Big Brothers, Big Sisters Celebrate Christmas
By Kevin Gray
Christmas came early to two Miami County children when they won bicycles at the first annual Miami County Big Brothers Big Sisters Pancake Feed hosted by BBBS and Applebee’s at the Applebee’s Restaurant in Paola Saturday morning.
In a raffle to cap off the morning, Trojan Elementary third grader Tabitha Friend won the mountain bike donated by K-Mart and Holden Barns of Paola the 20-inch boys’ bike provided by the Paola Police Department. A small girls’ bicycle, courtesy of Heritage Tractor, won by Daniel Bacon of Paola was donated to My Father’s House, the homeless shelter in Paola.
Daniel, who attended the breakfast with his mother Heidi Bacon of Paola, told his mother he had a bike and he felt his cousins were fine with theirs. “The homeless shelter needs this bike more than my cousins,” Daniel said. “I was so proud of Daniel for doing this,” Heidi said.
During the hustle and bustle of the morning, while incoming guests were seated and served, volunteers, both from BBBS and Applebee’s Restaurant employees and their families, carried plates to tables or cleared tables.
Shane McClintock of Q104 radio and BBBS Miami County Associate Director kept the pace. While his remote monitor continued the Christmas music, McClintock talked to children or served coffee. “The plates are huge. They’re heaping full of food,” he reminded listeners in both radio land and those already dining in the restaurant.
All the food was donated, McClintock said. “A lot of the food came from nearby. McDonald’s gave the meat for your bacon and sausage choices. Price Chopper the eggs and your toast. Applebee’s the pancakes, syrup, and butter. Robert’s Dairy provided the milk,” he said. “The coffee came from Parisi Artisan Coffee Company of Kansas City.”
When he placed the microphone in front of some children, they froze on the spot, but not little Emma Wilhelm of Paola, “What do you want for Christmas?” he asked her. Without missing a beat, she said, “Cowboy boots,” and added a smile. “Did you hear that? Cowboy boots for Christmas,” McClintock said.
Celebrity waiters took orders all morning, including Miami County Sheriff Frank Kelly, Paola Assistant Police Chief Don Poore, Osawatomie physician Dr. Jeff Dorsett, Trojan Elementary Principal Jeff White, Paola Mayor Artie Stuteville, Joe Flake from Paola and Michelle Pixler of rural Osawatomie. Daniel Dorsett came in to help when Jeff White had to leave.
Helping out the community is why he was there, said Sheriff Kelly. “This is very important and Big Brothers Big Sisters is needed. The guidance they provide is so important. Plus, this way I can give to the community and help out. When you really get involved in this, it can really humble you,” Kelly said.
“Dr. Dorsett” was not sure what to expect as “Waiter Dorsett,” he said. “The turnout was really impressive and for a great cause. And especially, when you’re not sure what to expect,” he said, meaning both his job as a waiter and the turnout for the morning. “Shane is so animated, and this helped so much. Erin did a great job with this one,” Dr. Dorsett said.
The turnout, said Applebee’s General Manager Kelli Marden, was better than expected. “This is one of the best turnouts ever, and there were so many volunteers to help. We here at Applebee’s find it exciting to give back to the community and also reach out. Our employees working this morning have all volunteered their time, plus they have family members helping, too,” Marden said.
Applebee’s host of three years, Marilyn Sanders, easily spotted in a red Santa hat, helped out wherever she could and helped the volunteers, if needed. She was always singing a Christmas tune and smiling the whole time.
Lori McCracken of Paola, a new Big brought her Little, Valerie Schwach, to the breakfast. McCracken said her boys are getting older now and that she still wanted to be around younger children. “This is why I signed up for BBBS, and Valerie and I were matched about three months ago.” Valerie, who is a fifth grader at Paola’s Sunflower Elementary, said they have done some fun things together. “One of the first things was going to VIP Nails and then McDonald’s,” Valerie said. McCracken said they also spend time doing homework and going to the library.
As for Karen Kice of Paola, who said her breakfast date canceled out on her, came alone. “I knew this was important, a nice event, so I came anyway,” she said.
The reaction from the community really made Erin Lyon, Miami County BBBS director and Mrs. Claus for the morning, happy. “What an awesome response we had from the community that came out and ate. Those who volunteered were wonderful. Everyone was totally out of their comfort zone but they hung in there and took orders and got drinks for people. I can not thank them and the businesses enough,” Lyon said.
McClintock said that this first annual BBBS partnership with Applebee’s was a success. “The event was a huge success considering it was the first one. We obviously would love to make this an annual event. I did them when I did mornings at a station in Oklahoma City and Salina, and they can be huge with people waiting out the door. We hope this can develop into that kind of outcome,” McClintock said.
Smiles on faces are what Rick Phillips, Jayhawk Marina general manager and a Big, noticed at Applebee’s Saturday morning. “I always saw smiles on the faces as everyone was having a great time. There were still people coming in as it was ending,” he said.
Principal Jeff White said he as happy to help out for the short time he could be there. “I think the BBBS program is wonderful and that it works well in my building. We have this program on late start days, and it goes great. Tabitha winning the bike was the icing on the cake,” White said.
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Posted by admin
on Dec 8 2010. Filed under News and Updates.
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