Sequoyah County Child Welfare would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made this year's Green Country Opry a success.
This annual event is sponsored by the Sequoyah County Child Welfare Advisory Board, with all proceeds going to benefit children in foster care. This money provides the children with outings and activities, such as an afternoon at the movie, a canoe trip for the older children, a picnic, etc.; however the majority of the money is used to purchase Christmas presents which are presented to the children each year at the Christmas party sponsored by the Sallisaw Lions Club.
The squeals of delight are heard throughout the building as the children receive their gifts. Without the help of the community, these gifts would not be possible. We would like to thank everyone who participated in the Opry, as well as those who bought tickets and made donations. This year's performers were Larry Coleman, Logen Gipson, Elizabeth Spencer, Beth Waters, The Tiny Tots, Darren Stites, Stephen Jumper, Chad Jasna, Dale Bates, Mike Henson, Teresa Hughes, and emcees Anthony Fornaszewski and Randy Edwards.
Child welfare advisory board members, Ron Wininger, Don Elwick and Mary Kay Elwick contributed their time by selling tickets, collecting money and operating the spotlight.
Donations were made by many individuals and businesses throughout the community including: Cookson Hills Electric Co-op, Sallisaw Lumber, Blue Ribbon Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep Inc, Professional Home Health, Agent's Funeral Home, National Bank of Sallisaw, Sallisaw Ford, Armstrong Bank, Dan Ollie, Phil Green, Denise Bynum, Gilbert Green, Greenleaf Properties, George Glenn, Brad Allen, Candy Moss, Joint Effort, Mallory Funeral Home, Rhoda & Sam Craghead, Charlie's Chicken, Motorcycle Shop, A.J. and Christine Henshaw, Tractor Supply, First National Bank, Valley Land & Title, and Stites Oil.
A special thanks goes to Anthony Fornaszewski and Chad Jasna for their time and effort each year in putting the Opry together, and to Dana Stites and Mary Bittle for their assistance in collecting donations.
PAM PETERSON, SALLISAW
PAM PETERSON is Sequoyah County supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Human Service Child Welfare office.
