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Kids Unlimited is an organization built upon activities.
Our events are a way for our members to put aside the reality
of cancer and to have fun, free of limitations. The events
are for the entire family, to help them all share and experience
together as a group, free from illness and where everyone
is a part of the activity. Our list of events is ever-changing.
We are always looking for new experiences for our members
and new ways to raise funds to help support those activities.
Following is a list of the events held on a regular basis:
Every year we try to start our activity list with a fishing
event.
Rainbow Trout Tournment
Each child is partnered with a volunteer fisherman,
making up approximately 25 teams. Teams begin early in the
morning and fish until noon. Teams are ranked by pounds of
fish caught, with an awards presentation following lunch.
Held each year at Sheldon Lake State Park in NE Houston, the
two ponds are stocked the evening prior to the event. Trout
love the chilly weather we usually get in January, so the
ponds are jumping for the kids and their siblings. The catch
is cleaned by teams of volunteers and the children get to
take home their ready-to-cook trout.
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Bowling Tournament
Held at Delmar Bowling Lanes on Magnum, in Houston,
this activity is popular with all the children. Teams are
created by age groups. Three place awards are given, with
the highest score taking first place. All children receive
a participant award. Lunch is provided by the foundation’s
cooking team.
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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Each year, the foundation gets tickets to the Show and
Rodeo, held in the Astrodome. These tickets are either donated
by a corporate sponsor or purchased by the foundation. At
some past rodeos, our kids have gotten to ride in the Grand
Entry Parade. This is fun for the kids and great exposure
for the foundation.
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HL&P/Reliant Energy Chili Cook-off
This event is put on as an employee fundraiser. Beginning
in 1997, Kids Unlimited was chosen to have a booth at this
event and receive one-third of the over-all event proceeds.
We are very fortunate to have such strong support from a corporation
like Reliant.
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Aeros Booster Club Banquet
The Boosters Club for the Houston Aeros Hockey Team
holds a banquet/auction fundraiser every year with all the
proceeds benefiting Kids Unlimited. Sports celebraties attend
and assist with the auction. This event is one of our principle
fundraising opportunities.
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Easter Party/Picnic
Whether it’s an egg toss, three-legged race or
Easter egg hunt, this has something for everyone. This picnic
is a "pot luck" dinner with side dishes and dessert
brought by families. The foundation provides the main dish
and drinks. Even the "Easter Bunny" has been known
to drop in!
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Catfish Tournament
Very similar to the Trout Tournament, this event is
also held at the Sheldon Lake State Park. Catches are rated
by weight and cleaned by the foundation team of volunteers.
Awards are given for places and participation. Lunch is provided
and siblings can participate by fishing in a second pond that
is also stocked. Many thanks to the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department wardens and crew who have made out fishing tournaments
possible over the years.
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Annual Golf Tournament
This fall fundraiser features a Florida Scramble with
a noon shotgun start, a putting contest and a raffle. Teams
sign up in advance with cash prizes. A silent auction with
golf packages and equipment is held. A catered dinner is served
at the awards program that follows. This is one of our largest
fundraisers.
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Tom-Tom Festival
One of our original fundraising events, the old-town
festival in Yokum, Texas, allows us to have a booth selling
hamburgers, fries and other food. The activity grows each
year and is always enjoyable. The small town atmosphere is
contagious.
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Offshore Fishing Trip
"Bob Bower’s Annual Offshore adventure"
is named in honor of a resident of Bryan, Texas. Bob Bowers
generously offered the use of his luxurious fishing boat,
"A Few Dollors More," and made this activity possible.
Over the years, the event has grown and the number of participating
boats and fishermen has increased. The adventure begins Friday
night with dock fishing and supper. Saturday morning sees
the fleet leave Freeport, Texas, very early. With a "crew"
of children, parents and foundation members, the boats head
for 45 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Tuna, ling, king
and red snapper are part of the catch. Competition is high.
Everyone takes an award and fish home.
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Bass Tournament
This annual tournament is our largest fishing event.
Held at Fayette County Lake near LaGrange, Texas, the action
takes place over a night and the next day. Members arrive
Friday night and prepare for an early start. On Saturday the
children team with our volunteer fishermen and their boats.
One child and one fisherman per boat provides an opportunity
for the child to feel independant and free. Each boat has
a radio for communication and parents are taken out for photographs
and cheerleading. Siblings enjoy various entertainment onshore.
At noon, teams bring in their catch for judging, lunch and
an awards ceremony. All children receive trophies and fishing
tackle and supplies. Raffles are also held.
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BBQ Cook-off and Auctions
Hosted at Cactus Moon Café in Humble, Texas,
this event takes place over a two-day period. On Saturday,
the barbeque teams set up and begin their magic. Sunday provides
judging, live bands, live and silent auctions, dancing and
plenty of eating. A small door donation fetches a generous
BBQ dinner. And children under 12 are admitted free. All proceeds
benefit Kids Unlimited.
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Thanksgiving Dinners
Dealing with cancer can cause disruption and financial
burden. During this family season, Kids Unlimited tries to
help member families who may not be able to have a traditional
dinner. Members are helped according to their special situation.
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Christmas Dinners
The foundation provides similar dinner assistance to
member families during Christmas. Dinners are arranged as
needed. Also, because this holiday is a ‘gift-giving’
time, a foundation ‘Santa’ will ‘quietly’
enable deserving parents to provide gifts to their children
so that the fun isn’t interrupted.
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Holiday Party
A holiday party is also held for all Kids Unlimited
members. This event includes the decorating of a tree, an
area where the children make holiday cards for their parents,
ornament making activities, a dinner featuring lots of desserts,
and a special visit from Santa, who has gifts for everyone.
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On-going
The foundation recognizes that cancer causes special
situations and needs. We try to provide personal experiences
for the children and families who sometimes can not attend
events. These are created at the discretion of the foundation
board, as needed. The path that this illness charts is different
for everyone and our goal as an organization is to respond
to all the children who have needs.
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