We would like to say a HUGE Thank You to the House FM, the Poncan Theater, and our community for the success of the Sunday evening concert. The House FM had a free listener appreciation concert featuring News from Verona, Days Divide, and Manic Drive. During the concert they took up a love offering to benefit the Save the Children's Home Angels.
The House FM staff and volunteers and the Poncan staff worked diligently to organize the details of the event. The band members were very generous with their time and attention before, during and after their performances. I was overwhelmed by the positive energy that encompassed the entire event.
The ALCH had 40 kids in attendance. Some of our kids had the opportunity to hang out with the bands before the concert and I observed some of the band members rocking with our kids in the balcony while the other bands were performing.
Direct quotes from some of our kids:
"It was amazing . . . I loved it!"
"It rocked"
"The bands were great"
Thank you again to ALL who had a part in the event. We appreciate you so much!
***Note from Mrs. Beekman***
I am sorry I missed the concert but when I got back the excitement of the kids from the concert and to see how many people supported our causes was overwhelming. Thanks to all of you who helped with the concert, to those that gave love offering to our Angel Causes, and for your prayers and concerns in keeping the Children's Home Open. We are growing stronger each day because we know it is right to give each child the right to have a safe place they can call Home and people that love them. Thank you!
PLEASE BE ADVISED that according to Attorney General, Drew Edmondson's office, the court hearing originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 14th, has officially been POSTPONED. The new hearing date is To Be Announced and we will do our best to inform you as soon as the Judge has set and notified us of the resheduled Court Hearing.
Basically, this means that the Temporary Restraining Order will remain in effect until both parties are heard by the court. Therefore, we are to conduct "business as usual" until further notice from the Attorney General's office.
Thanks so much to all of you for your ongoing support!
I want to share with you a Poem by one of our girls, it says it all - Pleading to save her Home.
Positive Poem
My home is the best,
It is not like the rest,
It's where I want to be.
Its not forever,
Just until I'm 18,
82 years and too many tears
44 kids, who's bed they will take,
Where will we be?
Think of what my home has done
for all my brothers and sisters.
Just stop and think,
In 6 weeks my home will be empty
By Taylor
How can we sleep or feel good about our day, if we do not fight for these kids and other children just wanting a home. Save the American Legion Children's Home, I am fighting - how about you? --Diane Beekman
Dear Friends of the American Legion Children's Home,
We are so grateful for your support! Thank you for the letters, emails and Facebook postings. Thank you for the inspired media coverage, news stories and letters to Editors. Thank you for all the red bows and signs around our community. Thank you for standing in the cold at American Legion District Meetings and decorating your cars in support of our children. Thank you for designing, writing, copying, collating, addressing and mailing hundreds of documents and fielding thousands of phone calls. Most especially we thank you for your prayers. We could not enter this season of Thanksgiving and Advent without letting you know how much we appreciate you and how much hope you have given us. We know we are not in this cause alone! We thought you would like to know the results of your many efforts:
· Children's Home Angels has garnered more than 2,300 members from all across the nation, in less than three weeks.
· Over 400 letters of support have been forwarded to the American Legion Oklahoma Department Executive Committee.
· Two law firms have stepped forward to assist us, pro bono.
· On Tuesday, November 23rd, the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office filed and Kay County Judge D.W. Boyd granted a Temporary Restraining Order on any disposition of Children's Home property or assets.
· Legionnaires and Auxiliary members from many states are expressing their concern and support to their leaders.
· Direct descendents of our original benefactor, E.W. Marland, are standing with us! They become the heirs of the ALCH property should it cease to exist as a childcare facility. They were moved by your letters and show of support and by the letters of three of our kids who wrote to them, asking them to save the only safe and loving home they have ever known. The Marland heirs wish to see the campus continue as a public charitable home for neglected and abused children.
And, here's what you can continue to do to stay in the fight,
· If you haven't seen a news account in your local paper or on your TV station, send letters to your editors with your concerns. We have fact sheets and other documents to help you craft your comments, should you wish.
· Send copies of your letters to editors to the savethechildrenshomeangels@yahoo.com.
· Expand our network by recruiting your friends and neighbors to our Facebook cause page Save the Children’s Home Angels.
· Visit our website www.savethelegionkids.com
In other words, keep those posts, emails and letters coming, folks! We appreciate you more than words can express and hope you and your family enjoy a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Diane Beekman - Becky Davis - Amanda Doran - Tina Clonts
Children's Home Angels Founders
Here's a video of the informational meeting on Sunday and some of the latest information:
KOKH FOX 25 :: Top Stories - Rally in support of children's home
This is a packet with some information already released and new information, including more contact details of the ALCH board who made the decision to close the Children's Home. Definitely a MUST read!
Table of Contents:
Press Release............................................ 1
Letter to Oklahoma Attorney General Edmondson .... 4
About the American Legion Children’s Home..... 6
Fact Sheet ................................................... 7
Letter from the American Legion of Oklahoma ..... 8
Letter from AL National Commander ... 9
Letter from AL National Adjutant .......... 10
Letter to Friends of ALCH ........ 11
Letters from Supporters ..... 13
View the Press Release Packet Here
As a legionnaire, Senator Myers was given some time on the agenda for the American Legion to speak about the American Legion Childrens Home. What actually happened was much different:
