As CCA starts its2001-2002fiscal year we

look back over thepast year with great satisfaction. Wemoved into new donated office space inJanuary, and hired Judy White our devel-opment director as a result of a challengegrant. With the guidance and hard workfrom Rose and Fried Seitz and GeorgeBeaver of Directed Technologies and CCABoard Member Robin Williamson ofWilliamson Creative Services, we areonline with a great new Web site which isfull of valuable information and givesdonors the ability to make donationsonline.

In May we held the 11th free clinic inconjunction with Region 18 EducationService Center in Midland, Texas. We rein-stated our newsletter and, thanks to a grantfrom Smile Train, reinstated our financialassistance program. We received grantsfrom The Brave’s Wives’ Foundation andCher spoke at their annual Coffee Talk eventon our behalf.

In July we received a grant from theRonald McDonald’s Children’sCharities to publish a book for childrenwith craniofacial conditions. The object ofthe book is to uplift and empower childrenwith facial differences. We have hopes ofreplicating this book on a national level. InJune we held the 11th Annual Cher’sFamily Retreat in Atlanta, GA.

We are implementing a new databasewhich will help us better serve our families.

We are pleased with the support we havereceived from our families, volunteers and

see Chair, page 11CCAkids.com1

CCA NewsNewsletter of the Children’s Craniofacial Association Winter 2002

CHER—Honorary Chairperson

Cher’s Family Retreat Celebrates ItsEleventh Year

On June 27–30, 2001,families from twentystates and seven countries

converged at the RenaissanceHotel in downtown Atlanta,Georgia for Children’sCraniofacial Association’s"11th Annual Cher’s FamilyRetreat." During this retreat,CCA’s largest to date, thesefamilies spent their weekendsharing their unique experi-ences, while renewing old friendships andmaking new ones. The weekend wasnothing but sheer delight! Special guest,Tina Wesson and her husband, Dale,joined us. Tina is the million-dollar-winnerof the television show, Survivor Australian

Outback. Tina attended the retreatbecause she had planned to join in the"Believe Ride" at the Sturgis motorcyclerally and she wanted to get to knowCher’s special kids before her trip toSouth Dakota.

The festivities began on Thursday eveningwith the traditional ice cream party. The folksthis year enjoyed an uplifting, enlighteningand entertaining talk from David Rouche,inspirational speaker. Aside from this treat,Cher, CCA’s National Spokesperson, joined us.She spent hours meeting new friends, visitingwith individual families, and catching up onwhat had been going on with her old friends.Cher’s compassion was again evident as shediscussed the medical progress of each childand got a feel for how each family is copingemotionally. As a special surprise, Cher haddesigned tee shirts proudly bearing her senti-ments about these children and theirfamilies— "Cher’s Kids."

see Retreat, page 9

Jerrod Swanson “kisses the livingdaylights” out of winner of Survivor II,Tina Wesson, who visited the familiesduring the retreat

Cher takes a moment during the icecream party to have a picture takenwith the Vonderwells.

Message from the Chair

CCA’s 2001 Dallas HolidayChristmas PartyO

n December 1, 2001 more than 400kids, parents and health care providerscelebrated the holiday season at CCA’s

12th Annual Holiday Party in Dallas,CCA’s national headquarters.

KSCS Radio personality BradWright Emceedthe event for theseventh straightyear. This year,Brad was joinedby Radio DisneyDJ SherylBrooks. Sheryland her groupentertained thekids with songs, games, prizes and muchmore. The children decorated holiday cookiesand made various holiday crafts.

The highlight of the party was asurprise visit from Santa Claus.Each child had his picture taken withSanta and received a special present.

We also unveiled CCA’s new book,Fearless, written by BradleyHarding and illustrated by DanGremminger. Bradley and Danwere on hand to autograph books forthe kids. (For more information, see“News and Events” on page 12.)

CCA thanks Medical City Hospital of Dallas for donating the beautifully dec-orated space, refreshments and sponsoringRadio Disney.

2

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Imagine chatting with Cher over a cupof coffee. That is exactly what happenedon June 28, 2001, when Cher sipped

coffee with wives of baseball players fromthe Atlanta Braves during the "AtlantaBraves Wives’ Seventh Annual CoffeeTalk." Cher was in town to attend the"11th Annual Cher’s Family Retreat" spon-sored by the Children’s CraniofacialAssociation (CCA) of Dallas, Texas.

