It was Rosewood celebration time at Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo for several hours on Friday, May 12. That’s because the west lawn of the zoo was filled with multitudes of blue-shirt-wearing people, all representing Rosewood Services. The agency that started with only a dozen clients and an innovative vision for people with disabilities to “Celebrate Life,” celebrated its silver anniversary in business during the noontime picnic with nearly 500 people – comprising clients, their families, employees and Rosewood supporters – in attendance.

The day featured a picnic lunch with grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, and sides. Attendees participated in the fun atmosphere at the zoo, which included yard games, a photo booth, scavenger hunt, animal encounters, coordinated by zoo staff, and raffle give-aways. Rosewood Services Founder and Executive Director Tammy Hammond provided remarks to those gathered for the silver anniversary celebration.

What began as a dream in May 1998, with Hammond as the agency’s only employee, has now grown to become one of the state’s greatest advocates and supporters of people with disabilities. Over the years, Rosewood has also become one of the area’s largest employers, employing more than 200 people, who daily serve nearly 200 people with disabilities.

Hammond recounted “the Rosewood story” by walking the audience through the history, reminiscing about the early challenges, reflecting on the agency’s growth and diversity, marking today’s successes, and ending with promising encouragement for Rosewood’s future.

“While our past impact is important, it truly is what each one of us does today, and what we will do tomorrow that continues to impact lives and the community around us,” said Hammond. “You are important. What you do makes a difference. We continue to write this story, the Rosewood story, together.”

Kansas Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Dan Biles, a long-time advocate of Rosewood and people with disabilities, also provided words of encouragement to those in attendance.

“This is an incredible, incredible accomplishment that all of you have achieved in this community and in the state,” Biles told the crowd. “I’m a constitutional officer, so I think I can say thank you on behalf of the state of Kansas. The relationship that I have with this program has meant as much to me as anything in my life. … Have a good day and reflect on what all of you have accomplished in your work here.”

Rosewood has created a vast world of opportunities for people with disabilities: From a therapeutic equestrian program, to a hardwood furniture manufacturing store, to a greenhouse and garden that grows tomatoes, to a studio and kitchen where jellies and other products are made and sold at retail locations. Work opportunities even include the nation’s only winery designed for the employment of people with developmental disabilities. These innovative programs have earned dozens of awards, from world championships won by riders in the equestrian program, to state honors in wine contests, to Rosewood being featured on nationally televised programs.

During the celebration, Hammond took time to recognize many long-time employees, as well as people who have played a fundamental role in supporting Rosewood Services throughout its 25-year history. Early supporters like Roland and Jane Smith, Randy and Sandy Smith, Leon and Carol Fishburn, Jeannie Girton and Phyllis Vogt provided Hammond encouragement to start Rosewood Services. Original employees Vicki Schmitt, LaDonna Dirks, Patty Halseth, Grace Johnson, Virginia Jacobs and Jennie Chism were instrumental in the start-up. Over the years, Hammond said she received expert guidance from Biles, as well as the late Bob Bethell, who served as a Kansas Representative. Local civic leaders Joel Jackson, Sheryl Cheely and Howard Partington have also played vital roles in Rosewood’s success, she noted.

Hammond talked about the sacrifices made by her family, especially during the early years. Her husband, Eric, along with all four children – Andy, Amanda, Anna and Alex – perform key roles in the operation of Rosewood Services today. Eric is Ranch Manager and a PATH-certified equine instructor. Amanda and Anna are both administrators in agency services. Alex is the Winery manager, and Andy was instrumental in marketing Rosewood Wine to liquor stores across the state.

“I would like to say they chose to be a part of Rosewood, but I’m afraid, if you asked them, they might say it was more expectation than choice,” Hammond said. “No matter their answer, I am very thankful they are here with me.”

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Read Tammy Hammond's 25th Anniversary Celebration Address at http://rosewoodservices.com/news/view/tammy-celebration-address5-23.

Find more about Rosewood Services online, http://RosewoodServices.com

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

For more information, contact Michael Dawes, Rosewood Services, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com, 620-792-2536.

