Playing pool, video games and tossing beanbags were just a few of the activities 100 attendees of this summers Special Tuesday participated in June 6. <\/p>\n
The event, in its 23rd year, is organized by Volunteer Ascension and event creator Bobbie Blanchard. <\/p>\n
Blanchard started the event in 1994 to give her physically-challenged grandson, Beau Porto, a chance to experience a day of playing in a friendly environment. <\/p>\n
He was already going to a school for children with disabilities, but we wanted a place where he could play, Blanchard said. We wanted kids with disabilities to feel comfort while playing and not be afraid of being made fun of. <\/p>\n
Blanchard began with five children playing at her house. Special Tuesday grew over the years. School gyms in Ascension Parish became host buildings. <\/p>\n
This year Special Tuesday is being held at Gonzales Primary. <\/p>\n
Sherry Denig, executive director of Volunteer Ascension, has enjoyed working with Blanchard over the years. Volunteer Ascension has taken over some of the organizing responsibilities. <\/p>\n
Denig said, Volunteer Ascension is bringing manpower to Special Tuesdays with our ConnecTeens. They are a group of teenage volunteers helping out at various events. We have 15 volunteers here today with 10 from ConnecTeens. <\/p>\n
This year we added more games and activities to help the youth get to know the participants one-one-one, Denig said. We added things such as line dancing so they can be active with the participants. <\/p>\n
Blanchard is glad Volunteer Ascension has taken over Special Tuesday. <\/p>\n
I had kidney cancer five years ago, and Im having a few health setbacks, Blanchard said. Volunteer Ascension has helped Special Tuesdays to keep going. <\/p>\n
Volunteer Sherrie Jenkins son, 20-year-old Braylan Jenkins, has participated in Special Tuesday events since he was 10 years old. <\/p>\n
One of the best things Ive ever done is volunteer for this program, Jenkins said. As a mom, I think this is wonderful because there is nothing else like this in Ascension Parish for people with disabilities. <\/p>\n
Braylan Jenkins agrees he likes the event. I like doing this, and I look forward to it every summer, he said. <\/p>\n
Kittyanna Walker, 13, of Gonzales, is one of the ConnecTeens helping out. I heard Special Tuesdays was a pretty fun event to help with. I love giving out goodwill. Ive met a lot of people, and they are awesome. <\/p>\n
Devon Cooper, 14, enjoyed his day playing pool. Ive had a good time, he said. <\/p>\n
ConnecTeen volunteer, Amaire Anderson, 12, passed out lunches to attendees. <\/p>\n
I wanted to follow in my sister's footsteps, Anderson said. I wanted to refresh my mind in the summer and get a chance to meet new people. I plan on coming back because its a good opportunity for teens and kids to become more than they think they are. <\/p>\n
Amaire's sister, Alexis, 14 manned the popcorn machine. <\/p>\n
Ive volunteered for three years, Alexis said. I thought it was very interesting and told my sister about it. I find it fun to help people, and I can satisfy their needs here. I try to make sure they are happy. Im really proud of my sister for joining with me. <\/p>\n
Special Tuesday will continue throughout June. On June 27, the program will conclude with a Mardi Gras parade at Gonzales Primary. <\/p>\n
For information or to make donations, visit volunteerascension.org. <\/p>\n
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Feeling special: Volunteers, attendees connect through summer program - The Advocate<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Playing pool, video games and tossing beanbags were just a few of the activities 100 attendees of this summers Special Tuesday participated in June 6. Continue reading