Cher is CCA’s national spokesperson and hasactively supported the organization for manyyears. She is the founder of the family retreat.This annual event provides an opportunity forchildren with facial disfigurement, as well astheir parents and siblings, to share their uniqueexperiences, resources, and support in a non-threatening, relaxed and fun atmosphere.

This year’s "Coffee Talk," which was heldfrom 1 to 3 p.m. at Maggiano’s Little ItalyRestaurant in Buckhead, Georgia, benefitedCCA and the Atlanta Braves Foundation. BrendaWoods, a news anchor from WXIA-TV, facilitat-ed the coffee klatch. As many talk show hostshave discovered when interviewing Cher, thereis no way to anticipate Cher’s candor. Ms.Woods and Cher chatted on a range of topicsfrom the days of Sonny and Cher to herphilosophies of life. Cher willingly fielded ques-tions about love and her feelings regarding tele-vision programming.

Guests at the coffee, which included a cou-ple of CCA’s families and board members,enjoyed delectable desserts while learning

Cher and Wives of Atlanta Braves"Team Up" for Charity

Region 18 Education Service Centerand Dr. Jeffrey Fearon, Chairman ofCCA’s Medical Advisory Board, con-

ducted the eleventh "Annual CraniofacialClinic" on June 2, 2001. Fifteen patientswere evaluated at no charge during thisSaturday clinic. The clinic goals are toprovide craniofacial patients with a free-of-charge medical consultation, initialevaluation, ongoing evaluation, secondopinion, or referral, if needed. These ser-vices are especially important in thisremote and predominantly rural area ofWest Texas, where qualified craniofacialtreatment centers, and even airports, arehundreds of miles away.

As a matter of information, Texas educatorsare served by twenty regional education ser-vice centers, which are designed to supporteducational excellence by providing schoolswith a variety of services such as professionalstaff development, technical services, anddirect student services. The area served byRegion 18 ESC is the largest and most sparse-ly populated of the 20 regions. Region 18covers 37,553 square miles and includes 19counties, 33 school districts, over 6,300 edu-cators and approximately 81,000 students.The craniofacial clinic is a unique service pro-vided by this particular ESC.

Since 1991, Children’s CraniofacialAssociation and Region 18 Education ServiceCenter have been providing a free-of-chargeclinic for residents of West Texas. The clinic

Regional Craniofacial Clinic Held in Midland, Texas

was first established as a collaborationbetween Dr. Ian Munro, a now-retired physi-cian from Humana Craniofacial Institute ofDallas, Carolyn Johnson, Chairperson of CCA’sParent Advisory Board and InstructionalConsultant, Region 18 ESC, and CharleneSmith, CCA’s Executive Director. Upon Dr.Munro’s retirement, Dr. Fearon stepped intohis shoes to continue this most important ser-vice. The beauty of this clinic is that it has a"non-clinical atmosphere," in which all of thechild’s shareholders (teachers, parents, speechtherapist, etc.) are invited to be involved inseeing that quality care is provided in everyarea of need. Professionals in the areas ofchild development, speech, and hearing areavailable to screen patients if needed. A bilin-gual interpreter is also provided. In addition,the waiting area is set up as a play area withtoys and art supplies and provides a veryinformal atmosphere for families to freely dis-cuss concerns, challenges, and successes.Parents are also provided with educationalmaterials and can consult with a representa-tive from the Texas Department of Health todiscuss services to assist with medical andtravel costs.

CCA thanks clinic facilitator, CarolynJohnson, for her dedication on this project. Ifyou are interested in the possibility of settingup a clinic in your area, contact Carolyn,Chairman, CCA’s Parent Advisory Board, at915-567-3234 or by email(cjohnson@esc18.net).

about craniofacial condi-tions suffered by both chil-dren and adults. Althoughthe discussion centered ona very serious topic, theentire group enjoyed alighthearted afternoon with CCA’s favoritecelebrity.

Our thanks go out to the Braves Wives’Foundation and the team’s CommunityRelations Department for an opportunity to

share CCA’s mission and a special thanks forthe generous donation.

Paula Guzzo, Judy White, KarenHartstein, Aaron and Scott Guzzo at theBraves’ Wives Luncheon

Atlanta Braves’ Wives enjoy a decadentdessert while waiting for Cher to arrive.

4

Meet Tiffany KerchnerQ. What do you want to be when you growup?A. A cosmetologist.

