May 19, 2011

Dear Editor,

As the Community Coordinator for COTA in Honor of Madeline Burke, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the many, many people who helped out. To Kyle Brown, Traci Jones, Donna Good, Brandy Damesworth, Elizabeth and Michael Kidd, Tim Price and Jimmy Barlow for the physical labor they exerted at the recent fundraiser for Madeline. To John and Tracy Ratti of Ratti's Pizza, who baked and donated the pizza for the event with all proceeds going to Madeline's fund. To B & B Foods, who sold drinks at cost to the organizers, which was a big help and much appreciated. To Kyle Brown who also sold the coupon book idea around town and put the books together, as well as hauled ice and other equipment needed for selling the drinks and pizza. To Tim Price for setting up the sound system for The Blandelle's. To Fred Chapman for circulating among the money takers giving and taking change. To the city crew, who - under the direction of Darvin Nolen - moved bleachers and trash cans and hung electrical cords so power was available for the event.

Furthermore, I would like to thank Greg Connelly and Gary Felmet and the rest of The Blandelles for the beautiful music they played for the crowd, plus the time to organize and set up and take down their equipment on the "stage" in Leonard. You did a top quality job of singing and playing and more of the locals are very proud to say they know The Blandelles.

I would also like to thank the students and parents who helped to sell the pizza and drinks on the Leonard Square during the Chamber and Madeline benefits. To the many businesses and individuals who donated door prizes, you were a great blessing to this event.

Over $2,000 was raised on this day, bringing us to within $4,000 of the estimated $40,000 set by COTA for one year of living expenses while the Burke family waits on a new set of lungs for Madeline.

Again thanks to all.

Ava Barlow