A Word from Log A Load Foundation Chair, Rich Palermo, Spring 2013

LOG A LOAD FOR KIDS UPDATE 2013

A Word from National Log A Load® Foundation Chair, Rich Palermo

“Anticipation and Celebration”

Here we are, almost to the summer of 2013 after a very successful 2012 of supporting the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, with a national total of $1.9 million dollars! I commend all of you and am still in awe to share the results of 25 years of Log A Load volunteer work that has raised over $35 million dollars. Please pass on to all your Log A Load volunteers the thanks and gratitude I have for them.

In honor of our 25th-year, T.W. Byrd’s Sons (FRA’s 2012 National Outstanding Logger), Flint Equipment, and John Deere have donated a brand new John Deere RSX850i Trail Ready Gator, to be used for a National Drawing in celebration of our 25 years of Log A Load successes. National Log A Load Coordinator Richard Lewis, with his enthusiasm, persistence, and energy, was the catalyst that helped make this happen. A BIG thank you to Flint Equipment, John Deere, Byrd Logging-and Richard. You can obtain Log A Load Gator Drawing Tickets from Richard at rlewis7575@aol.com, or 301-452-4202.

For our 25th year, we have also developed “Bury the Log Truck With Dollars” contribution boxes-hinged plastic boxes with a contribution slot on top and a wooden Log A Load Log Truck inside. Please order one or more of these boxes from Richard and use them to capture contributions at your Log A Load Fundraising events. (Photo shows Rich Palermo with Richard Lewis, displaying a “Bury the Log Truck” box.)

Speaking of success, I would like to congratulate Amy McFadden, of South Carolina, for her appointment as the South Carolina Forestry Association Chair of the Board. Amy, our 2012 Log A Load For Kids National Volunteer winner, has been a true inspiration to others with her dedication and tireless efforts to promote Log A Load.

Each time I start to put a Log A Load event together and work with sponsors, businesses, and all the great volunteers here in Charlottesville, Virginia, I have a concern that this one is going to be more difficult than the last and maybe not as successful. But the new event is always successful, due to the persistence, the support, and the endless Log A Load volunteer spirit of all who participate. I always have a little part of me that says, “I could have made it more successful, if I’d just done . . .”

I guess that feeling is what keeps all of us striving to do more the next time!

Rich Palermo
Chair
Log A Load For Kids Foundation
richpale@earthlink.net