LOVE FOR KIDS HOLIDAY PARTY ... a note from Nesa

Thank you for all who attended and served at the FOR THE LOVE OF KIDS event this past Saturday.  This was a fun filled yet, heart tugging event for all.  Saturday morning Circle R Ranch was filled with 3500 kids from across the metro-plex ages 5 – 12.  The kids arrived in 55 yellow school buses after traveling as far away as an hour and 20 mins to get to North Flower Mound.  When they arrived they were no worse for the wear, hitting the ground running and smiles abounding.  As I stood at the entrance and greeted the arriving kids, I was amazed and overwhelmed with the smiling faces, “Merry Christmas wishes”, High Fives and hugs.  I recall thinking these kids have so little, yet they seemed to have fully embraced the meaning of Christmas.  I was beaming with pride of the Lady Jaguars, Parents and Siblings for taking time out of what was likely a busy Saturday for most to represent our team and PAY IT FORWARD.  The Director of the event sought me out three (3) times during the day to say how thankful he was for the Lady Jags and how amazed he was that our team is so giving. He reported that he had noticed the number of community service events we are involved with, “they seem to be endless” he said… With pride I reported …” that is just what we do, no thanks needed…”   

WE ARE ONE!!!  USO EVENT LAUNCH!!! 

Each year the holiday season often stirs the generosity of others to give to back to their community.  Certainly we would all agree that the holidays are a wonderful opportunity to give back to your community and support organizations that you care about. The LADY JAGS decided it was time for the “holiday generosity” to be a year round experience.  It is never too late to make a difference in a life.  The LADY JAGS have championed the on-going call to give back to community not only during the holiday season, but year round!

December will be the launching of the LADY JAGS WE ARE ONE campaign.  Working in conjunction with the local USO, our first project at hand is the collection of requested items needed for our troops who are fighting to support our way of life. 

In the month of December we are collecting two items:

DVDS AND PRE-PAID PHONE CARDS

Take some time to sift through your DVD collections for your donation.  Pre-paid phone cards can be purchased in increments of $2.00. 

LADY JAGS, we are blessed in so many ways!  Let's show the community that we are not only exceptional athletes, but community stewards as well.   DONATIONS ARE DUE 12/20/2008.  Lets make are first shipment huge!!!   

Seniors Taylor Hoagland and Kayleigh Walts will be leading the charge for December donations.  Collection boxes will be available at FMHS beginning Monday, December 8th.  Spread the word!  Notify your teachers, classmates & friends - invite other clubs and organizations at FMHS to participate so that we can make the holidays just a little brighter for our dedicated service men and women who are away from their loved ones.

 Flower Mound Lady Jags Continue Tradition 

Thanksgiving Day came early for the Flower Mound Lady Jaguar Softball team.  The Lady Jags enjoyed a holiday meal with their Senior friends at the Heritage Gardens Senior Center giving thanks for the good things in their lives.  “As we count our many blessings, we encourage all athletes to show their thanks by giving back,” said Lady Jag Booster Club President, Nesa Grider.

The Lady Jaguar Varsity and Jr. Varsity Softball Teams each brought their own special interests and personalities to entertain and serve a Pre-Thanksgiving meal to the residents at Heritage Gardens HealthCare Center. The players spent time sharing stories, playing games and serving a Thanksgiving feast to residents. After serving last Thanksgiving, the players found it to be such a rewarding experience they want to make this an annual tradition in conjunction with their other community service endeavors.   "It is great to spend time with the residents and hear about when they were young.  Some shared stories of when they played ball and their athletic accomplishments," says Flower Mound Senior 3rd baseman, Taylor Hoagland.  "We all look forward to this and feel like our day is not complete until we do this. In all the community service that we do our team understands one person really can make a difference,” said Lady Jag 1st baseman, Stacia Boeckstiegel.

As a continuation from last year, the Lady Jaguars continue to Pay it Forward.  The Lady Jaguars have a number of planned upcoming service projects, with their on-going service project for 2009 the support of the area Boys and Girls Club. If you would like to support the Lady Jaguars in their Pay It Forward mission, please contact Nesa Grider @ 214-868-7775.

A Note from Nesa: 

Once again you the Lady Jag’s families have proven to be the greatest group of parents that any team member could ask for!  I just want to thank each and every one of you that took part in our rallying to gather supplies for softball players and their families in the Magnolia/Houston area.  Yesterday, with truck/trailer in tow we delivered fans, window units, generators, gas, food, water, etc to softball families that were hit by affects from Hurricane Ike.  This was made possible by our great parents and by one other organization that stepped in to assist with a generous donation. 

We were reminded of how lucky we were in the DFW area as we drove yesterday to the Houston area and witnessed lines 15 cars deep to purchase gas, gas rationings, signs at exits as far out as Centerville to tell us they are out of gas and food, and DPS State Troopers monitoring exit traffic and convenience store entrances. 

Aside from not having electricity, water, etc, we are still not quite sure of all of the damage that our teammates have sustained from this Hurricane or how long it will be until their power is restored.  Please continue to keep everyone in your prayers as the week progresses and we will try to provide updates as we get them.

As we are contacted with additional needs, we will let you know that we can rally again.  WE ARE ONE!