Q. What kind of craniofacial condition do youhave?A. I have Moebius Syndrome.

Q. How many of Cher Family Retreats haveyou attended?A. I have been to three: Florida; Denver,Colorado; and Atlanta, Georgia.

Q. Which retreat was your favorite?A. I’d say Atlanta because I knew everyoneand I had a really good time.

Q. What has growing up with a craniofacialcondition taught you?A. It’s taught me that someone that is “toofat,” or “too skinny,” or “not pretty” or their

Q. Where were you born?A. Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Q. Where do you live now?A. Fleetwood, Pennsylvania.

Q. What grade are you in?A. Seventh.

Q. What are your hobbies?A. I enjoy dancing, playing softball, singinglessons, singing in the church choir, watchingsports, hanging out with my friends, collectingangels and beanie babies, going on theInternet and talking on the phone.

Q. What other activities do you enjoy?A. I enjoy field hockey, cheerleading, shop-ping and listening to music.

clothes aren’t exactly in style or may not bethe smartest kid in the class, might be differ-ent on the outside, but on the inside theyneed a friend just like everyone else. I’velearned that I should treat people with respectand even if no one else likes them, that Ishould.

L.A. EventScheduled for2002

CCA will be the beneficiary of a

fundraising event to be held in Los

Angeles in the Spring of 2002. This

event is for pre-teens and teens with

Craniofacial conditions. It will be a day

of beauty and sports for affected chil-

dren and their siblings. Young ladies will

enjoy a day of beauty at the well-known

Toba spa where celebrities will help with

make-up and hair styling. Our young

men will participate in sports clinics and

just plain fun with well-known sports

figures. There will also be a barbeque

and a mini concert.

If you would like to participate, please

call Char Smith at the CCA office at 800-

535-3643 and register to attend. Space

is limited and will be taken on a first-

come, first-served basis.

Does Your Company Have a Fall WorkplaceFundraising Campaign?

Iwould like to remind all of our faithful supporters to please remember CCA as youmake your Fall Workplace Campaign pledges.

CCA receives extremely appreciated donations each year from workplace campaigns that enableCCA to continue to grow and expand programs and services to families with children who haveCraniofacial differences.

If you would like to represent CCA in one of your campaign fairs, please call or email CharSmith at 800-535-3643 or CSmith@ccakids.com and she will send you everything you need.

How can I help?

United Way Campaigns:If your company participates in a United

Way Campaign that allows donor choiceoptions, you can ask to designate your contri-bution to CCA, 12200 Park Central Drive,Suite 180, Dallas TX 75251.

Your Company’s Matching GiftProgram:

Many companies—like PrudentialInsurance—provide a 100% match on gifts tothe charity of their employee’s choice. You justindicate a monthly payroll deduction be madeto CCA and the company will match it.

Combined Federal Campaign:Federal employees can designate CCA by

locating CCA in your directory underChildren’s Charities of America.

State Employees Campaigns:Many state employees can find CCA listed

in the directories. Find us and choose us.

Our most sincere thanks—in advance— forchoosing CCA!

3

Hi, this is Robbie, CCA’s(Children's CraniofacialAssociation) ambassador.

We had a great time during our fundraisingtrip to Sturgis, SD (August, 2001) where wewent to the annual Harley biker rally. This wasthe second year in a row that I representedthe charity at the rally. Last year we spentmost of our time at the Buffalo ChipCampground, where we raffled a HarleySportster. Rod "Woody" Woodruff, ownerof the Buffalo Chip Campground is our hostand primary benefactor during the rally. Thisyear we raffled a Harley Davidson Fat Boy®and I was able to spend time downtown,because we sold tickets there. I really likedseeing all of the bikes. I couldn’t believe howmany there were and so many different cus-tom bikes. It was so cool!

The first night I was in Sturgis, I spent timewith Buddy Miles who was in concert atthe Buffalo Chip Campground. I had talked

with Buddy a lot on the phone and was gladto meet him face-to-face. Buddy was thedrummer with the Jimi Hendrix Band. He isnow on his Buddy Miles Express Tourand has raised funds for CCA. I was also excit-ed to meet Sheryl Crow, MontgomeryGentry, Grand Funk Railroad, PaulRevere, Greg Allman, and the the band"Abby Someone." I met Arlen Ness whomakes famous custom bikes in Sturgis. I alsomet Willie G. Davidson at the conventioncenter in Rapid City and got to see HarleyDavidson’s new model, V-ROD.