May 22, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of public relations, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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I’m just going to take a few minutes to thank you folks for letting me be a part of today in your celebration.

This is an incredible, incredible accomplishment that all of you have achieved in this community and in the state.

I’m a constitutional officer, so I think I can say thank you on behalf of the state of Kansas.

The relationship that I have with this program has meant as much to me as anything in my life. I do appreciate that. Have a good day and reflect on what all of you have accomplished in your work here.

Have a good day.

Presented at Rosewood Services' 25th Anniversary Celebration, May 12, 2023

Several years ago, I read a quote saying “Your story becomes the accumulation of your actions taken ….. and actions not taken”  … That didn't seem overwhelmingly profound at the moment… but as I sit here today reflecting on 25 years of Rosewood,  the truth of that statement becomes very clear.

I want to take just a few minutes to talk about the Rosewood Story … Some of you know it well; you may have been here for a long time; a few of you have been here from the earliest days …. And some of you have been part of Rosewood for just a short time, and maybe have little idea of the past.

May 4th, 1998 … I pulled up in the driveway of a house on North Washington that was to become the new office of Rosewood Services. I sat there in my well-used minivan as the reality of the moment soaked in. —— I was the only employee, and my kids didn’t know that I had mortgaged everything, including their tennis shoes, to start a business that I hoped would make a difference in the lives of others. ——  I believed we could create unique opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities … opportunities that could help them enjoy and participate in productive lives, much like the lives we all hope for.

I may have been the only employee that day, but I wasn’t alone. Folks like Roland and Jane Smith, Randy and Sandy Smith, Leon and Carol Fishburn, Jeannie Girton and Phylis Vogt were in the background, encouraging me to get started and work hard.

Within a few weeks Vicki Schmitt became my first employee, Ladonna Dirks, Patty Halseth, Grace Johnson, Virginia Jacobs and Jennie Chism quickly followed, and we were off.

We began adding residential locations to provide homes for the clients we served, started construction on the Outback building to improve day services, and added vehicles to help with the growing transportation needs.

There really is no way to explain those early days other than everyone did whatever it was at the moment that needed done. We were gaining clients, things were growing rapidly, and I became thankful for the can-do attitudes of everyone around me.

Staying focused on creating innovative and unique opportunities for our clients led to Rosewood's growth.  We added the Furniture Gallery, began the Equestrian Therapy Program, a riding arena, a greenhouse, an industrial kitchen, a studio to begin making the Rosewood Creations line of products, the Winery, the Wine Cellar, the Bargain Barn, the Maintenance and ECycle building, the Employment Network office, and now the new Studio work-training location.

That growth has allowed us to become one of Barton County's largest private employers, as we operate these day locations, along with numerous residential homes, provide case management services, transportation, health monitoring, all of the administrative and marketing needs for our company, with all of these being performed locally.

Along the way, Rosewood has been fortunate to meet many people passionate about their own work, who became our friends as they have applied their expertise to help Rosewood to continue to create opportunities that impact the lives of people with developmental disabilities. To mention all of these folks is impossible, and if I tried, I am certain I would leave names unsaid that should have been mentioned, but these are a few that stand out, some of them are here today joining us….

People like Dan Biles, who led us for many years through the legal work, and sometimes drama, necessary to operate our business, well before he became a Kansas Supreme Court Justice.

The late Bob Bethell, a Kansas State Representative who worked hard to change Kansas Statute, so Rosewood Winery could become the only winery in North America to employ individuals with developmental disabilities.

Joel Jackson, who from the start, began guiding and advising us on guardianships and all of the necessary paperwork, Joel also serves on our Foundation Board.

Sheryl Cheely, who serves on Rosewood Roots and Wings Foundation Board, and as a small portion of her generosity to the community, purchased and donated the Dolly Trolley to our Foundation to operate, bringing smiles to faces of children and adults alike.

Howard Partington, who after his retirement from a lifetime of serving in city administration, joined us to assist with his expertise in dealing with government departments, helping with KDOT transportation, and monitoring Topeka for items important and integral to Rosewoods operation.

