2007
Spring Update

Dearest Donors and Friends of the Children,

Thank you for helping the children start out the year so well!

You and your compatriots provided over 1,000 Christmas presents to needy children and they LOVE you for it.  They particularly enjoyed the scooters and the wide variety of dolls. We especially enjoyed seeing each child walk out with a brand new Harper Collins book of their own.

Their Christmas Party in the Cannon Caucus room was a raucous success, as usual.  Afterwards, each of them went home to a fresh Christmas tree donated by George Thomas who drove them up from the tree farm himself.
 
You supplied 28 warm coats to keep the children snuggly all winter. In fact, some children are still wearing them—we think it’s the sequins. 

The children loved their visit to Washington Sport and Health Club where they ran around and bounced on the exercise balls. Miss Angie led her own impromptu aerobics/dance class on the stage where the children could admire themselves in the mirror.

Our brilliant new website is up at running thanks to the creative geniuses at 360jmg. 

The Christmas party at Juleanna Glover-Wise and Jeffrey Wise’s house was wonderful—they raffled off a cocktail party for 40 at Sette Bello with Eric Felten’s famous cocktails.
 
The 2nd Annual Silent Auction at Gloria Dittus’s house sponsored by eTRADE was very successful.  In addition to raising money for the children, our attendees won items such as a Bose Sounddock, a closet makeover, a year’s worth of passes to Twentieth Century Fox Film’s movie premieres, and a box suite for the Redskins/Cowboys game.  Two lucky winners even get to see the finale of Fox’s American Idol live in LA!

Thanks to the hard work of his beloved tutors and friends, Tyrec has been accepted at the prestigious School Without Walls.  He wore his new glasses and a brand new outfit with a tie for his interview. On his way, he told Julie, “I just can’t stop smiling!” And that was before he got in.

Branden’s school, KIPP, helped get him into McLean School in Potomac—with a full ride!

We have admitted a particularly young crop of new children into the program—some are so small they need help getting down the bus steps! To help them learn, our education staff has added a pre-school tutor training to our roster.

The children greatly enjoyed their annual Easter party and egg hunt. Jack dressed up in a bunny suit and only a few of them were scared. Five-year old Mya was so delighted with all of the activities she threw up her hands and said, “I don’t know what to do first—there’s just so MUCH!” She ended up decorating cookies and dying eggs before moving outside to jump rope.

The children are growing and learning and laughing and it’s all because of you. Come see us sometime!

Love and so much thanks,
Karin

How you can help:

1. FIND MENTORS: In response to great need, Horton’s Kids is launching a one-on-one mentoring program for our little darlings.  We still have lots of charming children in need of mentors.  If you know anyone who might like to be a mentor to a child, please have them e-mail: Brenda@hortonskids.org.

2. FIND STAFF: It may seem early but summer camp plans are already underway.  We are looking for an organized leader and child-tamer to be Summer Camp Director and 10 people who love children and don’t mind sweating on a school bus to be Summer Camp Staff.  Please forward the job announcements to anyone you think might be interested.

3. SPONSOR SUMMER CAMP: It costs Horton’s Kids over $850/child for summer camp.  If you would like to help sponsor a child’s six week summer camp filled with learning activities, museum visits, swimming, crafts, and jumping rope, we would love to have your help.  Prospective donors can contact: kern@hortonskids.org.
 
4. GET CURRICULUM: We would like to get the Voyager Expanded Learning curriculum for summer camp but it is very expensive.  If you know anyone at Voyager, Discovery Channel or NASA who may be able to help us, please e-mail: kern@hortonskids.org.

5. SPONSOR A CHILD’S BATHING SUIT AND TOWEL: Since the children love swimming so much, we will be heading back to Francis Pool this summer.  We want them each to start the summer with a brand new bathing suit of their own so if you would like to sponsor a bathing suit and towel for $30, please e-mail: Julie@hortonskids.org.

6. HELP WITH OUR WISH LIST: For more ideas on how to help the children, please see our fantasy wish list.