"Florida EKC Chapter in Delray Beach Florida Receives Toy Grant"
The Florida Chapter developed a mini version of the Arizona's Chapters' Season of Giving Programs.
Christmas Event for Foster Children
The Florida chapter hosted its first event since their inception in Early February, 2003. The Chapter’s Director Kerri Ballinger applied to Hasbro Charitable Trust for a grant in which the company donated and shipped 50 really nice toys that were presented special kids in Palm Beach County. On December 13th, Kerri and her husband Anthony opened their home to family and friends for a potluck dinner and for the price of a toy over 40 people attended bring enough toys to distribute to over 100 underprivileged children as part of their Season of Giving program.
On December 22nd at the local YMCA, the volunteers of the chapter hosted over 70 children from Children’s Hope, a foster care organization, and held a party with pizza, a visit from Santa Claus and a gift for each child in attendance. “This was such a great day. Just seeing the children’s faces when they opened their gifts, made all of the efforts worthwhile”, says Kerri Ballinger. The Chapter is currently planning for several more programs for 2004, which will include several fund raising events to build up the chapter resources, which will support a scholarship program, back to school drive, and the holiday events including a larger toy drive.
(Pictures from this event soon to be posted)
EKC President Honors Volunteers with a Special Visit
Delray Beach, Florida: January 11, 2004, Charity President Rob Perelka greets several volunteers at the home of chapter Director Kerri and Anthony Ballinger for a 1st anniversary party to honor the Florida Chapter. "It was great to see the enthusiasm from the volunteers and directors of this chapter, says EKC President Rob Perelka, who greeted and shared the vision, history and ideas for the future expansion and programs.
Dan Ferron was Officially sworn in to serve as a Director of the Chapter at this event. Currently the chapter has over 40 volunteers and the directors plan on tripling that number over the next few months as they finalize their plans for the future.
This chapter of Every Kid Counts was chartered in the great State of Florida in January, 2003. Under the Direction of Kerri Ballenger, a school teacher in the area, brings a great amount of energy to provide assistants to children with special needs as well as providing opportunity for all kids throughout the State of Florida. If you are a resident of South Florida and would like to get involved, please fill out the Volunteer Registration Form and with will be sent to the chapter director via email.
Florida Chapter Contact information:
Chapter Directors: Kerri & Anthony Ballenger
Mike & Carmelita Hughes
Dan Ferron
Mailing Address: 4711 Frances Drive, Delray Beach - Florida 33445
Phone: (561) 865-4321
Email: EKCFLC@msn.com