I recently stopped by a PNC Bank branch to drop off a $50 check for the KDKA Turkey Fund. I was thinking back through the years, and wondered how many years this fund has been collected. The answer is 40 years, and this was my 40th year to donate.
The premise is simple: lots of families in the Pittsburgh area are food insufficient every day, and the Turkey Fund helps them to have enough to share with family and friends on Thanksgiving, a true American holiday. By the way, the fund has raised nearly $19 million dollars in those 40 years, which feeds a lot of folks!
I can remember my first contribution in 1981. I was newly married, and my (late) husband and I saw the advertisement on television, requesting a $10 donation. Back in 1981, $10 went a lot further than it does now! We were happy to give. For years thereafter, even when Scott was dying of cancer for almost 3 years, and he had no income, only a lot of medical bills, and I was working many extra jobs, we managed to scrape together the donation. Why? Because food is important. Family is important. And sharing is important.
I am sure that many other cities across the United States have similar programs, but this is the one that touches my heart. Thanksgiving is still 10 days away. There is still time to share with others in your own community or in the Pittsburgh community.
For information on giving to the Pittsburgh KDKA Turkey Fund, check out this link:
https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/kdka-tv-turkey-fund/
For information about the 40 year history of The Turkey Fund, follow this link:
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
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