To the editor:

Sadly, the end of an era for the Pilot Club of Great Bend, who for 35 years brought Spring to Barton County and the Great Bend Community, we announce that 2023 was the end of our geranium sales. 

The Pilot Club is making public to our loyal customers and supporters that this spring the geranium fundraiser is concluded. Due to inability of grower supply and stock, with overwhelming supply chain issues we are unable to provide geraniums to the club for our annual spring fundraiser.

Pilot Club is still strong, and membership is growing while we continue our mission of awareness, education, scholarships, research, prevention, and recognition of caregiver groups and individuals in the area of brain-related health and safety.   

The club’s upcoming focus is the proclamation in March with the Mayor for Brain Awareness Week. Then a proclamation with the County Commissioners for Autism awareness in April Also coming up on Oct. 12 is our Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraiser with the walk for a cure at the square downtown, and the Oct. 5, Autism Workshop “Making a Difference: Autism across the Lifespan.”

The club leadership and all our members appreciate the dedication and generosity of support of our geranium sales. We cannot express enough our true gratitude to the community that has allowed through the support of this fundraiser the ability of our club to promote our mission. Please look for our alternative fundraisers, which we thank you in advance for your support. 

Rhonda Knudson – Vice President 

Pilot Club of Great Bend