As the Prosperity Freedom Isn’t Free Lodge rounds out another year, here is a look at what’s ahead, what’s been done and who is to thank, as told by Freedom Isn't Free Lodge Founder Terry Cotney.

SUCCESS

Our first year of fishing and hunting activities has been very successful in providing a free lodge and meals for Wounded Heroes, Paralyzed Veterans and cancer kids here at Prosperity. The activities have shown your love for God and Country through your many contributions and actions. The overnight activities have been featured in The State, The Newberry Observer and the national PN Magazine (Paraplegic News). WIS-TV will be featuring our activities soon.

We held 18 fishing and hunting activities in 2009 with many active duty soldiers catching their first fish ever. In December, a cancer child who had eight brain surgeries harvested a big deer. We honored Dillon Greenway with a birthday hunt for cancer and special needs children. Dillon is a 13-year-old with cerebral palsy sent to us through the Outdoor Dream Foundation in Honea Path.

James Robert Kennedy, known as “Radio,” and Coach Harold Jones both of Anderson, who inspired the “Radio” movie, along with a group of kids with cancer were our first guests fishing in May 2009. Many paraplegics, quadriplegics, wounded soldiers and veterans also had a great time, thanks to your generosity and patriotism. We appreciate the cooperation and coordination of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the assistance from the U.S. Forest Service.

THANKS

On behalf of the Southeastern Paralyzed Veterans, I want to sincerely thank Bethel Baptist Church, Zion Methodist Church, Grace Point Presbyterian Church and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for being the first churches to host major events honoring our fallen heroes. The restaurants to step forward in 2009 donating meals were Hawg Heaven, Farm Boys, Ronnie's, Jersey Mike's, The Melting Pot, Newberry Hardees, Bojangles and The Stable. Hamm Hardware assisted in building a handicapped bathroom. Wal-Mart and Lowe's of Newberry were also major supporters.

Thank you all for your past and future support. All donations made to SEPVA are tax-deductible.

NEEDS

Future needs are meals, barbecues, restaurant support, food distributors and kitchen supplies along with rent/utility assistance. Hunting and fishing supplies are also needed. A two-seat golf cart and ATV as loaners or donations are the biggest items needed to transport our guests around ponds and into the woods for 2010. Well-stocked ponds, fishing clubs and hunting clubs are needed to host guests in 2010.

Please let me know if you know of any grants that may be available to support our troops and special needs kids. Individual, church, civic and corporate support is needed to meet our goal of 40 outdoor activities in 2010.

WANT TO HELP?

Many dates are available to host or sponsor events. Please contact Cotney at scubeco@bellsouth.net or 803-271-1861 if you, your church, corporation or civic group wish to honor a fallen hero or support our troops, wounded heroes or cancer and special needs kids locally.

Sincerely,

Terry Cotney, Freedom Isn’t Free Lodge Founder/Volunteer/Veteran

Freedom Isn’t Free Lodge, 559 Holland’s Landing Road, Prosperity, 29127