Making the Best of Things…!
Coach John Wooden is one of my favorite people to quote because he had a unique perspective on work and performance. Winning ten national college basketball championships in twelve years qualified Coach Wooden to advise others on matters pertaining to work and achievements.
He is quoted to have said, “Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out”. 
This quote is packed with wisdom and defines the attitude we “Friends” exemplify. For ten plus years there has been very few experiences when things did not turn out for the best. Our history overflows with amazing stories of great results…because we made the best of things we encountered.
Just a few weeks ago, the Pathway Project was canceled due to scheduling issues regarding the Copey students’ visas. Things appeared impossible! Plan B was being implemented when word came that the scheduling was changed, visas were approved, and all issues resolved. This put the Pathway Project back on track. The Pathway is open!
Now we are faced with the challenge to financially support this project. And, we are optimistic. Coach Wooden said…“we are here to make the best of things”.
Compared to previous years, our financial needs this year are relatively small. Our earlier fundraising efforts for the scholarships and salary support goals were met and we accummulated about $2,800.00 in surplus funds. This surplus is being applied to the 2024 Pathway Project. Conservatively calculated, we need another $1,700.00 to fully fund air travel, local transportation including car rental, two to three nights of hotel lodging, and additional funding to cover some meal expenses, sight seeing, and entertainment cost for two students and their chaperone. Their trip schedule is projected to start June 9th or 10th heading to Washington, D.C. and then travel to southwest Virginia on June 12th and return home later in the week close to June 19th (approximately 10-12 days).
If You Have Already Donated….!
The good news is we already have more than half of the money we need in hand. More than 80% of our regular donors have already donated this year as is reflected in the surplus. I do not expect or encourage these financial donors to give again. Therefore, our real challenge is to raise the balance of funds needed with limited donor potential. If you are a past donor and have not made a donation this year, there is no better time than now. We are fully committed to the 2024 Pathway Project and are blessed to have the Copey students preparing to travel. I am calling on supporters to help but I am also prepared to raise the needed funds using alternative measures with assistance provided by local “Friends” within my area. We are “here to make the best of things.”
The 2024 Pathway Project Goal…!
Goal $4,500.00 Current $2,800.00 Need $1,700.00 Deadline June 24, 2024
2024 Pathway Project Donation Guidelines
If writing a check or money order, please make your donation payable to the TCI Kiwanis Foundation. Include in the memo section: “Pathway Project/FOC” .
Mail to: Carol Barnard, 404 Birch Avenue, Richland, WA 99352
Or
Send donation via PayPal to: cbarnard@charter.net
Also, include in the memo section: “TCI Foundation/Pathway Project/FOC”. Please provide your donation at the earliest opportunity as the need is urgent.
Reminder:
Please “DO NOT” make the check or money order payable to Friends of Copey OR to Arthur Broady. Payable only to TCI Kiwanis Foundation. Use only these two methods of submittal to ensure all funds are deposited into the TCI Kiwanis Foundation’s account. The TCI Kiwanis Foundation’s Treasurer, Julie Meek, will account for all donations received and pay out all expenses as has been done in the past.
The Foundation is a 501c3 organization and each donor will receive a confirmation letter and tax verification.
“It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.” By Coach John Wooden