PCYDC thanks community for support

To the Editor:

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

Words cannot begin to express our gratitude for the way our second annual "Dancing with the Putnam County Stars" event was embraced. This philanthropic evening continues to bring together the entire Putnam County community to have fun, highlight the outstanding 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: Dance Workshop (Tara Gardner and Lita Sandy), Dixie Chopper Business Center, Amber Bowers Photography, Ambler Hill Florists, Dennis Knuth, DDS, Denny and Tracy Bridges, F. B. Distro, Family of Tom Sutherlin, First National Bank, Friends and Family of Dave Wells, Friends of the PCYDC, Kate Art Studio, Mark Smith, DDS, Matt and Karen Headley, McDonald's Restaurant (Jedele Enterprises), Millgrove Campground, S&W Masonry, LLP, State Farm Insurance (Therese Cunningham), and Taylor Made Awards.

Others that made contributions: Patti Harmless, Area 30 Career Center, Faith Lenihan, Fig's Follies, Martin's Emporium, Sounds Unlimited, Styling Station, Almost Home, Cathy Westman, Betsy Demmings, DePauw University, Eileen Johnson, Jamie and Brooke Mourey, Paula Fry, the staff of the Dixie Chopper Business Center, Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, and South Putnam students, Madi Marsteller, Sarah Cheatam, Ali Torr, and Nichole Hurst.

Without the ongoing generosity of our co-hosts and judges the evening would not have been so entertaining: Jana Brothers and Beau Battin, Denny Bridges, Matt Headley and Diana LaViolette.

Our instructors were amazing: Tara Gardner, Lita Sandy, Jessyca South, Katie Wallace, Colleen Muir, Carrie Hamilton, Ashley Mohler, Vicki and Tim Tillotson, Brad Sandy, Jack Randall Earles, Logan Kuhne, and David Terry.

Our Putnam County Stars were absolutely brilliant: Teena Bryant, Renee Marsteller, Julina Price, Deb Smith, Debbie Steffy, Marty Watts, Chuck Schroeder, Tom Sutherlin, Dan TeGrotenhuis, Brad Tucker, Dave Wells, and Alan Zerkel.

The silent auction was once again very successful thanks to the wonderful donations from the community: DePauw University Bookstore and President Brian Casey, Greencastle Galleria, Sue Brucks, DePauw Theater, Almost Home, Stu Fabe and Marla Helton, Monical's Pizza, Bill Lorton (Game Preserve), Final Approach, Dixie Chopper Airline, Walden Inn, Greencastle Aquatics Center, Scott Riggle (DePauw University Tennis Coach), Amber Bowers Photography, Dairy Castle, Brad Tucker, State Farm Insurance, Identity Hair Design, Styling Station, Extreme Tanning, Banner Graphic, Chicago's Pizza, Walnut Creek Baskets & Gourds, Wines for Humanity, Greencastle School of Ballroom Dance, Dance Workshop, Pizza King, McDonald's (Jedele Enterprises), Carol Emery, Casino Aztar, Indianapolis Indians, Curves, and Cloverdale, Greencastle, North Putnam and South Putnam schools.

We are so thankful to the families that attended our dress rehearsal on Thursday, April 8. Thanks to your donations, we collected five 30-gallon containers filled with non-perishable goods that were distributed to the following locations: Roachdale Christian Church, Greencastle Senior Center, New Providence Baptist Church and Cunot Senior Center.

This evening was a total success; we raised almost $28,000. 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!

Bobby Hopper, President

Linda Merkel, Executive Director

PC Youth Development Commission