Then there is my family…. Four years after I founded Rosewood, my husband, Eric, left his job and trained to become a PATH-certified therapist to manage the equestrian program; my daughters Amanda and Anna began working while they were in school and have become leaders in managing Rosewood’s daily operations; my son Alex took over management and daily oversight of the winery; while my son Andy marketed the wine to liquor stores across Kansas. I would like to say they chose to be a part of Rosewood, but I’m afraid if you asked them, they might say it was more expectation than choice. No matter their answer, I am very thankful they are here.

These people, together with so many others, along with each and every one of you have been, and continue to be, essential in helping Rosewood grow, and making an impact on the people we serve, and on our community for the past 25 years.

The impact achieved has been substantial, as we have been able to successfuly help clients become employed and earn paychecks … watched them compete in winemaking contests against all of the other wineries in Kansas … and bring home medals … participate in horse shows winning hundreds of ribbons, and eventually winning world championships …  just to mention a few.

We have made a positive impact on our community by choosing to operate as a normal business, rather than choosing to ask the community to foot our taxes through non-profit status. By choosing that, we have been able to generate nearly 125 million dollars of payroll, property taxes, vehicle taxes, and sales tax into the community to be re-spent over and over, helping support other businesses and the services necessary to operate a safe community.

While our past impact is important, it truly is what each one of us do today, and what we will do tomorrow that continues to impact lives and the community around us… YOU are important …. What you do makes a difference…. We are writing this story … The Rosewood Story … together … and as the quote from my introduction states, Every action we take – and don’t take –  will impact the story that is written.

As I look at these past 25 years, I feel Rosewood has been successful, not because of our growth, because growth is merely a result. I believe success is measured much differently…. I believe success is measured by the difference you have made in the lives of others … and the difference they have made in your own.

Thank you all for being here today; I am proud to be here with you; proud of the difference we are making together.  Thank you for working hard each day to continue to help write the Rosewood Story … and at the same time, continuing to write your own story. Our story would be much less of a story without each one of you…. Thank You.

For printing, PDF version of speech can be accessed at http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/Tammy-25-Anniv-Speech-Final5-12-23md.pdf

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Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club completed its annual community blanket drive this month by donating to three Great Bend organizations that serve area children in need. Club representatives donated a total of 231 blankets to Barton County Health Department, Family Crisis Center, and St. Francis Ministries. The blanket drive, which involved community members donating blankets and/or monetary contributions to the cause, was conducted from January through March this year.

This year’s drive was especially bolstered by three organizations coordinating their own efforts to contribute to the community drive. UnitedHealthcare donated approximately 150 blankets; in addition, Robin Rziha, UHC care coordinator, contributed $100 to the purchase of blankets, and that contribution is being matched by her company to go toward even more blankets. Also contributing to the effort, RSVP “Volunteers In Action” donated approximately 20 blankets; and a local quilters group donated handmade quilts to the drive.

“We can’t say enough good things about the involvement we received from United Healthcare and the two community organizations that were so involved this year in our cause,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “They are such a big reason why our blanket drive was so successful. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts. We also give thanks to every community member who came forward to contribute to this important drive. Because of such tremendous goodwill, we were able to provide a lot of much-needed blankets to three worthwhile organizations that serve our community’s children in need.”

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The blankets are a welcomed addition to Family Crisis Center, 1924 Broadway Ave., as blankets are given to every child served by the organization that covers a 10-county area. Barton County Health Department, 1300 Kansas Ave. STE B, follows Barton County mothers through their pregnancies and present parents with a blanket for their newborns. Saint Francis Ministries, 1508 Main, serves nearly 100 area foster children and families, so blankets are always in demand.

This is the second consecutive Rosewood AKTION Club community drive effort that United Healthcare has played such an integral role. Last fall, the business greatly contributed to the club’s Coloring Book and Crayon Drive, which helped result in record amounts raised. UHC teams participate in one volunteer event per quarter, said Amanda Rome, UHC care coordinator.

