Welcome to 419 Outreach, Inc.

 

Press Release from 419 Outreach, Inc.

Update May 2011

The 16th anniversary of the Murrah Federal Building bombing has come and gone and the 11th anniversary of “A Run to Remember.” Several of our members volunteered for different events in conjunction with the Marathon and other members walked or ran in support of survivors, family members and rescuers. Over 25,000 registered for the event making it the largest Oklahoma City Marathon to date. Two of our New York friends, Sam and Brendan flew in from New York and Florida to participate in the event.

The annual exchange with the 9/11 group was a tremendous success. Please take a few moments and read the words that “Charlie K,” used to describe his stay in Oklahoma on this his most recent trip.

“I must say that my first maiden voyage to your lovely city and meeting you all was the highlight of that trip and eventually meeting Rick and Kelly, too. To see the Memorial that first time was deeply moving and touching, more so than 'being at 'The WALL' in Washington, D.C.That first trip was most memorable and always will be, in my heart. But, this past trip was also very memorable. Meeting my 'family' at the airport, dinner at Johnnies Charcoal Broiler and then having all the comforts of home in Teagan's bed. My breakfast at the Greens was very 'hospitable' to me, view or no view. Downtime at Rick and Kelly's was superb sharing time and playing with Aiden and Fifi and TOM. The picnic at Hafer Park was delicious. Great potatoes, Kelly, I was as stuffed as they were. The interview that I shared with you, Susan, on Gwen Faulkner's radio show was divine and inspirational. The time spent at Hudson’s was an eye-opener and a thirst quencher, some, more than others. Breakfast at Jimmy's Egg was “sunny side up.” Taking another tour, as I always do, through your Museum always stays deep in my heart. Meeting the Golden family, joking with the kids and being sworn-in as a National Park Service Junior Ranger with the group will always be the best part of the trip. Touching other people’s lives and their heartstrings, dinner at McAlester’s was a super supper. Going to Brad's class was fun and important for everyone to hear. The stitching of the '9/11' flag in OKC brought me even closer to you all being that I survived that fateful morning and hope to 'keep going' even with my ailments from my time at Ground Zero. The lunch with a spectacular view was also a 'high' point of my trip. The time spent at the OC GIRLS softball game was a HOME RUN. And, of course dinner at Joanne's is always a GRAND SLAM.

The only part of the trip I didn't like and NEVER LIKE…is when I have to say, goodbye, to my family, that I love and always miss so much when I leave. Thank you all for a most memorable trip. God bless you all.”

I think you get a feel for how the group felt about this particular exchange and as we approach the exchange in September we will be looking forward to sharing more quality time with the “family.” In addition to the things mentioned by Charlie there were other great moments. Channel 9 News from OKC and CBS News from New York interviewed members of the exchange as did radio stations here in the Metro. The Oklahoma City National Memorial presented gifts to the group as did Oklahoma Christian University. During the weekend, 419 Outreach picked up several prospective members and one of them has committed to going to New York in September. Truly things are looking good for 419 Outreach.

We want to remember Kim Ritchie in our prayers due to the recent loss of her mother. Our visitors from New York were able to spend time with Kim at the funeral home which seemed to really lift her spirits.