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I Have A Dream Foundation
Cedar Bluff Ranch
- Benton, LouisianaI
Have A Dream Video
(.avi format)
Children typically come
from an area of high violence and low income. Children of the Foundation are in
need of mentoring and direction to keep them on the road to success and from
becoming another statistic.
Beginning in February of 2002, Deep
South volunteer employees adopted 19 underprivileged children from the
Foundation. In addition to providing a $5,000 grant to I Have A Dream, David
Disiere opened his 3,000-acre Cedar Bluff Ranch for a weekend to all 19
"Dreamers". Youths ranging in age from 12 to 16 had their first
opportunity to experience life away from the inner city on a real working
ranch. Kim Strausman of Shreveport and Carolyn Hobbs of Dallas coordinated all
activities with team leaders, Craig Rothmeier, Michael Trotter, Andra McGrone
and Al Commodore as well as numerous Dallas and Shreveport employee volunteers.
Activities were geared toward individual and team competitions. The
children participated in horseback riding, sack races, water balloon, egg
throwing contests, tug-o'-war and horseshoes. They toured barns and pens as
David explained the ranching business, selling of cattle, breeding,
reproduction, and life expectancy. "Dreamers" also enjoyed an evening
bonfire, down home barbecue and an impromptu talent show. The goal of the
weekend was to share new experiences, tie business together with the need for
formal education, and keep an eye on high school graduation. David made a firm
commitment to each student that he would track his/her progress and help fund
his/her college education. The children will be returning to the ranch in the
fall for further fun and mentoring.
I
Have A Dream Weekend - Cedar Bluff Ranch Photos
(Click on thumbnail
to enlarge the photo)
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On behalf of the I Have A Dream Foundation, Deep South’s Teresa Disiere and I Have a Dream participant Shamonica Wiggins accepted a check from Dr. Pepper. |
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