The Sunflower State Welcomes the GER, May 6-9

The Kansas Elks are certainly doing their part to “Make A Difference!”  We arrived on Thursday, unpacked, and were escorted to KETCH (Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped) for lunch and a tour.  Words are not adequate to describe the great work that KETCH is doing to help the handicapped become productive, happy citizens and responsible members of the local communities.  KETCH is no small endeavor and includes day programs, housing for individuals and groups, and contracted production of air filters and refurbishing WalMart shelving.

The Kansas Elks currently composed of over 7,000 members are responsible for undertaking KETCH in the early 1970′s as its state major project.  As the weekend progressed, they demonstrated over and over their dedication, committment, and generosity  toward maintaining KETCH!  Friday night found us at Family Games complete with a Kentucky Derby (the guys wore the hats – see pictures below), golf, basketball, tricycle obstacle course, and a “bikers” corner.  (Yes that is Jim pictured in his very own “Do Rag!” )  They raised over $900 on Friday, and $850 Saturday evening to make over $26,000 as one facet of their KETCH donations!  Kansas was also 17th in the nation for ENF with a per capita of   $7.38.

Hosting us were Jim McQuillan, PGER, Special Deputy, Walt Linthacum and Linda, State President, Tony Nash and Becky, and Karlene and Charlie Buechman.  It was a great weekend in the Sunflower State.

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