HIKE News

On May 15, 2004 Bethel #31 of Beatrice, NE with help from Bethel's #60 of Lincoln and #8 of Hastings conducted a HIKE Ceremony in their Bethel room for 11 year old Chelsea Sedlacek and her family. She was presented with a large copy of the check for her hearing device, a certificate of recognition and others gifts from the HIKE Committee and the Bethels. Refreshments were then enjoyed by all present.

During the regular meeting of Bethel #63 of Lincoln, NE held on May 6, 2004, 18 year old Adam Overton was recognized as a HIKE recipient.

At the Nebraska "Spring Celebration" held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Lincoln, NE on April 24^th, Bethel #27 assisted by Bethel #5 performed a special HIKE ceremony. Nine year old Samantha Fruh was presented with a certificate, copy of the check and gifts from the HIKE Committee and the Bethels.

Samantha gave the Daughters the following thank you note. "Hello my name is Sam. I'd like to thank Job's Daughters for helping me to get my hearing aids. When I was 6 years old and in kindergarten my parents found out I had a hearing loss. My hearing aids are great to my ears. I can hear much better. Thank you very much."

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SOUTH DAKOTA

On December 13, 2003, the families of Emily Tillma and Travis Folmer were invited to lunch with Job's Daughters from Aberdeen and Webster, SD. Honored Queen Rachel D. Of Bethel #28 of Webster presented a HIKE award to Emily Tillma. Erica H. the Guide of Bethel #3 of Aberdeen presented a HIKE award to Travis Folmer. The South Dakota HIKE Chairman, Lana C. presented both of the children with HIKE bears.

Valerie Gabel was presented a HIKE award by Bethel's #62 and #60 of Lincoln, NE. Hedi W., HQ of #62 assisted by Meghan K. Daughter HIKE Coordinator and Melissa H. Miss Nebraska Job's Daughter presided over the presentation and presented Valerie with several gifts including a Care Bear and a Hike Christmas ornament. Valerie is the fourth of five youngsters and enjoyed the special attention and the refreshments that followed the presentation. Mrs. Gabel and Valerie later attended a HIKE Benefit Concert and expressed her appreciation to HIKE for helping with the hearing device.

A thank you was received from the family for the money enabling them to get Valerie a hearing aid. The mother wrote "We treasure hearing her talk and sing now in her sweet little voice. Your kindness will never be forgotten. The Care Bear was a thoughtful gesture and she loves it. The Christmas ornament will be one I will always treasure. Thank you!"

Bethel #6 of Kearney, NE with assistance from Bethel #44 of Lexington conducted a Nebraska HIKE Ceremony for Alice Sweat and her mother, Mary. HQ Beth S. presided with Christy T., Daughter Hike Coordinator and Melissa H., Miss Nebraska Job's Daughter. Mary expressed her thanks to HIKE for providing the funds for Alice's hearing device. She noted that HIKE had helped with a hearing device for Alice when she was six years old.

Bethel #8 of Hastings, NE conducted a Nebraska HIKE Ceremony for Lindsay Garvin and her parents Russell and Delcie. GBHQ Chelsea B., Daughter Hike Coordinators, Christy T. and Meghan K., and Melissa H., Miss Nebraska Job's Daughter made the presentation. Lindsay thanked HIKE for helping with her hearing device and shared her health impairments. She is active in her school marching band, pep band, concert band, and works in an assisted living home. She plans on attending college this fall, pursuing a nursing career. She shared some of the efforts that she has had to apply to overcome her impairments and lead an active normal life. Lindsay attended Nebraska's HIKE Benefit Concert and spoke briefly on behalf of HIKE.

Members of Bethel's #37 of Ainsworth and #47 of Valentine, NE hosted a HIKE presentation in honor of Lindsey Jelinek and her family, parents Chris and Erin, and brother Brandon. Erin expressed her thanks to HIKE for providing some of the funds for Lindsey's cochlear implant. She noted the difference it has made in Lindsey's activities and talking. Her parents acknowledged that Lindsey still "tunes them out" when she doesn't want to hear or understand.