Another highlight of my trip was that I wenton my first "ride," led by Tina Wesson fromthe second Survivor show in the AustralianOutback. Her husband Dale was there too. Igot to ride with New York Myke (SanDiego Harley Davidson). We started at theRadisson Hotel in Rapid City, rode passed Mt.Rushmore and stopped at the Crazy Horsememorial; then through Spearfish Canyon andended the ride at the Buffalo ChipCampground. I thought the Crazy Horsememorial was really awesome. On the wayback we had to stop for a couple hoursbecause of rain. It was neat because we allhad a chance to really get to know each other.I became good friends with David Curtiswho lives near my home. We had a lot ofreally nice people on our ride.

I also had the opportunity to visit theJourney Museum. I couldn’t believe the coolbikes that were on display there. And the pho-tographs were really neat too. Goat Boyfrom KSQY was doing a remote at the muse-um and promoted our raffle tickets sales.

Each night we sold raffle tickets at theBuffalo Chip and showed everyone the bikewe were raffling off, a purple Harley Fat Boy,autographed by CCA’s National Spokesperson,Cher. My best buddy Woody helped me drawthe winning ticket on Friday night. Many ofthe vendors out at the Chip took me on ridesand helped raise money for CCA as did theChip staff. I met a lot of great people whosupport our charity and like I've always said,"Bikers are the best." We’re going back nextyear so I hope to see everyone again.

Thanks, Rob

CCA Biker NewsSpecial Insert to the Newsletter of the Children’s Craniofacial Association Fall 2001

CHER—Honorary Chairperson

About Robbie15-year-old Robbie Gorecki was born

with a facial cleft caused by Goldenhar'ssyndrome, which is one of numerouscraniofacial conditions. A craniofacial con-dition affects the head and face.Craniofacial conditions are most oftencaused by birth defect, but can be theresult of disease or trauma.

Robbie met Cher (Honorary Chair forCCA since her role in the film, Mask) andbecame involved with CCA in 1990, whenhis mom, Jill testified on behalf of peoplewith facial differences before the HouseBudget committee in Washington DC.

Since then Robbie’s family has attendedten of the eleven Cher's Family Retreats.The retreats are held each year in differentparts of the country in order to touch asmany families as possible. Past retreatshave been held in Orlando, Phoenix,Indianapolis, Boston, Chicago, San Diego,Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Atlanta.These intimate gatherings allow eachmember of the family to share experiencesand support. Over the years, Robbie hasenjoyed playing with the multitude of kidsacross the country who, like himself, areaffected by craniofacial anomalies.

Now that Rob is older, he attempts toreturn the favor by acting as an ambas-sador for CCA, encouraging public aware-ness and providing inspiration for otherkids like himself who have to "face" theworld.

Each year at the Family Retreat, Robbievisits a local Harley Davidson dealershipcollecting patches, pins and other Harleygear. Because of his particular affinity forHarley Davidson motorcycles and bikersRobbie was a natural choice as "posterboy" for the Harley raffle fundraiser.

6

I WON the Harley Fat Boy®

Autographed by Cher!

A proud and excited Mike Loveridge

and his wife sit on their new ride at the

Buffalo Chip where their winning ticket

was drawn by Robbie Gorecki.

Believe Ride II

Survivor II The Australian Outback win-ner Tina Wesson led the second annu-al Believe Ride in support of Children’s

Craniofacial Association on August 8th inRapid City, South Dakota during theBlack Hills Motorcycle Rally. Tina was theperfect choice for the ride since she made

it known on national TV that she is amotorcycle enthusiast.

Tina and Colby Donaldson placed bets onthe games they played during their time in theOutback. When they became the last two sur-vivors on the popular TV show they made onelast bet. "Whoever wins the show has to buya Harley-Davidson for the other one. I won, soI had to buy Colby a Harley," Tina said. Tinaand her husband Dale who accompanied heron the ride often ride their motorcycles in theTennessee mountains.

The Believe Ride started in Rapid City at theRadisson Hotel, continued past Mt. Rushmoreand on to the Crazy Horse Memorial where theriders had lunch. After lunch they continued onthrough the beautiful South Dakota country-side, but were forced to make an unscheduledstop due to heavy rains. After a couple hours,the soggy bikers forged on and the ride endedat the Buffalo Chip Campground. The dayended with dinner and concerts by SherylCrow and Montgomery Gentry.

