Tom and Leah Bennett are friends of the Cherokee Children’s Home. On Thursday, March 22, they ventured from Louisville, Ky. to visit staff at the Cherokee Boys Club where they have given substantial financial donations. The Bennett’s give from their heart and expect nothing in return. They are very active in their hometown and are involved with Safe Place, a program that provides help to run away and victimized children, as well as activities in their church among many other things.
Leah and Tom Bennett (front row left and 2nd from left) have given substantial financial donations to the Cherokee Children’s Home. They visited Cherokee on Thursday, March 22 and met with tribal leaders and Cherokee Boys Club officials. Shown (left-right) front row – the Bennetts and Principal Chief Michell Hicks; back row – Monica Wildcatt-Tafoya, Tommy Lambert, Wilbur Paul and Cris Weatherford. (Photo courtesy of Cherokee Boys Club)
One never knows what surprises life has in store. Such was the case early last fall when a phone call came to the Children’s Home. An easy conversation started up with Mr. Bennett. He stated he was looking to help some people out and as luck would have it, the Children’s Home was looking for someone to help. Mr. Bennett listened intently to the information given to him about what the Children’ s Home mission is and how we also have the opportunity and means to help others. A brief visit later in the autumn with Mr. Bennett and his wife Leah solidified a friendship and bond that is likely to last a long time.
Boys Club president Wilbur Paul, CBC general manager Tommy Lambert, Cherokee Children’s Home manager Cris Weatherford and Cherokee Children’s Home social worker Monica Wildcatt-Tafoya sat and chatted with the Bennetts about the future of the Cherokee Children’s Home and other tribal functions. Mr. Bennett related that he had spent many hours on the internet in an effort to learn the Cherokee language and to become familiar with Cherokee history and culture.
Wilbur then presented the Bennetts a beaded pipe made by Kevin and Monica Tafoya as a small token of appreciation for all they do for the children in the Cherokee Community. Paul also gave them beaded items he had made.
The Bennetts were introduced to Principal Chief Michell Hicks and other Tribal Council Members. Chief Hicks thanked the Bennetts for their contributions to the community. The Bennetts were able to visit the future site of the Cherokee Children’s Home in Birdtown where ground will be broken for the new construction in the near future. To conclude the day, the Bennetts were treated to a meal at Paula Deen’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Cherokee.
– Cherokee Boys Club