Brianna Robidoux was presented with her HIKE award at the annual HIKE Style Show and Luncheon held at the Tangier Shrine Center in Omaha. Job's Daughters from Omaha, Nebraska Bethel's #1, #13, #18, #33, #53, #63 and Iowa Bethel #1 of Council Bluffs attended the event. Brianna's mother Amy and her little sister were in attendance. Miss Nebraska Job's Daughter Melissa and Denise H. Adult HIKE Coordinator assisted with the presentation. Amy thanked HIKE and the Job's Daughters for providing funds for Brianna's hearing device.

HQ Katie R of Bethel #39 of Columbus, NE presided over the HIKE ceremony for Derek Smejkal and his parents, Scott and Donette, and sister, Summer. Daughter HIKE Coordinators Christy T. and Meghan K. assisted. Donette thanked HIKE for the award. She noted that in the short time that he has had them, he has changed a lot - more attentive, less loud talking and TV, more talkative, and less aggression. She noted that HIKE has been very generous to her family as her daughter, Summer, received a HIKE award in November 2002. She is very appreciative for all the effort the Job's Daughters and HIKE have gone through to help her two youngsters.

A thank you letter was received from Derek's parents again expressing their thanks. "Your supportive donation has allowed us to have hearing aids for our son. With your contribution, you have helped be a part of a very positive change for our son and ultimately our whole family. We will remember you and the HIKE Fund in the years ahead, as we would like to donate monetary gifts as a token of our thankfulness. Again, thank you for your support and donation. It is greatly appreciated!"

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Thank You February 2004
Sumitted by Guardian, Donna Goede Bethel #43

Missouri - Thank you very much for giving Chelsea (Johnson) the opportunity to receive new hearing aids. I know they will benefit her more than we could ever express. She is so excited to get them and start experiencing what it is like to have hearing closer to that of a normal hearing child. We don't know how to fully thank you and everyone that was involved in the process of getting Chelsea the donation. It is such a wonderful thing that the young women of Job's Daughters and the HIKE, Inc. Foundation do for the hearing impaired population! I was overwhelmed by the amount of money the young women raise! thank you again and please extend our thanks to everyone that was involved. Keep up the great work!!

Sincerely,
Charlene Johnson, Chelsea Johnson and Alex Johnson

See HIKE News January for Article & Photo

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Thank You

Wisconsin - A very nice letter was received from a teacher of the hearing impaired who also happens to be a PHQ of Bethel #9 in Wauwatosa. One of her students received an award from our Hike Fund. She knows how important Hike is allowing children the opportunity to reach their full potential during these important years of growth. Developing a positive self-esteem is so vital, so having suitable, modern equipment really helps. She expressed her extreme pleasure in seeing Job’s Daughters coordinating such a great and worthwhile program, and wishes us continued success and encouragement to continue this program.

New Hampshire - A letter from the mother of a young girl was received expressing her thanks for our extreme generosity in allowing them to purchase an FM Micro-Link System for her daughter. “Our family was so thrilled to receive your letter and to know that we have reached our goal. We cannot thank Job’s Daughters and the HIKE Fund enough.”

New York - The following letter was received from a recipient of a HIKE award: “I wanted to thank you for donating the money to pay for my personal hearing aids-Sensos. I was amazed to hear that you approved my application. My family and I really appreciate all your help. When I got my own Sensos I was so excited to hear everything again. So, I would like to tell you that HIKE is a wonderful organization to support people and help them meet their needs. I would like to thank all the HIKE volunteers for their hard work and for helping to make it possible. I am now attending Gallaudet University as a freshman and studying to become a teacher. I have volunteered as a deaf-blind interpreter there to help as community service. My hearing aids have been a great help in making my dream of becoming a teacher possible. Thank you so much again.”

Iowa - “Thank you so much for my hearing aids. They are working very well for me. I know that I will be able to achieve more in my schoolwork and everything else that I do. Thank you again for helping me and my parents.”

Maine - “On behalf of our son we would like to thank the Hike Fund for their generous check of $4,000. We are greatly appreciative for these monies, and we were able to purchase new digital hearing aids for him. The members of your organization have made an enormous impact in the life of our son, they have given him the gift of ‘hearing’! We are ever so grateful!”

