We are back at the Woman’s Forum and it was a beautiful day outside. President John got us on our feet smartly as he asked our own Brother David to guide us to the Lord on this Thanksgiving Season. After a moving prayer President Elect Cara led us in song as we remembered Ben with a rendition of “Eidelweiss.” Pres John then introduced visitors and guests, and then called on Judy to recognize birthdays. She must have called on 20 people as she closed out the month of November and gave each of us a homemade cinnamon roll. I think she must have given away an entire bakery. Sunshine Report was very positive as we congratulated Brady on becoming a grandfather! Then out of nowhere Pres John brought up a cake baked by the “Carla Kitchen.” Carla had baked this triple layer, everything in it cake, for the purpose of auctioning it for a perfect Thanksgiving meal. That cake raised $350.00, thanks to John D. and Past Pres Benay. Following that we had an extensive “Brag Bucket” rendition which proved how blessed we are going into the last month of the year. Our wonderful program coordinator, Josh, then came to the mic and presented a check to Ms. Elaine Harris who leads the “Back to School Project.” Once again, a perfect example of the importance of our flag program. This year we have given $35,000.00 to non-profits who really needed help.
Josh then stayed at the mic and introduced today’s program. He began by quoting, “Service to others is the dues you pay for rent on earth.” When it came to service there is nothing more important than our children, and especially special needs children. Today’s program was from Master Sergeant Kyle Thompson, USMC, Retired. Kyle just recently took over the Area 9 Special Olympics and he is just the man for the job. Born in Ballinger, Texas, Runnels County, Kyle joined the Marine Corps and served as military police. He later became a recruiter and eventually transitioned into a Career Recruiter. After 25 years in the Corps he retired and in May moved to Wichita Falls to take on the roll of Program Director for Special Olympics. Kyle began by giving us the history of Special Olympics. It began in June, 1963, in a backyard in Maryland. Down through the years it has gone nationwide with thousands served and recognized as athletes. You could tell by Kyle’s passion for these folks that they are in good hands. He reminded us of the statistics of life expectancy and the increase of that expectancy when people feel cared about and provided with opportunities to get outside and interact with others. He went on to layout plans to involve Wichita County in the future Special Olympics schedule. Kyle explained that volunteers are needed, but the payback for serving is immeasurable. There is currently an 8-year-old involved in Special Olympics and an 81-year-old by the name Debbie, who rode in the Hotter N Hell this year.
I hope each of you experience a special Thanksgiving Day as you gather with family and friends! We are so blessed to live in this great country, and I am blessed to be associated with people who care enough about their community to take time to gather every Thursday. We closed the month of November by quoting the Four Way Test.