V-A Beta Club steps up to help fire victims

Derrick Miller
The Duncan Banner

VELMA April 21, 2009 12:45 am

— VELMA — On April 9, fires destroyed 15 homes in the Velma community. The following Monday, members of the Velma-Alma Beta Club knew they had to help those in need.
V-A Beta Club Advisor Denise Thompson said, “Our kids wanted to do something to help. They came in that Monday and said ‘We have to do something.’”
The quick-acting students brainstormed and developed the idea of having a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the 12 students and one staff member who lost their homes in the fires. The spaghetti dinner will go from 5 to 7 p.m. today in the school district’s safe room.
Thompson said the event will also feature many things beyond spaghetti. For instance, the club is sponsoring a cake walk and the elementary classes will have themed baskets for a silent auction. There will also be a dunk tank, which has many people willing to take a dive, including V-A Superintendent Jerry Garrett.
While the event might be a service project for the Beta Club, the helping hands extend far beyond the high school hallways.
“The whole school is helping,” Thompson said.
She said teachers have donated group beef and a business donated garlic bread for the occasion. Putting on the benefit dinner will accrue only a minimal amount of out-of-pocket expenses, Thompson said.
By having the majority of the benefit paid for outside of the Beta Club, most of the money raised will be able to go to the students and the teacher.
“Almost everything we’re using has been donated,” she said.
Thompson said everyone has taken an interest in the project because of the concern for the students.
“The kids basically lost everything they’ve had,” she said.
Among the items lost to fire were the cap and gown belonging to a senior. These items were replaced by the cap and gown company.
While people can buy tickets at the door for a set cost, there are other ways people can give for the cause. A donation box will be set up at the benefit.
People can also mail donations to the V-A Beta Club at P.O. Box 8, Velma, OK 73491. Thompson said people should specify that the funds are for the benefit.
She said she is excited about the program because it will be another demonstration of the Velma community coming together in spite of hardships.
The Beta Club students were just an example.
“They’re good kids,” Thompson said.