Dear Editor,

The Tamaqua Salvation Army and major corporate sponsor Silberline Inc., teamed up for the fourth consecutive year for the Kidz Karnival, drawing families to downtown Tamaqua. Hundreds of people turned out Aug. 1 to enjoy a summer event geared toward elementary school aged children."It is all thanks to you!" Generous donations and a multitude of volunteers from Tamaqua and surrounding communities made it possible to bring smiles to many children attending. A special tribute goes out to Lisa Scheller and Silberline for matching Karnival proceeds up to $10,000, bringing total funds raised to $23,600.The fundraising celebration kicked off at 2 p.m. with traditional carnival themed games, rides and food for all to enjoy. Families sang along with "Music Together's" Marina Kuchar. Children joined students from Jon Bonner's "USA Martial Arts Studio" for a self-defense demonstration. Andy Leibenguth offered up his mesmerizing magic tricks while officer Hobbs and company from the Tamaqua Police Department provided valuable fingerprinting identification kits for children. Luke Rodgers of Salvation Army Emergency Services kept Karnival goers hydrated from his official disaster canteen truck. Members of the Tamaqua Corps cooked and served up delicious food and drinks throughout the day. And by the day's end you could see many beautiful works of art painted on little faces by talented artists Kim East and Danae Starry of the Tamaqua Community Arts Center.Local businesses and individuals gave support with monetary donations, gift certificates and in-kind gifts. Volunteers from various schools, churches and businesses also joined in a day of fun in the sun. Community groups such as Boy Scouts Troop 777, Tamaqua Rotary, Revive Community Fellowship of Tamaqua, donated their time as "karnies" while various vendors provided carnival specialties giving a portion of their proceeds toward the fundraiser.An enormous thank you to the Borough of Tamaqua and its employees who were integral in assisting in the day's operation; and to Hope's Towing who hauled equipment; gracious residents of North Railroad Street for vacating their rental spaces for the day with some even coming out of their homes to offer help during set up.The goal of the Kidz Karnival is to provide safe, family fun for all, as well as to raise money in support of programs, disaster relief and human services that the Tamaqua Corps provides for our community and surrounding Schuylkill/Carbon county neighbors throughout the year. An event such as this couldn't have been made possible without the strength and support of its own people. The Salvation Army is proud to be a part of Tamaqua and through community collaboration will continue to serve those who find themselves in sudden crises.Thank you and Blessings,The Kidz Karnival CommitteeMajor Sharon WhispellThe Salvation Army Advisory Board, Corps & Staff