Classmate Kevin Grooms Needs Your Help!

Kevin Grooms, our 1985 classmate who has mostly lived in Charlotte since graduation, has asked for help from his fellow Richmond Raiders. He is sponsoring a child in Central America and is getting close to his fundraising goal that will help build a home for the child and family. To learn more details, go to the Children International page found on Kevin's website link here at this link:

http://www.firstgiving.com/gerardoshouse

Here is what Kevin sent me in an email:

I have something neat I'd like to tell you about. For the past 8.5 years, I have sponsored a kid in Central America through a great non-profit in Kansas City, MO by the name of Children International. My kid's name is Gerardo; he's 17 now. I actually went to visit/meet him at the end of January. I was in Panama first, then went on to Honduras to be with Gerardo. I am now in the process of raising money to build him and his family a simple home with their own parcel of land. If you get a chance, take a look at the link to my fundraising page below. A contribution would be tax deductible. Feel free to consider donating,... but also, feel free to pass this along to my classmates.

Through your kind, small contributions Kevin will reach the goal. If you are inclined, then please help or spread the word to those who are. Thanks!

If you want to contact Kevin directly, his email address is KLGinCLT@yahoo.com.

One Year Ago: Reunion Committee Starts Meeting

It is hard to believe that one year ago our Class of 1985 had its first formal planning meeting relating to our 25-year reunion. Though many emails and calls and letters had already started to go out - and many more would follow later in the subsequent months to classmates hither and yon - the interest is now beginning to grow by the week as the big weekend approaches.

Coincidentally, as we conducted the first formal in-person meeting it came over the speakers at Hudson Brothers Deli that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, had died in California. Shocking, unexpected news it was.

Just as it hard to believe it's been 25 years since our high school graduation, and already a year since the planning committee started its official work, it is equally hard to imagine that the man who made "the Moonwalk" famous is gone.

I assure you that among the many 80s songs played during our reunion dance you will find a good sampling of Michael Jackson's work.

Reunion Update and Good News!

As we've done at our other class reunions, we will have a casual picnic in Rockingham on Saturday midday, Aug 7. More details in the letter going out to classmates approx July 4.We have only a handful of rooms left in our Richmond Raider Class of 1985 block at the hotel. After June 27 the remaining rooms are let go.

As for the dinner at historic Pinehurst Hotel, we've persuaded officials to keep the price at $80 per person. Remember that includes a nice seated dinner, photographs and your own copy of a memory book for your attendance at the reunion, and the cost of the dance and door prizes. More special details on the dance in the July 4th mailing.

And, remember, you can register and pay securely online with your credit card/debit card by going to www.richmondraiders1985.blogspot.com, which is here on the home page of this website/blog.

Don't miss the best reunion we've ever had!