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"This is Blytheville" actually explains a lot
To the editor:
This is a response to the letter to the editor from George Lafond in the March 14 Courier News.
Mr. Lafond, you shared that you moved to Blytheville less than four months ago and you have been asked "why did you move here?" First, I would like to welcome you to Blytheville and to your new home.
You also stated that you thought the answer you received to your questions from some people was strange when they replied, "This is Blytheville." Apparently, some people don't know Blytheville as I know Blytheville.
This is a community of less than 16,000 people who care about each other. To share some examples, I will start with the ESA/St. Jude Radio/Cablethon that raised $7,500 in 1979 and has grown to over $250,000 this year. This community continues to shock all the employees from ALSAC/St. Jude who ask how we do that, and our answer is, "This is Blytheville."
My friend, Cecil Holifield, became very sick, and Mike Huffman wrote one short letter to the editor about his situation. Over $30,000 was raised in a very short time. How can one short letter raise that kind of money? The answer is, "This is Blytheville."
The same type of response happened to Eddie Ford when there was a walk-a-thon for him raising over $25,000. There was a blood drive for Paul Newell years ago when he had cancer and over 100 pints were given for him in one day. The same thing happened in 1985 for Hunter Glen Rounsaville after he was in a serious auto accident when he was a young boy. We have had several blood drives since then, and Lifeblood continues to be amazed at how, or why, that the response has always exceeded their expectations, and the only answer that we have is "This is Blytheville."
The Blytheville Chamber of Commerce recently had their annual banquet and 468 people were fed that evening. No community with our population supports their Chamber any better. Why? "This is Blytheville."
Relay for Life continues to raise over $100,000 a year for the American Cancer Society, which continues to be in awe each and every year. Why? "This is Blytheville."
On any given night, we can go the Sportsplex and see several hundred people watching baseball, softball or soccer (bringing many visitors to our community), and they ask how we have one of the best facilities in the state, and the answer is, "This is Blytheville."
Over 40 people took water and food to the stranded drivers on I-55 when the interstate became impassable a couple of weeks ago. Why? "This is Blytheville."
On April 4, there will be a fundraiser for Chuck at the Ritz (which seats 400). No, I don't have to give Chuck's last name because "This is Blytheville." If you really want to see why "This is Blytheville," I would like to invite you as my special guest to attend this event. We will need to get there early if we want a seat. By the way, let me warn you before you attend the Ritz that it needs some cosmetic work. I'm sure that our city leaders would welcome you with open arms to volunteer your time and talent to help. To borrow a phrase from one of our presidents, "Ask not what our city can do for you, but ask what you can do for your city."
I could go on and on about the things that are happening in Blytheville. However, one thing for sure: If you ever need a helping hand, for any reason, we will step forward because ... "This is Blytheville."
Mr Lafond, I suggest you get involved and become a part of our caring and supportive community and understand why I can say with pride, when asked, "Where do you live?" and my response is "I live here because, 'This is Blytheville!'"
I'm pretty excited about your letter. If you were able to write that type of letter after four months of living in our city, it is an indication that you are a man who would like to make changes. I personally can get you involved with our city leaders, civic clubs and introduce you to everyone that wants to make Blytheville a better place. I am so sorry that your perception is what it is and would enjoy meeting with you for your positive ideas.
My email address is bill.kenner@att.net