Virginia - “Thank you so much for the gift of our daughter’s hearing aids. The look on her face when she heard her first word with them was priceless to us. Thanks to the HIKE Fund and all you do. Hopefully she will start talking soon. God bless you and all you do.”

Utah - “Dear Hike, Thank you so much for your generous contribution towards my son’s hearing aids! This donation has taken a huge stress off of my family. I’m sure my son’s aids will impact his life greatly. I just can’t say thanks enough. Thank You!!!”

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THANK YOU SEPT 2003

Thank you notes received from families of HIKE recipients.

From the family of Tyler Cray: "Of all the ways that gratitude and thanks can be expressed, the little phrase 'God bless you' somehow seems to be the best. Thank you for all your hard work!"

Card received from Kristin Murray, mother of recipient Tyler Murray: "With special thanks to all of you. I want to thank all of you, not just for what you did, which was wonderful, but for the warmth and the caring you put into it. You're all very special people. Thanks for making me feel special, too."

"Please thank the girls who helped raise money for Tyler's hearing aids. Again I thank you so much for everything all of you have done. I hope someday we can give such a wonderful gift to someone who needs our help! Sincerely, Kristin Murray."

From Tyler Murray: "Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for working so hard to raise money for my hearing aids."

From Alisa, Tony and Bobby Hake: "To all the Job's Daughters, our family was on the receiving end of a very generous check from the HIKE Fund. We would like to tell you how truly grateful we are that you helped us to provide hearing aids for our son, who is soon to be eight months old. While words cannot express our thanks adequately, we wanted you to know how much we appreciate your hard work. These hearing aids will help our son hear within normal range and will help him develop language skills more easily. Again thank you!"

Thank You from Mark and Kelli Hoefler: "We are writing this letter to say thank you for the donation for our son's hearing aids. We cannot begin to express our gratitude. You have bridged a gap for us. You and your organization have given a little boy a chance at having a normal childhood. Our son will now have the opportunity to make friends and have a full relationship with his family. We can hardly wait for the day for him to hear us say, "I love you" something he has never heard before. We wish there was more that we could do to say thank you!! Please extend our most sincere thanks to any person who was involved in making this happen. Once again thank you so much."

From Danielle Winslow: "The words seem very simple but they carry with them all my appreciation. Thank you for everything. Thank you everyone at the HIKE Fund for all your hard work and generosity for funding my new hearing aids. These hearing aids are really helping me in high school.
Sincerely, Danielle Winslow."

A Thank You Note to the Colorado HIKE Choir: "On behalf of The Colorado Rockies Baseball Club, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for participating in our pre-game festivities at Coors Field. It was a pleasure to have you as our guest this season. We appreciate your dedication and support of The Colorado Rockies. Thank you for sharing your talents with us all. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. We hope your memories at Coors Field last forever and may all your dreams come true! Best Regards, Angel Field, Promotions and Broadcasting."

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May 2004 Thank You

Thank You Letter Received From Derek Smejkal's Parents

"Dear Bethel #39

"Thank you so much for the very nice presentation you gave Derek on March 7^th, 2004 and for the $3,990 donation for our son's hearing aids! He likes them very much. We are noticing improved hearing ability with the use of the hearing aids at home and in the community. You have helped Derek so much in his language and speech development through your hard work in raising donations for his hearing aids. His daycare providers have reported that he is more talkative and interacts more with the other children now. This is a big difference from last year, when he didn't wear hearing aids, being very quiet and at times aggressive with the other children.

"Thank you also for the many little toy cars/trucks in the basket, the big Tonka dump truck with the Legos, the Tiger stuffed animal and the Christmas ornament. He sleeps with Tiger every night and he loves playing with the cars and truck. Our family will remember that special day for Derek for many years to come.

"Your supportive donation has allowed us to have hearing aids for our son. With your contribution, you have helped be a part of a very positive change for our son and ultimately our whole family. We will remember you and the HIKE fund in the years ahead, as we would like to donate monetary gifts as a token of our thankfulness. Again, thank you for your support and donation. It is greatly appreciated!

