My father died in October of 1976. I remember a lot of what he said and what he tried to teach all three of his kids and what it meant to be a strong, independent person. I don't really remember the words, but I remember the lessons that he tried to teach us. He was a strong and determined person who did not let roadblocks stand in the way of what he wanted to accomplish, he was a God fearing man with strong morals and was driven to succeed. We all have challenges in our lives and it is how we choose to face those challenges and how we decide to over come them or give in to them that determine the type of person who you really are. Some people need more help to cope with the day-to-day challenges, especially children whom all of a sudden find themselves missing a parent. This is one of those turning points in life where you can go left or right and you will be set on a path that potentially can determine your future and success in life.

Chuck and Family

I was one of the lucky ones; I had a mother who knew I was going to need help. I was already a challenged youth moving from what seemed like one train wreck to another. My mother immediately sought out help from the Big Brother / Big Sister Organization in Sedgwick County. Fortunately, I was matched within a few weeks, which by the way is not usual. Sometimes kids are on the waiting list for months or years waiting for a suitable Big Brother or Sister. I was twelve when I met Chuck for the first time. He came to our house in this old orange colored AMC Hornet Wagon with this little dog named Blitz. Blitz was a small black lab with a white spot in his chest and he went everywhere with Chuck. He was one of the best pets and friends that I think you could ever want.

I am bringing all this up because it is the support and love of a family that I was fortunate enough to find through the Big Brothers / Big Sisters Organization that has allowed me to succeed. Chuck was a friend, mentor and big brother to me during a time in my life that I really needed someone. He stood by me, supported me and corrected me throughout my life. He was there when I graduated high school, when I graduated college. He was in my wedding and he was also there during the tough times that lead to anger, mistrust and a feeling of just not wanting to continue the fight. The power of a mentor such as Chuck can have a lasting effect on someone's life and it is important that we pass on what we have learned and support these types of organizations.

I have now had the privilege of knowing Chuck for 27 years and his kids their entire lives. Looking back on many things in my life I am sure that I owe my life to him and his family and the support they gave me. There is no way that I can ever repay Chuck or his family for what they have done for me other than to pass on what I have learned to another child and be there to support Kristen and Clint if ever called upon.

This is the foundation for Winning Technologies Charities - the power of a mentor can last a lifetime. There are many, many kids out there who need mentors and are open to anyone willing to take them under their wings and teach and support them. Winning Technologies Charities is committed to providing this type of mentorship to as many youth in all of our communities as we possibly can by supporting organizations such as Big Brothers / Big Sisters. As you can see, the impact and power of a strong mentor such as Chuck can allow a child to grow and reach for more and some may become President and CEO of organizations such as Winning Technologies, Inc.

I am one of the lucky ones. I have a mother who loves me very much and a sister and brother who have loved me no matter what my actions deserved. I also had Chuck and his family along with the love and support of his in-laws who did not always understand me, but just waited out the storm. Now it is time to continue the trend and expand our family to include other youth in all of our communities reach for the stars and believe in a dream that can leave them "Winning" the game of life.