Many thanks to Tina and Dale, our bikers,Jim Walczyk who organized the ride and RodWoodruff who donated dinner, skull caps andthe concerts tickets.

Harley Raffle 2002

Another beautiful Harley will be raffledat the Buffalo Chip Campground in2002. In addition we will also be giv-

ing away other great prizes! We will beannouncing the model soon so checkChildren’s Craniofacial Association’s website at www.CCAKids.com for develop-ing news on the bike.

We will have our 2002 bike soon

and will begin selling tickets

online at www.CCAKids.com. If

you or your club would like to

volunteer in a ticket booth at

Sturgis, sell tickets in your

community, or if you have other

ideas, please call the CCA office

at 800-535-3643.

Sponsored by: Buffalo Chip Campground & Harley Davidson of Dallas, TX

The results are in and the winner of the2001 Harley Fat Boy autographed by Cher isMike Loveridge from Hamilton, Montanaon a ticket drawn by Robbie Gorecki, CCAkid and son of CCA Board Member, JillGorecki. Robbie loves Harleys and bikersand hopes to have one of his own one day.He'll be back at the Chip next year! Mike andhis wife who were attending the Buffalo ChipRally were thrilled to find out they were thewinners of this years drawing. A specialthanks to everyone who made this year’sevent possible: Cher, Harley Davidson ofDallas, Buffalo Chip Campground, andRod Woodruff, Buffalo Chip Owner who

cheerfully and generously provided everythingfrom admission passes for volunteers, a trailer,security, advertising, promotions, his stageand staff, and of course his warm support andfriendship. Also CCA would like to give a spe-cial thank you to Tony Davis, CCA BoardMember and Chairman of the Sturgis/BuffaloChip fundraising team. Tony's relentless efforts and endless enthusiasm has made this an annual event that we hope grows to be a major source of funding for CCA's programs!!!

7

CCA ended its second annual motorcy-cle raffle in August. This project wasonly possible with the help of many

kind and generous people. And, we hadlots of kind and generous volunteers whohelped with this endeavor. Thanks to ded-icated board members and friends thisevent benefited the charity in many ways.CCA Board member Dr. Tony Davis con-ceived the raffle idea in 1999, spent end-less hours organizing this event for the2000 rally and duplicated his effortsagain this year for the 2001 raffle. Tonyalso gave up a week out of his dentalpractice to travel to Sturgis and keepthings organized and sell tickets. Lastyear in his quest to connect with themotorcycle community, Tony found Rod"Woody" Woodruff who owns theBuffalo Chip Campground. Woodytook CCA under his wing and donated thefirst Harley. He went the extra mile againthis year and provided a place for CCA tobase the raffle, headed up the BelieveRide and donated passes to the ride par-ticipants and CCA volunteers. In addition,Woody along with Buffalo Chipprofessionals Brad Coombs, Head ofProduction; Tom Kingsbury,Audio/Visual Director; and Steve Owen,Stage Manager actively promoted the raf-fle throughout the week. Public relationsprofessional Michael Sanborn generous-ly gave of his expertise and Jim Walczykefficiently organized and staged theBelieve Ride. Woody’s wonderful wifeCarol Woodruff, daughter Toni JoWoodruff and office assistants PattyPierce and Beth Greene graciously andpatiently helped all of CCA’s volunteersregister and sign in at the Chip. KyleCottrell saw to it that CCA folks wereable to go back stage. Corey Nelson hadthe Believe Ride skullcaps printed andsold tickets in the t-shirt booth at theChip. Dave Vice, DQ and Beth Robertsmoved our bike numerous times and kept

it secure while out at the Chip. A hugethanks to each of our friends at theBuffalo Chip Campground!

Thank you to Karen Hartstein fordonating airfare to CCA staff, board membersand volunteers. Many thanks to New YorkMyke owner of Harley Davidson SanDiego, for supporting CCA throughout theweek, promoting raffle tickets and recordingseveral clever public services announcements.Thanks also to David Curtis whose son wasborn with a cleft lip and palate and his fatherJohn Curtis of Pewaulkee and Elm Grove,Wisconsin respectively, who joined the BelieveRide and the CCA family.

