by Sarah Smith
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The WHTA Youth Council held their December meeting at the Franklin Cool Springs Marriott on Saturday December 1, 2007. The meeting began shortly after 10 A.M. with Youth Council leader, Jill Derickson, introducing Brenda Black from the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Mrs. Black thanked youth for all they have done over the years to help the children seek help from Vanderbilt Hospital. Mrs. Black told the youth about the hospital and they are working on expanding the hospital so they can help even more children. Mrs. Black uses her love for horses and children as a opportunity. Mrs. Black is very involved with putting on the Iriquois Steeplechase that takes place the second Saturday in May. All the youth were invited to attend the Steeplechase in 2008 and Mrs. Black announced that she will provide tickets for those that would like to come. The youth then presented Mrs. Black with a check for $10,000 to take back to the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. The youth is looking forward to visiting the hospital during their 2008 December meeting.
After the presentation of the check the Youth Council discussed their financial report. They were proud to announce they still have over $3,000 in their account after giving Vanderbilt $10,000. The council then decided to help Dickie and Misti Gardner during their time of crises with a monetary donation from their Crisis Fund. Jill Derickson then encouraged all the members to make plans to attend the March meeting that will be held during the National Trainers’ Show and to bring a friend. Mrs. Derickson also asked all the members to consider being a Youth Council officer or board member and to let her know before the March meeting. Gifts of appreciation were presented to Jill Derickson for all she does for the Youth Council and to the 2007 officers and board members for their service.
With all the business taken care of it was time to play some games. All the youth and adults present enjoyed a word scramble game, a guessing games, and two very exciting and competitive games of musical chairs.