“All over the state, we are doing things like this for our communities,” Rome explained. “We are pretty spread out as a group, with each team having 12 or 13 care coordinators and our managers, too, so that equates to a lot of participation throughout the state. For this drive, we received a lot of monetary donations from our teams, which allowed us to then go make the purchases for these blankets.”

“Working with the AKTION Club is nice because the drive benefits the members and it also benefits the community,” added Katie Leikam, UHC care coordinator. “We are so happy to help with this effort.”

For Rosewood AKTION Club members, they appreciate the community support they receive for their annual drive. They especially enjoy drop-off day when they deliver the blankets to the community organizations that serve area children.

“I like that our drive helps the area children in need, and I especially like that we were able to help the newborns with quilt donations at the Barton County Health Department,” said Rosewood AKTION Club President Kurtis Coleman. Added fellow club member Codie Hardie, “It’s helping those people who can’t afford blankets for their children, so I like that a lot about our drive.”

Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood members to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

Find more about Rosewood Services online, rosewoodservices.com

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

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For more information, contact Frankie Pelster, Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor, employmentspecialist@rosewoodservices.com, 620-603-6502

April 19, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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Earth Day is recognized as the planet’s largest annual civic event, celebrated each year on April 22. Events are coordinated globally to the impact of 1 billion people celebrating the day in more than 193 countries. The official theme for the official 53rd anniversary of Earth Day is “Invest in Our Planet.” Central Kansas will be able to celebrate this worldwide event on the local front.

‘Great Bend Earth Day Celebration,’ is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 22 at Great Bend Zoo. The local event, now in its second year, is shaping up to be a fun day. The Great Bend Zoo, Rosewood ECycle and Great Bend Dairy Queen are hosting the event, which is geared toward children, but all family members are welcome to participate.

“We want people to come spend quality family time with us at the Zoo, while also gaining an appreciation for the environment,” said Great Bend Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick, about Earth Day Celebration festivities. “We want to get people excited about the impact they can have from doing their small part in creating a greener world. It’s an important day and an important event, but also a fun opportunity that we are excited to bring to our community.”

Besides the three sponsors, five more businesses and organizations are participating in the celebration this year. They are Heartland Farm, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Luna the Therapy Dog, Great Bend Zoological Society, and Wheatland Electric. A new T-Rex character will be roaming the Zoo to entertain children. Amelia’s Tacos will sell food in a food truck out front of the Zoo. It’s a convenient lunch option in between enjoyment of event activities. Great Bend Dairy Queen will issue a coupon for a free small ice cream cone to the first 500 youth participants that day. In addition, there will be giveaways to the first 500 children in attendance.

“Excitement is building for our sponsors and participating organizations,” said Burdick. “We’re ready to put on a wonderful event for the children. There will be plenty of displays and booth interaction to keep them entertained and engaged. It’s an inexpensive way to enjoy, what we hope will be, a beautiful spring day in Great Bend.”

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Access Great Bend Earth Day Celebration flier at http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/GB-Earth-Day-Flier2-23.pdf.

For more information, contact Ashley Burdick, Great Bend Zoo Curator, zoocurator@greatbendks.net, 620-793-4226

April 13, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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‘Great Bend Earth Day Celebration,’ scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 22 at Great Bend Zoo, is coming together for its second-annual event. The Great Bend Zoo, Rosewood ECycle and Great Bend Dairy Queen are sponsoring, and invite other organizations and businesses to participate in the celebration. There is no charge for booth set-up. Any group promoting conservation, or providing children’s entertainment and education is encouraged to join. Food vendors are also being sought to take part in this year’s community Earth Day Celebration.

Several organizations that participated last year have already committed to the local come-and-go celebration, which occurs on the official 53rd anniversary of Earth Day. In addition to involvement by the three sponsors, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Heartland Farm, Great Bend Zoological Society, and the ‘Read With Me’ program in Great Bend are all participating again. Wheatland Electric is a new participant this year, with plans to demonstrate an electric vehicle, in addition to providing booth interactions and materials. Kansas AKTION Club State Conference participants will be incorporating their activities into this year’s celebration at the Great Bend Zoo. Additionally, food will be available for purchase by Amelia’s Tacos. 

