To the Editor:

This summer has had a recent “splash” and we aren’t talking about the local downpour that happened over the weekend. On July 13, Kinship had it’s annual picnic out at Char Kahler’s house. We had a wonderful time boating, tubing, kayaking, jet skiing, making massive bubbles, playing yard games and eating some scrumptious barbecues.

We are so grateful to Wayne and Char Kahler for opening their home to all 96 of us. We had such an amazing group of volunteers at this event that every child always had something they could do. Dave and Karen Cone, Brad and Vonnie Cone, Greg Brolsma and Chris Toomer kicked off our picnic by bringing out their boats and taking the kids tubing all over the lake. Daron Johnson took boating to the next level by bringing out his jet ski and giving kids rides. Stephanie Johnson and Michelle Norstrom helped bring kayaking to the next generation. They did such a good job that we might have some kayaking addicts loose in Martin County. Brad Wallace and Doug and Kris Fuller allowed us to use their life jackets for all of our various water activities. Jill Smith was our fearless yard game leader who helped show our mentors and mentees how to play some classic games as well as secretly pick up Char’s crabapples by using a slingshot to hit a strategically located target. Mary Segar was our bubble magician who helped our mentees make some of the largest and longest bubbles we have ever seen.

Our amazing board of directors worked tirelessly, helping mentees make smooth transitions between the various events, as well as cooking and serving our delicious food that Fareway so generously gave us a discount for.

Our Rent-A-Ments were out in full force this year as they picked up any child off of the waiting list who wanted to come out to this event.

Ana Garbers was the glue that held the day together as she coordinated this fantastic event.

And, of course, thank you to all of our mentors and mentees in Kinship who came out and made this activity a blast. Thank you so much to everyone who helped with our picnic. You can get a quick glimpse of our day by checking out our video on our Facebook page.

Katy Gonzalez,

assistant director

Fairmont Kinship