Poker run to benefit foster children

[totalmotorcycle]

Poker run to benefit foster children
By WES FRANKLIN / Daily News staff writer






With the help of the local community, 30 foster kids -- ages 13 and up -- from Newton, McDonald and Lawrence counties will be going to summer camp.

According to Brian Wilson of the Newton County Children's Division, in Newton County alone there are more than 100 children in foster care. These kids, Wilson said, need to know there are people in the community who care about them and are willing to help give them opportunities for fun experiences and lasting memories.

On Aug. 8-12 at least one of those opportunities will be available through a summer camp held at Roaring River State Park for area foster kids. The camp is only made available, however, by donations from people in the local community, according to Wilson.

"This is not paid for by the state. It is paid for only by donations from people right here who want to help," said Wilson. "Already we've received several donations from local business people and others throughout the community."

In addition to individual gifts, a special fundraiser is slated as well for the summer camp.

"A motorcycle poker run is set up for June 4 to help raise money to offset the cost of the camp," stated Wilson.

Entry fees for the poker run will be $15 per rider and will include a free barbecue and chance for a $100 gift certificate from Cycle Connection. Starting time is 9 a.m. in Morse Park.

"The run will begin and end at Morse Park," said Wilson. "We have a route set up through Newton and McDonald counties with several stops along the way. At each stop the riders will pick up a playing card and whoever has the best hand at the finish wins."

A barbecue is slated to follow.

A booth will be set up at this Saturday's Choppers for Children benefit on the Neosho Square with more information concerning the Poker Run along with information on volunteering opportunities for the summer camp.

"We've been asking community people to help out with the camp," noted Wilson.

The idea for a summer camp for area foster kids began when several members from the Newton and McDonald County Child Division were asked by the Jasper County Division to help out with that county's camp, said Wilson.

"From the fun experience we had up there and from what we saw on how much enjoyment the kids got from it we decided to do it here," commented Wilson. "This is something we've decided to do for our kids here. It will be the first year we've done it."

Kids participating in the summer camp will be chosen based on good behavior and good grades , said Wilson.

"Each child here in Newton County has a case worker who will submit their applications. We're trying to get kids who we believe won't cause disruptions while we're there at the camp. This being our first year we really don't want to have to deal with that."

Also, Wilson said that a project will be ongoing with the Juvenile Office wherein kids participating in the camp will be earning duffle bags filled with camping gear by performing at least ten hours of community service.

"The items were donated to us, but we feel the kids need to earn those things rather than have it just given to them," asserted Wilson.

While at the summer camp, the kids will have the opportunity to participate in several fun activities fitting for the season, said Wilson.

"We have several activities scheduled such as fishing, hiking and swimming as well as Missouri Conservation tours of the Fish Hatchery and other places there," stated Wilson, who added there is also a bowling and skate night planned in Cassville for the kids at the camp.

"The kids that I know are very excited about getting the opportunity to go," expressed Wilson.

Members of the community may donate monetarily to the summer camp by sending in their check or money orders to The Newton County Child Welfare Fund C/O of Ann Wells, P.O. Box 50, Neosho, 64850. Donations of food, sports equipment or anything else of that nature may contact Brian Wilson at 455-5100, Carol Cunningham at (417) 845-6951 or Shelly Leonard at (417) 678-4138.