Smoky Hills PBS, which participated last year with an appearance by Curious George, will not be at this year’s event. However, Great Bend Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick said she is reaching out to find another children’s character to be a part of this year’s celebration.

“We’re enthused about the involvement of organizations and vendors who have signed up so far,” said Burdick. “We expect this year’s event to be well-attended once again, so this is a perfect opportunity for groups and organizations to entertain, educate and make a difference in the lives of children. Great Bend Earth Day Celebration is also a perfect time for families to create lasting memories at the Great Bend Zoo. We’re looking forward to bringing Earth Day Celebration to the community, once again!”

As the event draws closer, Burdick encourages other businesses and organizations to sign up prior to the April 1 deadline. Organizations, businesses and vendors wanting to participate in the second annual ‘Great Bend Earth Day Celebration’ can contact Burdick at 620-793-4226, or e-mail her at zoocurator@greatbendks.net.

Burdick said Great Bend Zoo can supply tables for vendor booths. In case of inclement weather, the staff will also offer indoor vendor space.

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Access Great Bend Earth Day Celebration flier at http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/GB-Earth-Day-Flier2-23.pdf.

For more information, contact Ashley Burdick, Great Bend Zoo Curator, zoocurator@greatbendks.net, 620-793-4226

March 13, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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When is the annual ‘Hippity Hop Easter Basket Workshop’ more “egg-citing” than ever? When it happens on April Fool’s Day, which it does this year!

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club is hosting the 7th Annual “Hippity Hop Easter Basket Workshop” on April 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rosewood Activity Center, 1607 Main Street, Great Bend, adjacent to Rosewood Gallery.

During the workshop, children can create their own Easter baskets, decorate Easter eggs, and participate in other fun activities, like coloring Easter pages. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance, and children can take photos with him. Families have the option of taking free cell phone photos, or pay $3 to receive a printed photo with the Easter Bunny.

The first 150 children who attend will receive a TY Beanie Baby animal. Children can also enter prize drawings. Following the workshop, drawing winners will be notified.

There is a donation request of $5 per basket for participants, which helps cover the cost of materials for the workshop. Any other proceeds raised from the workshop go toward Rosewood AKTION Club efforts in organizing future community projects.

“This year, it is a double celebration because we get to bring Easter fun to Children on April Fool’s Day,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “Our AKTION Club members are geared up for this year’s doubly fun event and look forward to seeing all the children and families having a great time at the workshop. Of course, we hope children will come to say hello to the Easter Bunny.”

Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood clients to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

Find more about Rosewood Services online, rosewoodservices.com

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

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Access Rosewood AKTION Club Easter Basket Workshop Flier, http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/Easter_AKC_Flier_2023.pdf

For more information, contact Frankie Pelster, Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor, employmentspecialist@rosewoodservices.com, 620-603-6502

March 7, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Businesses and Organizations Encouraged to Sign Up

Approximately 1,600 people attended the inaugural Great Bend Earth Day Celebration, held last year at Great Bend Zoo. Such a successful event begs the question, what can be done for an encore? Earth Day Celebration organizers are ready to embark on that challenge!

Three Great Bend businesses, located on north Main Street, are joining efforts once again to host Great Bend Earth Day Celebration this spring at Great Bend Zoo. The Zoo, Rosewood ECycle, and Great Bend Dairy Queen have scheduled the event for April 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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“Last year was so incredible that it will be hard to match those numbers again,” said Great Bend Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick. “But I’m confident we will have another successful event, and even have the opportunity to offer more this year, compared to last year.”

Great Bend Earth Day Celebration benefited last year by Smoky Hills PBS incorporating its ‘Family Fun Day’ into the event that included an appearance by Curious George who met and mingled with children. He was a popular draw to go along with booths and activities by Rosewood ECycle, Heartland Farm, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Great Bend Zoological Society, Women for Kansas, and the ‘Read With Me’ program in Great Bend.

Many of those same vendors have expressed interest in returning for this year’s Earth Day event, which is geared toward children, but all family members are welcome to participate. Great Bend Dairy Queen will once again issue a coupon for a free kid’s cone to all youth participants that day.

