Letter to the editor

To the Editor,

I would like to announce the completion of the Kiwanis playground project, and thank the many members of this community who made it happen.  This has been a huge accomplishment for our club and it has allowed us some wonderful service time, and a chance to continue our partnership with members of our community.

It would be impossible to include a complete list of names of those who worked so diligently to make this happen, so I will attempt to name several businesses and organizations who were key partners in our success, knowing that many individuals within those organizations were the driving force behind the successful completion of the project.  First and foremost, members of the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club were the volunteers who first dreamed the dream, and followed through with tireless labor, from planning, to fundraising, and right through to the final build. What a wonderful group we are, with our hearts so devoted to serving the children and families of this community!  We were assisted by volunteers from the Prairieland Heritage Museum group, as well as volunteer students from Illinois College, and the Chamber of Commerce group YPN.  We received generous donations from The Home Depot and R.P. Lumber Co., and superior guidance (and discounts) from the sales and support staff of NuToys Leisure Products.  Our fundraising efforts were boosted with assistance from several area businesses, including County Market, Johnsonville, Lewis Bread, Frito-Lay, Home City Ice, Bogart’s Banquet Hall, Los Rancheros, The Source, WLDS-WEAI, WJIL-WJVO, The Journal-Courier, and Franklin Bank.  And then there were our “fans”, those Facebook family members who voted for us and shared our dream and our enthusiasm by sharing our posts and giving us encouragement along the way.  And the many, many people who supported our efforts by purchasing tickets, and donating to our fundraising efforts.  Last but not least, the City of Jacksonville Parks & Lakes department has been a tremendous help in the coordination and installation of the playground.  I’m sure I have missed someone, so I will add that each and every contribution to this effort was valued and appreciated, more than I can even express.

The playground will be officially presented and dedicated to the children of the City of Jacksonville on Monday, September 15th at 6pm.  We invite all members of the community to join us for this event.  We look forward to the celebration of the completion of this project.

Sincerely,

Lisa Galloway, President

Kiwanis of Jacksonville

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