To the editor:

On behalf of the Pilot Club of Great Bend, I would like to say a heartfelt “Thank you” to all our loyal customers who each year purchase our geraniums and citrosa plants. Delivery of the geraniums will be May 5 this year.

The proceeds from this community fundraiser allows our service club to continue with our many events and projects in the community, benefiting young and old alike. Though our focus is on education and awareness of brain-related disorders, illnesses and injuries, we work in all facets of our community. With funds received from the sale of geraniums we were able to make survival and care kits for the homeless in Barton County, and to purchase and give away bike helmets to children. During this difficult pandemic year we found ways to still support the drive for school supplies, emergency aid, the Barton County food bank, BCC food pantry, the Great Bend High School hygiene closet and food pantry, and the Library Summer Reading Program. We donated funds and took part in last October’s virtual and drive-by Walk to End Alzheimer’s event. Our Warm Embrace project had Pilots making from home over 40 blankets and quilts that were given to children in Foster Care.

We took the opportunity to recognize and thank the health-care caregivers in our county with gifts of kindness called “PICK ME UPS.” The pandemic hurt many and these professional nurses, physicians and staff at the three county hospitals, The Center for Counseling and Consultation and Barton County Health Department should be recognized for the tireless work to care for those ill, in need and finally vaccinated against the pandemic.

Only from our community’s support and purchase of our geraniums can we continue to live up to our motto: “Do More. Care More. Be More.”  Thank you for making this possible.  

Rhonda Knudson 

President of Pilot Club of Great Bend