Kids Hope Winterfest at the Gazebo

Saturday, February 12 proved to be a wonderfully fun and satisfying winter celebration. Beautiful weather, beautiful grounds and 180 wonderful people showed up at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland, Michigan, to sled, snowshoe, ride a hay wagon and the big hit…take a ride in a dog sled.

It was evident everywhere you looked that the crowd was having a great time as laughter and smiles could be heard and seen everywhere. Hot chocolate flowed; the bonfire was as warm as the friendships and camaraderie! Almost everyone went home with a stomach full of chili, hot dogs and cookies, as well as memories of the fun had with family. The many mentors who came to enjoy Michigan’s Winter Wonderland with the kids they mentor also made great memories that day.

Organized by Central Wesleyan Church Kids Hope USA program, Director Steve Whitney reported that his leadership team "outdid itself" this year. Steve said, "We almost doubled our attendance compared to last year, and it looks like we will definitely need to do this event again in 2012"

We wish to thank:

• The Ottawa County Mentoring Collaborative for running the snowshoe course.
• Norm Webber, Kim Gentry, Steven and Kari Dresseler and Terry Perysian for bringing and running the dog sled event.
• Mike Bos and his small group from Central Wesleyan who prepared and served the food.
• Janet Drooger, Jeremy Meyer and Paul Shultz for photographing the event.