This program, which started in 2006, matches donors with children who have physical, social and/or financial needs. Every year we get more children on the list. Most of the children on the list attend the Youth Center and they have to earn their pass. The rest are added to the list by the school and a variety of agencies.
There are always a lot of questions about how you get on the list and who develops it. The list incorporates children from a wide variety of backgrounds and needs. We have children who need the positive social interaction that the pool offers; others have health problems or needs for physical fitness; some have had traumatic events in their family this past year, while others are on the list because of financial needs. BCYAC does not develop the list but merely acts as the go between by finding the sponsors, contacting the families and then purchasing the passes. Each child is then asked to write a thank you note that is mailed to the sponsor.
BCYAC wishes to thank Haylea Craigmiles and her staff at the Butler Aquatic Center for making the passes, Meghann King at the Children’s Division for passing them out, KMAM/KMOE radio, Bates County Live, NewsExpress, and the following people for their generous donations: Adrian Bank, Butler Rotary Club, Butler Lion’s Club, Butler Optimist Club, Butler Saddle Club, Citizens Bank, Larry and Letitia Foster, Joan Hartley, Heiman Agri-Services, Bob and Kris Jenkins, Earl and Mary Kammerer, James and Eva Keeble, Dr. Corry Lanyon, Max Motors, Margaret McLaughlin, CDR Virgil and Jacqueline Morrison, Nora Spears, Osage Valley Electric, Ruby Padley, Rich Hill Truck and Equipment Co., Betty Robey, The Thrift Shop, Greg and Patti Walker, Medicalodge of Butler, Peru Homemakers Club, Security Bank of Rich Hill, and an anonymous donor.
Thank you again for making the 2014 Pool Pals season a success.