"Sincerely, Scott and Donette Smejkal"

Thank You Letter Received From Family of Valerie Gabel

Thank you for being so thoughtful and kind,
For the wonderful way you keep others in mind -
And tucked in this "Thanks" are some warm wishes, too,
For sweet gifts of caring returning to you!

"I just wanted to write a special thank you to you and those people who remembered me during the beautiful ceremony when Valerie was presented the HIKE award. I just love the Christmas ornament and each Christmas when I hang it on the tree, I will think about your generosity and the wonderful way you helped to enable my sweet little Valerie to hear. The Christmas ornament will be one I will always treasure. Mary Ann Gabel"

To the Nebraska HIKE Committee -

"Thank you so much for the HIKE award that was presented to Valerie on November 19. The award was given to us during a beautiful ceremony and we were impressed with many generous gifts that were given to Valerie by Bethel #60 and Bethel #62. We also want to thank you for the framed certificate and cute pink Care Bear that you had given to Valerie. The Care Bear was a thoughtful gesture and she loves it.

"We truly appreciated the entire ceremony, especially the way everyone shined the spotlight on Valerie. With four other siblings she rarely gets all the attention. We also greatly appreciate the ample amount of money that you have given. This has enabled Valerie to get a hearing aid and she will be getting a new digital hearing aid soon. Most importantly, you have enabled her to hear. We treasure hearing her talk and sing now in her sweet little voice. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you!"

Sincerely, John & Mary Ann Gabel

Thank You Letter Received from the Parents of Yazmine Banuelos

On behalf of Yazmine Banuelos and all her family and friends that she has brought such joy to, we give you our sincerest gratitude for the time consuming effort the Job's Daughters' volunteers have put forth to make it possible for Yazmine to experience the childhood that God meant for her to have.

Being a young mother having to face many challenges of life alone, it brings warmth to my heart that organizations such as yours help those in need and those without hope. For me this was one more challenge I believed would cripple my existence; you have brought hope and joy back into the challenge of every day life. Yazmine and the people who love her will forever remember each and every day that your organization was there for us in our most desperate time of need.

Our prayers and thanks go out to all the people who make this world a better place and you are a part of that! Thank you so much!

Sincerely,

Sherry Clark, Arturo Banuelos, Yazmine Banuelos and family and friends.

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	HIKE News 2004
	May	June	July
Thank You	IDAHO	NEBRASKA	MISSOURI
Thank You 2/04	INDIANA	SOUTH DAKOTA	COLORADO
Thank You 9/03	COLORADO
Thank You 5/04	MINNESOTA
	NEBRASKA
	SOUTH DAKOTA

Bethel #18 of Westminster, CO made a HIKE presentation to Avery Thomason. Light refreshments were served as the daughters visited with the family.
On April 24, 2004, Bethel #42 of Cortez celebrated their 10^th birthday Official Visit. The day began in the afternoon with members of Bethel#42 and visitors from the Denver area, Moab, UT, Farmington, NM and AZ at the Anasazi Heritage Center for a HIKE money raising walk. Nearly $3,000 was raised and fun was had by all. That evening at an open meeting an actual HIKE check was presented to Gary Lee Smith, Age 14.
Members of Bethel #5 of Arvada, CO, presented 3 year old Yazmine Banuelos and her parents with a check. It was a rewarding experience for the girls to see a child who needed this money to make her life better. Yazmine's mother presented the Bethel with a thank you letter expressing her sincerest gratitude for our Job's Daughters' volunteers who are there for us in our most desperate time of need.
On April 24, 2004, Bethel #42 of Cortez celebrated their 10^th birthday Official Visit. The day began in the afternoon with members of Bethel#42 and visitors from the Denver area, Moab, UT, Farmington, NM and AZ at the Anasazi Heritage Center for a HIKE money raising walk. Nearly $3,000 was raised and fun was had by all. That evening at an open meeting an actual HIKE check was presented to Gary Lee Smith, Age 14.
Bethel #22 of Aurora, CO made a HIKE award to Tea Ned on April 14^th. Everyone gathered in the east, had a picture taking session, and presented Tea and her family with her check.