Troop Report - 4KQ Variety Special Children's Christmas Party

[Staffylove]

Lisa Callahan
I wish I could thank all of you personally, but obviously I can't. My 8 year old autistic son is Star Wars obsessed, and yesterday was the first time we've ever seen the characters live. Every single person, in character and in Garrison shirts, was wonderfully patient, polite and very accomodating for photos. You probably don't realise how much of an impact you have on children like mine, but you literally made his day. It was truly a dream come true, and something I could never give him. For you all to stay in costume, through the stifling heat, and still be dancing to the music and posing for endless photos, well you deserve a medal. I am even teary as i write this, because you gave us an experience Erich (and myself) will never forget. As hard as it is to be a parent to a child with difficulties, yesterday made it all worth it. I just cannot thank you all enough, from the bottom of my heart. You are all wonderul. We will be watching your FB site for future appearances from now on. Please pass on my thanks to all those in costume, and feel good knowing how much you meant to my little boy, not to mention the other thousands of children who attended. You are special people.
Warmest regards...Lisa XXX

I cannot describe how that makes me feel. I'm not sure I have ever felt this good about something.
*sniff*
Thanks for posting that mate.

So it seems I *can* thank you all of you personally

I am the mum who wrote the above message Beanie posted, and I meant every word of it. I cannot thank you enough for your dedication and professionalism (and patience). It was only towards the end of the day that I noticed all the 501st shirts around the characters, and thought I'd google it when I got home. I was overwhelmed to read you all volunteer your time...you do this for the love of children, not for money. You are an incredible group of people, and I left that message in the hope that you see how appreciated you really are...not just by the children, but by us parents too. You gave my son an experience money can't buy. You made his make-believe world of Star Wars magically come to life. He turned 8 last week, and I bought him a boxed set of Star Wars novels (for kids). They have pride of place beside his pillow on his bed...and to see these characters in the flesh was something we never thought we'd see. I love you all for making him so happy yesterday, and for bringing a smile to thousands of other little faces. THANK YOU.