Writing competition seeking more arena seats

Dear editor,

I recently had the pleasure of offering a writing competition for the children of Innisfil, giving them a chance to win their name on an Arena Seat in Innisfil's new Recreation Complex. I personally sponsored 7 seats to give to these children and asked four other people from the community to help me judge the stories because I knew that it would be a challenge to select only 7 winners from the entries. However, I never expected the outpouring of emotion, pride and respect from all the children who entered. Their parents, siblings & families should be very proud of these children. I know that the four judges from the community I asked to help me select the winners agonized with me how to select 7 children only. cry, others smile and others made you feel excited to see the anticipation of the opening of recreation complex through the eyes of a child. What was surprising is that 75% of these children did not want the seat for themselves they wanted it to honour someone else. The response was so good, and there are so many well deserving children who wrote in.

We need more sponsors to fulfill their requests to have an opportunity to name a seat for someone they love. I am putting out a community plea for more residents and/or businesses to help me grant the wishes of these children by sponsoring a seat for each of them.

I need businesses who are interested in fostering community pride in the children of today or 62 more residents to come forward to donate just $300 each to sponsor a seat for a child from our community ~ their stories will touch your life for years to come. You will get an income tax donation for your pledge, but the children will receive the hope they need to believe in themselves & to go after their dreams.

I know there are many readers out there who are able to help - maybe you haven't thought of sponsoring a seat because you weren't interested in personal recognition, but please reach out to sponsor one now to fulfill the wish of a child.

We never know how one little act of kindness can have a ripple affect on others. Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give". Call the Rec Centre Campaign Office at 436-6145 and ask to sponsor a seat for one of Donna's kids.

Many thanks to Bill Hubbard from the Legion, Susan Baues of the Cookstown Library, Michelle Minnoch & the Innisfil Scope and Kate MacDonald for agreeing to sign on for the difficult task of judging the entries. Special thanks to the local schools for their assistance and St. Francis of Assisi Grade 8 Class.

Mostly I want to Thank ALL the children who entered - never give up on your dreams. I am so proud of each & every one of you!

Donna Orsatti

The winners of this Writing Campaign will be notified shortly and their letters posted in the Innisfil Scope.

A copy of all the entries will be compiled into a keepsake book & on display in the Innisfil Recreation Complex.