Editor:

As the year comes to a close, I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for supporting the Twin Lakes Cruisers Car Club in the past 12 months.

We greatly appreciate all the businesses that are good enough to help us with donations for the July Car Show.

Without local businesses helping, the show would not be possible.

As most of you have heard, I asked for your support in helping a 3-year-old boy named Jacob Avery Risner, who had lost both parents and suffered a gunshot wound himself.

The main credit for the success of this fund raising effort goes to individuals who opened their hearts to help this little fellow by donating what they could to help us help him.

We have started a trust fund for him at Wilson & Muir Bank and Trust Co. in Leitchfield, and at this moment, we have collected $3,095.50 to help make a future for Jacob.

Most of all, we are letting him know that somebody cares about him.

He has tremendous obstacles to overcome in his life, but with love and all our prayers, I know he will make it.

My family moved here from Long Island, N.Y. 31 years ago when my dad retired from the railroad. I was just 13.

My dad moved us here because he wanted us to live in a better place than what he had lived in all his life.

We were used to the fast-paced lifestyle and when we came here, it was like going to another country. After some time, we adjusted.

Having grown up here, then starting my own family here is one thing, but after seeing for myself how good the people of Grayson County are, I have known and recently been reassured that my dad was right to move here.

This is the best place in the world to live, and I'm proud to call Grayson County my home.

My heart goes out to every one of you out there. I am overwhelmed by what you have done, and mere words can't express my thanks to you. I have experienced the goodness in this world that a lot of people probably don't get to see.

When I joined the Twin Lakes Cruisers two years ago, I got to see all the good that these fine people do.

I have experienced the good that comes from helping those in need. I feel this club has made me a better person and my thanks go out to each and every member.

In closing, let me again thank everyone who has given to our fund-raiser, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

May all your lives be filled with the richness that you have put in mine!

Anyone wishing to give to the Jacob Avery Risner Trust Fund can go to the Wilson & Muir Bank and Trust on South Main and deposit directly into this account.

Or you can mail your donations to: Twin Lakes Cruisers, PO box 4172, Leitchfield, KY 42754172 -- Don Rogers, Leitchfield, 2003 president, Twin Lakes Cruisers.