(TN) special Disney trip reveal (Bristol TN)

[Pledford]

Date:


Location:


Description of Event (Please share as much info as you can):
This was by far the best troop I have ever been a part of. I thought I would share some photos and info about this amazing troop.
At about 9:00am troopers from 3 different garrisons arrive at Children Exceeding Expectations school in Bristol TN. Interesting fact about this school is that not only is it a free school for childeren who are battling cancer and can not attend their regular school, this school meets in the sky box of the Bristol Dragway. In fact, the owner of Bristol Motor Speedway gave the school her and her husband's personal owners suite to convert into a huge classroom!
We were given our own suite to use as our dressing area
Another great part of this tropp was that our very own founder Albin Johnson, sent R2-KT up to visit the kids!!!!
The childern were told that the 501st was coming to visit their school but had no idea what other suprise was waiting for them. In anticipation of our visit, the children decorated the windows of the sky box with Star Wars and 501st art work.
Once we enterd the classroom, we joined in the kid's Valentine party, played, and danced with the kids. (There was a DJ at the party) One thing we noticed was that their favorite thing to play was "hospital". They enjoy working on eachother treating them for illnesses, pretending to give IVs and medicine. Its really all they know at this point in their lives so its what they play. They had a great time treating and taking care of Princess Leia in their pretend hospital.
Later towards the end of the party was the big reveal that the children were all going to Disney World! (I think they were all in shock!)
After the troop, the owner of Bristol Motor Speedway took the troopers on a tour of the race track which is the Worlds fastest half mile track! Troops had the opportunity to drive thier cars around the track several times and really see what their cars can do! Lots of fun! She even mentioned the idea of having the 501st make a special appearance at a race as part of a Star Wars pre race show in front of a crowd of 160,000 people! That would be great...we will see if that happens.
After that we met another lady who was at the event who happens to be the owner of a local childerens hospital nearby. She asked if she could take us to lunch and then swing by her hospital to visit the kids there! Of course we were all for it, so after lunch we loaded up and did another troop at the hospital!
This was such a rewarding experiance, and one that I will never forget!
Troopers from all over our country and world sent in patches, stickers and cards! The kids really enjoyed looking at all of the items sent in from troopers showing their support! We may not have cured them or helped ease what they are going through but thanks to the 501st members world wide, we did make their day different and fun!

Did this event support a charity? If yes, which charity?:
Yes! Children exceeding expepectations school

Event Length (Hours):
8 hrs total

Direct Funds Raised? (Money raised directly by the Carolina Garrison):(delete this section if not applicable)


Indirect Funds Raised (Total money raised by event):(delete this section if not applicable)


Items Collected (toys, food, clothing, etc.) and how many of each:(delete this section if not applicable)
1.
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Carolina Garrison Members in Attendance:
1. Phil Ledford
2. Cher Lambeth
3. Genna Bain
4. Sammy Sagayaga (MidSouth Garrison)
5. David Arnold (Tyranus Garrison)
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(LIST WILL EXPAND AS NEEDED)

Handlers:
1. Katie Ledford
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Crossover Attendees from the Rebel Legion / R2 Builders Club / Mando Mercs:(delete this section if not applicable)
1.Mollie Ledford (Phil's daughter-Jawa)
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(LIST WILL EXPAND AS NEEDED)

Check out some of the event photos below: (please post pictures rather than picture links)

[Pledford]

Wanted to add a few more pictures from the troop

[silverBoyd]

Such a great event. It breaks my heart to know that children have to go through being sick. Happy they get to go to Walt Disney World.

[Carnage]

Awesome job all!

[JeffMiller]

Amazing job

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