busconews.com

Dear Editor:

February is the Month of Giving.

“Assistant manager, Laurel, line one please.” I pick up the phone and hear the most high-pitched and annoying voice I have ever heard in my life. “Hi Laurel, this is the MDA and you have been accused of having a big heart. The police will be sent to pick you up for sentencing on February 28.” OMG, I know what this is . . . it’s the yearly MDA lockup and someone I work with has given them my name. The MDA lockup gets area business people to raise money for MDA. I think to myself, I really do not want to do this. I tell the lady that I will do it just to get her off the phone. I go on about my day and really never think of the phone call again.

The next day while at work, my “friendly MDA parole officer” calls. She begins to ask what are my ideas for fundraising, have I raised any money yet and what are my goals? I still am not enthused with the thought of being roped into this. Do people not know that I work long hours and really don’t want to volunteer. So I listen to my friendly MDA parole officer carry on with ideas for fundraising for about five more minutes. Then she says something that perks my interest. She says “blah, blah, blah, . . . Churubusco.” I asked her “did you say Churubusco?” She then tells me information that changed my whole idea on this charity fundraising thing. The MDA branch, for which I will be raising money, sponsors two families in Churubusco. Later on through my mother (who knows everything about everyone) I learn I went to school with the mothers of the two families that I will help sponsor.

Needless to say I am now very excited. I now have goals and ideas for fundraisers. I am aiming to raise $5,000 for the MDA. Some of the things that I will be working on this month include: a fish fry held by American Legion Post 157. The fish fry will be February 24 from 11 a.m. until sold out. I am also going to ask local businesses to display a donation canister by their cash registers. I have several events planned at work, Warsaw Wal-mart, to get my associates involved.

Last but not least, I plan to ask area businesses for their tax deductible donations.

Muscular dystrophy is a debilitating condition that strikes children. It can severely limit their ability to enjoy their childhood. I feel that with donations from this community, we will be able to send three children with MD to camp this summer. Please become involved and help make a difference in a child’s life.

Donations may be sent to Laurel Fulk-Richardson, 1743 N. 450 E., Columbia City, IN 46725. If paying by check, make them out to MDA.

Thank you in advance,

Laurel Fulk-Richardson