehearsal on Thursday, April 2.

Your contributions of canned food items allowed us to deliver large quantities of non perishable goods to the following locations: Roachdale Christian Church, Greencastle Senior Center, New Providence Baptist Church and Cunot Senior Center.

Thank you again for your generosity.

This evening was a total success; we raised almost $30,000.

Your kindness and support will go a long way in helping us fulfill our commitment to the children and young people of Putnam County!

Thank you again; you are the greatest!

We are humbled by your commitment to our agency and look forward to providing another great event next year.

Putnam County, we are thankful!

Bobbie Hopper

President

Linda Merkel

Executive Director

Putnam County Youth Development Commission