We appreciate the help of MeganBennett of Spearfish who stepped up to theplate and sold tickets in Spearfish, SouthDakota, and Jodi Klemann who sold tick-ets in Pier, South Dakota. A special thanks toLarry and Susan Johnson of Alvarado,Texas, who after trucking the Fat Boy® toSturgis, donated their time to help with ticketsales each evening at the Buffalo Chip. Thanksto Glade Jones, former Executive Directorof Western Resources For Dis-ABLEDIndependence for recruiting volunteers and allof our volunteer ticket sellers includingJames and Wendy Van Loan, Mary andMike Parsons, and Lori DeSalvo all ofRapid City, South Dakota. Thanks to AlanGorecki and Janice Hagen fromMenomonee Falls, Wisconsin, who activelysold tickets before and during the Rally week.Thanks to Fred and Rose Seitz, andGeorge Beaver all of DirectedTechnologies who made it possible for on-line ticket sales. Thanks to BruceWilliamson and board member RobinWilliamson of Williamson CreativeServices, Inc. for donating their creative tal-ents for designing all the logos, posters, tick-ets, etc. And a very special thanks to all of theCCA families who sold tickets in theirhometowns.

In addition to Dr. Davis’ efforts, the rafflecouldn’t have been accomplished if not for the

help of CCA Board Chairman, TerryCarmichael and board member JillGorecki. Terry and Jill both sold tickets priorto the Rally and throughout the week inSturgis. And, a special thanks, to Terry’s hus-band Phil Patterson who packed up the"Silver Twinkie" (1961 Airstream) and droveto South Dakota, endured the group’s anticsand helped with everything from cooking din-ner to selling tickets for 6 very hot days!

Finally, special thanks to some VIPs whomade our 2001 raffle special: CCA’s residentBiker Dude, motorcycle enthusiast, RobbieGorecki, who is our inspiration and ambas-sador; Tina Wesson, winner of $1,000,000from the Survivor II: Australian Outback TVshow, and her husband Dale Wesson whowere absolutely incredible in supporting ourkids, and for leading the Believe Ride; and toCher, our generous spokesperson, for signingthe Fat Boy® that we raffled off.

On occasion volunteers come to CCA whenthey are least expected and most needed.Such was the case during the SturgisMotorcycle Rally. Most of the volunteers men-tioned in this article were unknown to thoseof us at CCA before last year. Look at us now!Thanks to each and every one of you. Wegreatly appreciate all of your help! ThreeCheers for the Sturgis Rally Volunteers!

Three Cheers for Volunteers

Share the Magic!Send flowers for the holidays!

Call 1-800-OUR GIFT (687-4438)

or visit www.OurGift.com. Every

time you order flowers through Our

Gift, 10% of your purchase is donated

to CCA.

8

Got A Good Idea?

If you have an idea to help Children’sCraniofacial Association raise funds,please share it with us!

We Need Your Help!or...Let’s Party!

As Robbie says, "Bikers are the best!"We talked to numerous members oflocal clubs while we were in Sturgis

and heard wonderful stories about themoney they raised for local charities. Wesalute you for your community spirit.

In 2002 we will be selling raffle tickets inSturgis, Rapid City, Spearfish and at theBuffalo Chip Campground. We know you do alot for charity during the year, but ask thatyou take a couple of hours out of your trip tohelp Robbie and kids like him from all overthe United States.

We need volunteers to help us sell tickets.It’s a great opportunity to meet and swap sto-ries with fellow bikers from all over the UnitedStates while doing a great service. And tothank you for your help, we arethrowing a kickoff party for our vol-unteers out at the Buffalo ChipCampground!* There’ll be lots of food,drink and much more! So don’t delay! Signyourself up for a three-hour shift or better yet,sign your club up by calling 800-535-3643or emailing us at csmith@ccakids.com.

Thanks for your help!

* The party is funded by sponsors andwill not take away from the fundsraised for the kids.

You MayBe a

Winner!

Hey Guys! We’re giving a prizeaway! If you bought a ticket forthe 2001 Harley Fat Boy® give-

away, you may have already won abonus prize! Just go to our Web siteand see.

While you’re there take a look at theHarley we will be raffling in Sturgis nextyear. Tickets are now available for pur-chase on the Web site, by emailing CCAat CSmith@CCAkids.com or by calling800-535-3643. Don’t wait! GO NOW TOwww.ccakids.com and click on themotorcycle.

Robbie

NY Myke, San Diego HarleyDavidson dealer, and Arlen

Ness with his fellow Hamstersload the purple Fat Boy after

tickets were sold at the JourneyMuseum in Rapid City.

