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Makayla Rambo, 8, takes her turn on at the dunking booth. (By Benjamin S. Rossi / brossi@jessminejournal.com / June 16, 2012) |
Saturday had “pitch” perfect conditions for everyone at the dunking booth of the inaugural Granny Ruby’s Daycare spring carnival, mother Charlotte Rambo said.
Her daughter, 8-year-old Makayla, was one of the early targets at the booth; Makayla attends the day-care center.
“Today is important because they are raising money to go to the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital, and this carnival was a really good way to do that,” Charlotte Rambo said. “The talent show has really been our favorite part of the day so far.”
Rambo was out with several of her sons and daughter and said they were more than happy to volunteer while also enjoying the carnival.
“I was really happy with the turnout; there were many more than we expected to come out,” director Lisa Henderson said. “Hopefully it just keeps growing and growing.”
Henderson said she estimates around 150 people — families with multiple children who attend the school and workers, too — came out to the day care’s benefit for the hospital.
“Next year, we may pick another worthy charity,” she said.
The proceeds from this year’s spring carnival garnered approximately $500, Henderson said.
For a minimal price, visitors could purchase tickets and enjoy food, a petting zoo, a bouncing castle, a silent auction and a raffle, and compete in a talent show.
“Originally, the plan for the carnival was just going to be a big ‘thank you’ to the parents and kids and a way to kick off summer,” owner Tonia Barnes said Saturday. “But we decided to open it up for everyone and do a silent auction that would be a benefit to others.”
The day care picked the UKCH because several of their children go there for one reason or another and it seemed like the obvious first choice, Barnes said.
“We couldn’t have done it without our volunteers and generous donation of the land by the Carry Group,” she said.
The Carry Group was not the only one to pitch in and help make the spring carnival a success. The Nicholasville Fire Department’s Station No. 1 had a truck on display and answered children’s questions while giving them a tour of the inside of the fire engine.
Barnes also said many local business including Lowe’s, Bob Evans and Big Boy donated for the silent auction; even some Lexington businesses pitched in, she said.
“It’s a big thank you,” Barnes said. “We’re here and a part of Nicholasville; this is our way to give back.”
