Friends seek support

The Friends of the Park at Russellville, Roachdale and Bainbridge are preparing for the 2008 fundraising festival and Fun in the Sun program for children.

The non-profit organization provides free summer programs in the town parks, keeping children busy with craft days, fun and fitness days and educational drug awareness. Three days a week are devoted to each of the communities that the Friends support.

Providing drinks and snacks, along with fun in the sun, the Friends spend Tuesdays in Bainbridge, Wednesdays at Russellville and Thursdays in Roachdale. Adults are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The Friends don't charge children or families for the program, which is why it relies on donations from the community.

Donations help the Friends purchase items needed for the "Blast from the Past June Fest," the major fundraising event June 7-8 at Bainbridge, along with the Father's Day cookout and car show. It also helps raise funds for the summer programs.

Other special days include: "Red Ribbon Week" Oct. 23-31. The Friends host an informal drug awareness day at the Roachdale park and it's always the last Saturday in October or the first Saturday in November. A law enforcement officer is honored at that time with the Friends of the Park Outstanding Service Award.

New for 2008, the Friends are co-hosting a pilot program with Tender Hearts Day Care in Roachdale called the Roachdale Lunch Bunch. Also, free sack lunches will be given to all who attend the Fun in the Sun programs on Thursdays.

To find out more about the organization, including photographs of past events, log onto the Friends website at www.friendsofthe parkrussellville.org

Donation forms are available by contacting Friends President Dianna Gorrell at 765-435-2813 or e-mail to: info@friends oftheparkrussellville.org

The 2007 sponsors were Heritage Environmental, Putnam County Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Lear Corporation, Dixie Chopper/Magic Circle Corporation, Home Lumber, Overpeck Gas Company, Tri-County Bank and Trust, North Salem State Bank, HRI Collector Cars, Cash Concrete Products Inc., English Buffalo Farm and Dunville Motors of Dunville, Ky.