4th Annual Parade of Ponds Benefits RENEW’S KARES Program

August 4, 2007 – Sheridan

There was lightning, thunder and rain earlier in the day but, by 6pm, blue skies had replaced an ominous cloud cover. ‘Twas just in time for some three dozen folks to board the trolley at the Sheridan County Travel & Tourism Visitors’ Center to begin their participation in this community’s 4th annual Parade of Ponds Fundraiser.

Thirty minutes later, we were in Story for the first of five stops. Each of those stops included a guided tour of (in the precise parlance of the pond poster) “beautiful ponds, breathtaking waterfalls and stunning gardens”. The hyperbole, if anything, was understated. It was as if we were transported into some magical storybook land. Only by looking at the nearby majestic Big Horns were we reminded that we were indeed in Wyoming.

“An evening of fun and entertainment with food, drink and prizes” was also promised and, once again, no one was disappointed. From wines and cheeses to succulent shrimp and bountiful barbecue to melt in your mouth desserts -- our taste buds were treated to the same sensory overload as the gardenscapes gave our eyes.

And did anyone mention the well over a dozen prize packages awarded to the already fortunate assemblage? Gift certificates, gift baskets, theatre tickets and more served as yet another addition to the memorable evening.

None of the aforementioned would have been possible without the sponsors of the annual event: Rita and Dan Corlis and their “Anything Wood Landscape & Nursery”. Rita and Dan worked tirelessly on every organizational aspect of this 4 & 1/2 hour extravaganza.

Each year, Rita and Dan select a charity that will benefit from the Parade of Ponds proceeds. This year RENEW’s KARES kids program is the recipient of the more than $600 in ticket sales.

KARES Coordinator Catherine Johnson was on hand to personally thank this year’s participants and to tell them that their donation is an important contribution to the program. And now, we have more good news for Catherine. The Corlis’ have informed us that it’s their wish that the KARES program be the permanent beneficiary of the Parade of Ponds Fundraiser.

Rita and Dan, thank you!