This night will live on, and on...

   This project has quickly become my favorite one we do here at 62644.com. It all began last year when our 7th Grade Girls became State Champions. I thought it was time that someone did something for them and we held the first Family Appreciation Night in order to honor their accomplishments and the support given to their efforts by their families. This year those fantastic young ladies did it once again. Other sports teams had fantastic seasons also and of course we wanted to honor them this year. Family Appreciation Night will continue to happen regardless of the success of our Havana sports teams. Because of their dedication and efforts all these kids will be champions with their family support. As a community if we do not support and honor these young folks for their efforts in life we are missing our marks terribly. There are so many great people and stories in this community that we could hold this event for 100 years and not tell all the stories or say all the thank you's we should say. I believe it is a wonderful thing to bring family, friends, and neighbors together and for a time leave all our troubles and problems elsewhere...share some good food and some good times...this is the intent of Family Appreciation Night and it will continue as such.

   Year 2 began with a great meal prepared by Larry Westman with the help of Maria and John Zebroski. I can't thank these great folks enough for their efforts. The food was just great and we hope that no one went away hungry. The Havana Rural Fire Department's great Firefighters were on the front line to serve everyone. Their help and presence is very much appreciated.

   Hi everyone and thank you for coming. We are here tonight to honor and support some very special people. Those people include our deployed Troops. If we have family members of these soldiers here would you please rise. Do we have any current/former service men or women here?

   A former wrestler became an All American, Most Valuable Wrestler, and was inducted into Western's Athletic Hall of Fame after being ranked second in the Nation. Jerry Strauman’s real accomplishments came forth as a coach. This caring and giving man became the calm in the storm for many students. He was their friend, mentor, and role model. Coach, we would like to simply say THANK YOU for being a great coach and for being the man you are. This community should be very proud that you call Havana home.

 On Thursday, January 10^th, Bath and Havana gathered with fellow firefighters from across Central Illinois to honor someone very special...Lieutenant Brian DeFord. Please welcome Brian’s Firefighting Brother, Jim Weldy...

   Havana is home to some beautiful and very talented young ladies. They, with the support and dedication of their families, have made us much more than just proud. Please welcome…. Havana Junior High School Principal, Jerry Wilson.

   There is a man who you may only know by his voice. He has supported this town in his quiet but very powerful manner for many years. He is always there doing what needs to be done. I respect Wynn Stimpson and WDUK deeply for his dedication, dependability, and professionalism. Wynn, I think it is time that someone FINALLY said…. THANK YOU!

   You may remember that we received quite a challenge late last year. To make Christmas happen for some neighbors in need would be nothing short of a Miracle on such short notice, but it happened. I would like to offer a special thanks to Janet Maddox because her hard work was the big reason for the success of that Miracle on Main Street happening. Janet and Misty Long together do something wonderful for kids and adults alike every week at our “Art for All” Program. Thank you both for caring about these kids and bringing the wonderful world of art to their lives.

    Recently I met a very brave and special young man. This straight “A” student and huge country music fan has battled with Cerebral Palsy since birth but he is no quitter. I ask you to please go to 62644.com and read the rest of Cory Miller’s story if you haven’t already. Cory we know you are a big country music fan, so we were able to get a little something for you from Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks.

   There are four great guys who were very touched when they read your story. They asked me to give you their best and wanted you to know that “you might be one of their fans but they are much bigger fans of yours”. Cory, these four guys have sent you a gift and since we know you also like pretty girls, we asked the prettiest girl we know, Racin Rachel, from MidwestRacin.com to deliver your gift from your fans and your friends…ALABAMA.

    Every page of 62644.com contains words of Albert Pine “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” Some read these words and some live them.

   Please welcome the family of Charlie Wilson. Charlie left this world a wonderful family. They have seen to it that Charlie’s wheelchair ramp he was never able to use was put to good use and moved to Cory Miller’s house making his life much easier. This family is always helping countless neighbors including us with many projects. The world needs more families like this and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do. I have a great gift for you. It’s a gift that sadly not everyone will know in their lifetime…I have the look on the faces of Cory Miller and his family when I tell them that you have made it possible to rebuild Cory’s bathroom and widen all the doorways in their home. Cory’s world just got bigger.

   Four young men venture around the Midwest showing everyone the quality of people who live in 62644. These fine young ambassadors are not only talented musically but they have huge hearts and represent our community very well. These guys always give their hearts and their talents for our town and our neighbors. I am proud to know these young men who call themselves Red At Night. Please welcome Paul Stephens.

   Near the end of the program... Cory Miller came to me and the microphone. Cory wanted to say something to everyone present. His eyes and smile were already screaming the two words his mouth struggled to speak and holding the microphone for him was a moment I will never forget. While you could hear a pin drop anywhere in the room, Cory's two heart-grabbing words, "THANK YOU!", brought the house down, and without a dry eye in the entire crowd, everyone stood and gave the bravest young man I know a most deserved standing ovation. I will repeat my comment from that time..."Cory, you are the coolest dude, I know."

   I have heard from his family that Cory was busy the rest of the weekend. This morning I received four photos of himself and a request for a favor for me to send Garth, Reba, ALABAMA, and Racin Rachel each one of the photos along a big thank you from him. He also sent the Garth Brooks Album back. It seems that he already had that album and wanted to share the one he was given Saturday night with our troops deployed to Iraq. So Cory we will get that done for you right away and thank you for the very nice gesture on your part.

   If you have not read Cory's story and the events leading up to all this please take a moment and do so by clicking HERE.

      Final accounting of proceeds from the event... As some of you know, it is our policy to publicize the monetary results from all our events and fundraising efforts. All the bills are now in and paid from our event and we can now give you the following final accounting information:

87 Free dinner tickets were presented to honorees and family members

59 Dinner tickets were sold for a total of $417

Raffle Tickets Sold $126

50/50 Tickets Sold $119

Donations for Troop Items/Shipping $44

Total Receipts $706

Total Expenses for food and gift items $554.24

Event Profits to fund troop shipments and future community projects...   $151.76

   We would like to thank EVERYONE for coming and all those who helped with this event. The following businesses and individuals donated items for the raffle and we really appreciate your support and helping this event to continue. These are:

Havana NAPA, Dwight Kolves

THE National Bank

Janet Maddox

Tropical Isle Tanning Salons

The Hair Studio

Racin Rachel, www.midwestracin.com

Jackie Thompson, Central Illinois Loans, Inc.

The Chuckwagon Restaurant

A very special thank you to everyone who helped behind the scenes.

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO RED @ NIGHT!

Like to see more of our community projects, please CLICK HERE.