The Children’s Playhouse was launched ten years ago by a group of local citizens in Boone, North Carolina, who wanted an enriching play environment for children from birth to age eight that at the same time offered parents and caregivers friendly support in the important job of raising children. Ann Kiefert, Kathy Parham, Cathy Riggs, Heidi Campbell and my wife Beth Darnell were all members of the founding board. Under Kathy’s leadership, The Playhouse has not only become a widely renowned creative play space for families, it has also become a very powerful force for community goodness.
This past weekend, The Playhouse held its fourth annual Great Friend to Families Awards reception. Launched by Kathy and her forward-looking board members in 2009, this event has honored dozens of Hometown Heroes for their sustained contributions to the well-being of young children and families in our area. Proceeds from this annual event help support The Playhouse and ensure the facility remains accessible to families who might not otherwise be able to use its services.
For 2012, Great Friend to Families Awards were presented in two categories: Helping Hands and Helping Hearts. Helping Hands Awards celebrate professionals who over the course of their careers have shown extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of children and families… and Helping Hearts Awards recognizes individuals who have touched the lives of children and families through generous philanthropy and/or outstanding volunteerism. The Helping Hands award winners are Jim Atkinson, Nancy Blair, Barbara Case, Heather Jordan, Crystal Kelly, Trish Lanier, Margaret Mullins, Gay Lynn Williams, Mary Willis, and Joan Zimmerman. The Helping Hearts are Susan Bolash, Christopher Clark, Kathleen Collins, Rebekah Cummings, Beth Darnell, Carolyn Garland, Betty Green, Jack and Karen James, Jo Anne Jenkins, Diandra (Lynn) Patterson, Bob and Wimsey Powell, Kim Roberts, and Catherine Wilkinson. At the reception, Trish Lanier of the Watauga County Health Department was announced as the 2012 Great Friend to Families.
I invite you to visit the official site www.GoPlayhouse.org and explore the Facebook group, and to come and check-out The Playhouse in person.
