Feeling special: Volunteers, attendees connect through summer program – The Advocate

Playing pool, video games and tossing beanbags were just a few of the activities 100 attendees of this summers Special Tuesday participated in June 6.

The event, in its 23rd year, is organized by Volunteer Ascension and event creator Bobbie Blanchard.

Blanchard started the event in 1994 to give her physically-challenged grandson, Beau Porto, a chance to experience a day of playing in a friendly environment.

He was already going to a school for children with disabilities, but we wanted a place where he could play, Blanchard said. We wanted kids with disabilities to feel comfort while playing and not be afraid of being made fun of.

Blanchard began with five children playing at her house. Special Tuesday grew over the years. School gyms in Ascension Parish became host buildings.

This year Special Tuesday is being held at Gonzales Primary.

Sherry Denig, executive director of Volunteer Ascension, has enjoyed working with Blanchard over the years. Volunteer Ascension has taken over some of the organizing responsibilities.

Denig said, Volunteer Ascension is bringing manpower to Special Tuesdays with our ConnecTeens. They are a group of teenage volunteers helping out at various events. We have 15 volunteers here today with 10 from ConnecTeens.

This year we added more games and activities to help the youth get to know the participants one-one-one, Denig said. We added things such as line dancing so they can be active with the participants.

Blanchard is glad Volunteer Ascension has taken over Special Tuesday.

I had kidney cancer five years ago, and Im having a few health setbacks, Blanchard said. Volunteer Ascension has helped Special Tuesdays to keep going.

Volunteer Sherrie Jenkins son, 20-year-old Braylan Jenkins, has participated in Special Tuesday events since he was 10 years old.

One of the best things Ive ever done is volunteer for this program, Jenkins said. As a mom, I think this is wonderful because there is nothing else like this in Ascension Parish for people with disabilities.

Braylan Jenkins agrees he likes the event. I like doing this, and I look forward to it every summer, he said.

Kittyanna Walker, 13, of Gonzales, is one of the ConnecTeens helping out. I heard Special Tuesdays was a pretty fun event to help with. I love giving out goodwill. Ive met a lot of people, and they are awesome.

Devon Cooper, 14, enjoyed his day playing pool. Ive had a good time, he said.

ConnecTeen volunteer, Amaire Anderson, 12, passed out lunches to attendees.

I wanted to follow in my sister's footsteps, Anderson said. I wanted to refresh my mind in the summer and get a chance to meet new people. I plan on coming back because its a good opportunity for teens and kids to become more than they think they are.

Amaire's sister, Alexis, 14 manned the popcorn machine.

Ive volunteered for three years, Alexis said. I thought it was very interesting and told my sister about it. I find it fun to help people, and I can satisfy their needs here. I try to make sure they are happy. Im really proud of my sister for joining with me.

Special Tuesday will continue throughout June. On June 27, the program will conclude with a Mardi Gras parade at Gonzales Primary.

For information or to make donations, visit volunteerascension.org.

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Feeling special: Volunteers, attendees connect through summer program - The Advocate