12200 Park Central Drive • Suite 180Dallas, TX 75251

Return Service Requested

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT #653GARLAND, TX 75040

The late evening did not prevent us fromrising bright and early the next morning for atrip to the zoo. We enjoyed beautiful pandasup close and personal, were entertained by ababy gorilla, as well a frisky teenage gorillaand their watchful parents. We also laughed atthe antics of the playful otters. We trulyenjoyed our zoo experience with its specialdisplays and the usual elephants, giraffes, andreptiles.

Despite the tiring, yet fun-filled day, nothingcould keep this group off the dance floor!

Partygoers dined and danced the night awaysinging to several renditions of "Believe," sungby CCA’s hero and friend Cher, as well ashoofing it up to the Chicken Dance" and the"Locomotion," which was led by Scott Guzzo.

Sadly, all good things must come to an endand Sunday morning brought hugs, tears, andpromises to stay in touch until we meet againfor the 2002 Retreat in St. Louis, Missouri.

9

Thank You!

Thanks to all our supporters since thelast newsletter. We need you, weappreciate you, and we thank you

again.

In Honor of:• Dr. Jeffrey A. Fearon by Dianne M.

Altuna, M.S./CCC-SLP• Janet Novak by no-fault claims dept

@ Statewide Ins. Co.• Grace & Irwin Lebow by Sonya &

Paul Hackel• Myra Silverman by Karen, Leopold,

Rose and Samantha Sher• Aileen & Bruce Levine by Evan Levine• Cher by Karen Hartstein• Gracen Lynn Smith by grandparents

Charlene and John Smith

In Memory of:• Patrick Kemp by James & Kathryn Kemp

CCA’s Legacy Circle

Planned gifts, such as bequests andcharitable trusts, no matter how largeor small, are an excellent way to

ensure CCA’s financial future. Please let usknow if you have named CCA in your willor trust. We would like the opportunity tothank you for your generosity and toinclude you in our Legacy Circle.

■■ I have included CCA in my will or trust;please feel free to list my name publicly.

■■ I have included CCA in my will or trust;however, I wish to remain anonymous.

Name ________________________________

Address_______________________________

Phone________________________________Please return to CCA: 12200 Park Central

Drive, Suite, 180, Dallas, TX 75251Charter Membership in the CCA Legacy

Circle is open to all who join in the year 2001– 2002.

Retreat, cont’d from page 1

On Friday morning, the group rose earlyand boarded buses for Sci-Trek to participatein many hands-on activities. Some of theseactivities included: the Cyber Playground,which traces the development of the computergame; the Color Factory, which among otherthings allowed us to "freeze our shadows"; theElectric-Magnetic Junction, which let us closea circuit with our own bodies; and many otherfascinating experiences.

After this mental and physical workout, wewere off to Atlanta’s historic Grant Park for anold-fashioned picnic. Kids, young and old,participated in activities including a vigoroussoftball game, bubble blowing, and tossingFrisbees. A delightful clown, who cranked outballoon animals for the kids, also entertainedus. Our thanks go out to Jenny Weiss, co-owner of Anytime Party Pizzazz, and CCA’snew friend, who so generously provided ourlunch.

Friday’s fun-filled day was capped with adinner on the hotel’s twenty-fifth floor, whichprovided an incredible panoramic view of thecity. After reminiscing about the day’s stimu-lating activities, everyone trekked to theswimming pool for one more dip and yetanother chance to visit.

see Retreat, page 10

10

The Cleft PalateFoundation is holding a

conference for parents of children with

cleft and craniofacial conditions May 4,

2002 in Seattle, WA.

For details please check their

Website at www.cleftline.org or call

919-933-9044, or email them at

cleftline@aol.com.

2001 Retreat, cont’d from page 9

11

2001 Retreat, cont’d from page 10

supporters during the past year. CCA fami-lies participated in the 2x2 Campaign andsold tickets for the Harley Raffle. Webegan our 2001-2002 fiscal year with theHarley Raffle during the Black HillsMotorcycle Rally. (see "Three Cheers forVolunteers" and other biker articles formore information). The raffle gave us theopportunity to accomplish important publicawareness while recruiting many newfriends and volunteers in Sturgis, SouthDakota.

