Published: March 29, 2008 12:29 am            

Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, March 29, 2008

‘Effort and compassion’

Duane “Butch” Powell of Kempton sends this Cheer to the Wayne Miller Travel Agency in Kokomo.

“A couple of Saturdays ago, my wife received a phone call from Tampa, Fla. Her stepmother informed her that her father was near death and that she needed to get to Florida as soon as she could.

“I called Wayne Miller Travel. I informed them of the situation and that my wife needed a one-way ticket to Florida as soon as possible. In a matter of a couple of minutes, they had found a seat for later that evening.

“When I asked how soon we could pick it up, the lady said they were due to close in about 15 minutes but that she would stay at the office until we got there. We arrived 20 minutes after their scheduled closing time and closed the deal.

“Unfortunately, my father-in-law passed away two days later but thanks to the effort and compassion of the folks at Wayne Miller, my wife made it to Florida in time to see her father.

“On behalf of my wife and family, thank you all at Wayne Miller Travel.”

A thank-you for kindness

This Cheer comes from Brett and Terri Curnutt of Tipton:

“This letter is written with saddened hearts after the death of our son, Mickyle Cast. During the past two weeks, we were blessed to have been helped by so many people from Tipton and the surrounding communities. We can never repay them, but would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

“First, we want to thank our families. Without their support in numerous ways, we could not have made it.

“We also thank Pastor Mark Ward and family, Pastor Rob Brown and family, Pastor Tim Hufhand and family, Pastor Lawrence Hufhand and family, Pastor McClain, Pastor Boss, Pastor Kevin Carr and Pastor Doug Slack. Our heartfelt thanks go to Chaplain Osborn and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, as well as the Lifeline helicopter team.

“The Wishard Hospital Trauma Unit was absolutely incredible, and we cannot thank them enough for all their professionalism, compassion and caring.

“We also thank our employers, Juno Lighting Group of Fishers and De Plaines, Dan Young GM Center of Tipton and the City of Tipton.

“In today’s world, where most employers are more concerned with the bottom line, our employers were with us every step of the way and wanted us to spend as much time with Mickyle as we could.

“We will never truly understand why Mickyle was taken from us but know that God is in control.

“Mickyle touched many lives whether he was a brother, grandson, nephew, friend, cousin or mentor. This was obvious in the overwhelming turn out at the funeral home and funeral. We thank each and every one of you that were able to attend.

“The many cards and flowers that we received were special and helped us cope with our loss. We also thank those who donated to the Upwards Basketball Program at Trinity Wesleyan Church of Tipton.

“We also would like to thank everyone in the surrounding communities who lifted our family in prayer and friendship.

“Mickyle was truly a blessing in our lives and has been called back to his father in heaven. Again, thank you for what each and every one of you did for our family. We truly appreciate you and thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.”

Caregivers raises $10,000

Jamey Henderson sends this Cheer on behalf of Samaritan Caregivers:

“Samaritan Caregivers would like to express sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in any way during the recent Chocolate Celebration at the Kokomo Mall. During this event, sponsored by Central Bank and Palmer’s Jewelry, 3,275 servings of chocolate were sold, generating $10,000 for the general budget of Samaritan Caregivers, a local nonprofit whose volunteers provide free help to people who are elderly, ill or disabled.

“A big thank you to the vendors: The Barefoot Baking Co., Big Ben Coffee, Bodywork West, Boyd’s Fudge, Come and Get It, Crystal Tea Room, Encounter Cafe at New Life Assembly of God Church, F.C. Tucker/Tomlinson Realty, GFS Marketplace, Girl Scouts of Tribal Trails Council, Glass Canopy Restaurant at Kokomo Area Career Center, Golden Living/Sycamore Village, Howard Regional Health System, J. Edwards Fine Chocolates, Gourmet Cakes & Unique Gifts, Jefferson Manor, Manna from Heaven/Cakes by Lisa, Marsh Hometown Market, Meal Thyme Solutions, North Woods Commons, North Woods Village, Partyopolis, Pastarrific Italian Restaurant, Pasta Diva, Rozzi’s Catering, St. Joseph Hospital/St. Vincent Health, Salvo’s Risorante Italiano, Sam’s Club, The Siding Restaurant, Starbucks, Sterling House, Sunset Grill Catering, The SunSpot Natural Market, Windmill Grill and Xocai Healthy Chocolate.

“Others who generously contributed: Kokomo Mall – Mariesa Skogland and staff, Kokomo Mall merchants, Haynes International, Horoho Printing, Coca-Cola of Kokomo, American Tool & Party Rental, Howard Regional Health System, Expressions Silk Screening, Miss Hoosier Heartland – Jacqueline Dobbert, Kokomo Men of Note, Village Pantry – Hoffer & Home, Kokomo Perspective, Kokomo Tribune and Spotlight Indianapolis.

“Door prizes were made possible by all participating vendors and sponsors in addition to: The Cellular Connection, Kokomo Mall merchants, Elder-Beerman, Moore’s Pie Shop, Panera Bread, Omeletty’s, Walgreens – Lafountain, The Olive Garden Restaurant and Kroger – Reed Road.

“Judges with the tough job of tasting all 33 entries: Central Bank – Karen Smith; Kokomo Perspective – Pat Muncy; Kokomo Tribune – Erin Shultz; Palmer’s Jewelry – Scott Gill; Shine 99 – Scott Alan; WFRN – Gary Henderson; WWKI – Kevin Burris; Z92Five – Allan James.

“Check out www.samaritancaregivers.org for a complete list of the Critic’s Choice, People’s Choice and Best Display winners, Chocolate Creation winners and their recipes, as well as photos from this year’s event. Thanks to everyone who enjoyed lots of chocolate to make this day a great success! Because of you, we make a difference!”

        

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