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“We’re excited that many of last year’s vendors have committed to returning this spring,” said Burdick. “We encourage other businesses and organizations to sign up and celebrate this day with us. We anticipate a lot of children and families will attend again this year.”

Burdick said Great Bend Zoo can supply tables for vendor booths. In case of inclement weather, the staff will also offer indoor vendor space.

Great Bend Earth Day Celebration, which occurs on the official 53rd anniversary of Earth Day, is a come-and-go event that is free to the public. Businesses and organizations that want to participate in the celebration can contact Burdick at 620-793-4226, or e-mail her at zoocurator@greatbendks.net. The deadline for booth sign-up is April 1. 

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For more information, contact Ashley Burdick, Great Bend Zoo Curator, zoocurator@greatbendks.net, 620-793-4226

January 25, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club is conducting a blanket drive as a way to help children in need. Now through March 31, Rosewood Miracle Workers are accepting new blankets, quilts, and homemade blankets. They are also accepting monetary donations, which will be used to purchase additional blankets.

Once the drive is completed, Rosewood AKTION Club members will deliver donations to two area agencies: Family Crisis Center and Barton County Health Department.

All donated blankets and monetary donations can be delivered during regular business hours to one of two locations in downtown Great Bend: Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main; or Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main.

“Our drive has become so important to the organizations we provide blankets to each year,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “Blankets provide comfort to children, especially in their most vulnerable times. Our AKTION Club members recognize the importance of this drive to area children and they are hoping for another successful community campaign.”

Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood members to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

Find more about Rosewood Services online, http://rosewoodservices.com

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

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Access Rosewood AKTION Club Blanket Drive Flier at http://rosewoodservices.com/assets/files/AKTION_CLUB_2023_blanket_FLIER.pdf

For more information, contact Frankie Pelster, Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor, employmentspecialist@rosewoodservices.com, 620-603-6502

January 23, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club’s Coloring Book and Crayon Drive, conducted last fall, resulted in record amounts of giving to children across Barton County and beyond. The drive was bolstered by two organizations, UnitedHealthcare and Great Bend High School’s National Honor Society, conducting their own drives to add to this year’s total.

From the collective efforts, Rosewood AKTION Club coloring book and crayon drive netted 1,719 coloring books and 1,719 crayons (the same amount for each item). Crayon donations shattered last year’s record by more than 1,000 boxes. Coloring books exceeded last year’s record by more than 200.

“I’m amazed at the caring and giving spirit of this community,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “Each year we conduct this drive for children in need and each year we seem to break records in donations. We could not carry forward this important drive without the participating by all the people and organizations that have gotten behind our drive each year. Thank you everyone for your participation.”

Items from the annual drive, which wrapped up at the end of November, have been donated to organizations in Barton County. Rosewood AKTION Club split the deliveries among Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington; Saint Francis Ministries, Great Bend, and to more than a dozen area preschools and daycares.

For the fourth consecutive year, the coloring book drive became a fun competition as Rosewood AKTION Club challenged Rosewood employees to generate donations for the drive. Community donations were counted in the AKTION Club’s collection, while Rosewood employees in Day Services, Residential and Administration each collected coloring books and crayons for their respective teams. Rosewood AKTION Club unseated Day Services as champion, thanks to the large community donations received this year. Rosewood AKTION Club accounted for 1,019 coloring books and 1,224 boxes of crayons. Rosewood Day Services, the three-time defending champion, gave a resilient effort with 564 coloring books and 342 boxes of crayons donated.

“We have fun with the competition, but we all win with this drive every year when children are able to receive these donated items at their trying times,” said Pelster. “Our AKTION Club members are so thankful to Rosewood employees and our community members for stepping up to bring smiles to children’s faces.” 

Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood representatives to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

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Find more about Rosewood Services online, http://RosewoodServices.com
Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices, facebook.com/RosewoodServices 

For more information, contact Frankie Pelster, Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor, employmentspecialist@rosewoodservices.com, 620-603-6502

January 19, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com