Public awareness through print mediawas also accomplished. News and featurearticles for 2001 have appeared in: The Ft.Worth Star Telegram, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Rapid City Journal andBuffalo Chip Gazette (South Dakota) news-papers. Magazine articles appeared in AprilTeen People, May Allure, and Spring 2001Abilities (Canada). CCA is also featuredunder "Family and Friends" and "Cher’sOfficial News" on Cher’s official Website.

The board and staff of Children'sCraniofacial Association thank each andevery one of you who helped make 2000-2001 a banner year. We invite you all to bepart of the coming year.

Terry CarmichaelChairman of the Board

Chair, cont’d from page 1

Honorary Chairperson:Cher

Board of Directors:Terry Carmichael, Stonewall, CO,

CHAIRPERSON

Tim Ayers, Washington, DCTony Davis, Huntsville, ALJill Gorecki, Brookfield, WISally Longroy, JD, Dallas, TXBill Sims, CPA, Dallas, TXDiana Sweeney, Maple Glen, PARobert Vargas, Dallas, TXRobin Williamson, Carrollton, TX

Medical Advisory Board:Jeffrey Fearon, MD, Chief Advisor

Parental Advisory Board:Carolyn Johnson, Chairperson

CCA News Editor:Carolyn Johnson

CCA News Production:Robin Williamson, Williamson

Creative Services, Inc.

Executive Director:Charlene Smith

Business Manager:Cathy Evans

The views and opinions expressed in this

newsletter are not necessarily those of CCA.

Phone 972.566.5980 • 800.535.3643

Fax 972.566.8489

Website www.CCAkids.com

12200 Park Central Drive • Suite 180Dallas, TX 75251

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PERMIT #653GARLAND, TX 75040

News and EventsRonald McDonaldHouse Charities(RMHC)Thanks to a generous grantfrom RMHC of GreaterNorth Texas, CCA has pub-

lished a book designed to empower childrenwho have facial differences. This unique,engaging children’s book will help kids copewith their differences and give them a morepositive perspective about themselves. It willillustrate there are others like them and theyare not alone. It will encourage them to dis-cover their own special gifts and admire theunique individuals they are. The book will alsohelp educate the general public about craniofa-cial disorders and generate more tolerance fordifferences. Additionally, the book will serve asan introduction to CCA and its resources andservices. After its introduction in the NorthTexas region, it is CCA’s goal to make this valu-able book available nationwide.

2002 RetreatThe 12th Annual Cher’s Family Retreat will

be held in St. Louis, Missouri June 27ththrough 30th, 2002. This annual retreat week-end is for the immediate family members of aperson who has a craniofacial condition. Itprovides a relaxed environment for familymembers to share resources and support whilehaving a fun weekend. Families are responsiblefor transportation, lodging and some meals.Please mark your calendar and make plans tojoin us in St. Louis. More info will be availableafter the first of the year.

Cher Convention 2002Cher Convention 2002 will take place July

12-13 at the beautiful Riviera Hotel on theLas Vegas strip. Judy Didelot, Jody Cantwell,Kim Werdman, Linda Alamprese, RobynFisher, Diana Fields, Mike Werdman, BradWright, and honorary staff member CharSmith join forces to produce this excitingevent. Jeffrey Thomas will kick off the con-vention Friday evening with his rendition ofCher’s hit, "BELIEVE." Following dinner,attendees will be entertained by Cher imper-sonators and have the opportunity to bid onCher memorabilia in a live auction. OnSaturday, conventioneers will enjoy exploringmany facets of Cher’s illustrious career. Therewill be an audio and video montage, a Chertrivia contest hosted by Mary Ladd, Chermusic seminar hosted by Ward Lamb, and acareer seminar hosted by BostonQ. Therewill also be Cher Karaoke, a Cher museum,Cher songs as sung by Wayne Smith,Jeffrey Thomas, and Amy Hohimer plusmany other Cher-related, fun things to do. Theconvention culminates Saturday evening witha dinner, dance and mock Sonny & CherShow including Laverne and "The VAMP." Theshow will feature a special guest star: ElvisPresley as portrayed by Mark Hussman! Asa grand finale, Cher Impersonator, WayneSmith, will perform "The National Anthem."Best of all, the proceeds benefit Children’sCraniofacial Association. For registration andadditional information, please visit the CherConvention Website at:www.cherconvention.com.

2002 Motorcycle RaffleWatch upcoming CCA newsletters and

CCA’s Website at www.ccakids.com forbreaking information about the 2002Motorcycle Raffle!