By Tonya Burton
Few things pull at the heartstrings as much as stories of making children happy, particularly, children in need. The Assistance League of Indianapolis has been helping clothe grade school children for 30 years, serving more than 45,000 children during that time under the Operation School Bell arm of the organization.
As Barbara Kulsrud, member of AL, said: “For many of these children, it’s the first time they’ve ever had new clothes, and it’s the first time they’ve ever been able to choose their own.”
Under this program, assistance is provided to children who live under the poverty line. The goal is not only to clothe the child, but to also build confidence.
After receiving his new clothes, a recipient named Eric, stated in the Operation School Bell Community Newsletter: “Thank you I have had a rough week with bullying. Things haven’t been well since my mom died but knowing someone cares makes me feel a little better.”
Hunt Construction Group, Inc., which is responsible for many impressive skyline buildings in Indianapolis, including JW Marriott, Lucas Oil Stadium, Conrad Hotel and Banker’s Life Fieldhouse, designated a good-sized portion of the proceeds of the annual golf outing on Sept. 11 to Operation School Bell. This year, the outing held at Eagle Creek Golf Club, raised more than $25,500 for the program. Although the day was windy and chilly, golfers enjoyed the event, with 180 in attendance. AL, the all-volunteer organization and Hunt Construction were well represented. Among the many in attendance were: Kathy Kerr Wylam, Cindee Potterage, Andrea Arbore, and Barbara Kulsrud, (my golf cart driver – good job!).
Also in attendance were Laura Sanfrey, Judy Powell, Rose Conrad, and Nancy Bennett, all AL members. Leslie Pascoe, Barbara Diehl, Norma Hodges and Linda Buckner also represented AL. Margaret Lawrence assisted Doban Philippe of Granite City Food and Brewery, in serving Bock style beer to golfers.
Carol Blanchard and Kelli Ellison from Carmel, also members of AL, drove the beverage cart. Gloria Slama and Barb Zurek, president of AL, helped supervise the proceedings. Julie Yates, public relations liaison, bravely served as lookout, standing on the back of the press golf cart.
Among the many Hunt representatives were: Brian Woods and Pam McNealy, co-chairs of the event, and Eric Shreiner of Greenwood.
For more information on donations or volunteer opportunities with the Assistance League Indianapolis, contact: www.alindy.org
