EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT Mary Werderitch, IFSA Executive Director

From the January 2006 newsletter... Mary Werderitch
Where do I begin? I think I’ll start with our attendance at the American Burn Association Conference. Once again, the conference gave us the opportunity to meet with the leaders in public education from all over the United States and from other countries as well. Illinois can be very proud of the programs in place and the fact that we are still willing and able to learn from others. We even met a Doctor from Mexico that would like to start his own Burn Camp and would like to send a few children to ours.

I’d like to recognize a special young lady that has been doing a snow cone fundraiser to raise funds for burn camp for several years now. You hear about her efforts on the radio, on TV and the newspaper.

Her name is Brittany Boca. We are hoping that Brittany and her parents will be able to come out to Visitor’s Day in 2006. It’s always very rewarding to hear of young people making a difference in other children’s lives.

The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance has taken on a part-time person to help us out in the office. Kathy Campagna has been a wonderful addition to the office. Jill and I have decided this past Burn Camp is the first camp that we didn’t have to work 60 hour weeks to accomplish everything that we needed to prior to camp. Kathy, welcome to our team!

It was a pleasure for the IFSA to again partner with ComEd on our Newspaper in Education program. They participated in the essay contest that was held in conjunction with the newspaper program. They reviewed essays with us and contributed very nice prizes for the winners of the contest.

ComEd is also responsible for lightening detection that was installed at YMCA Camp Duncan just prior to our burn camp. Not only will our children benefit from this added protection but all the children that attend YMCA’s camp.

A group of staff from ComEd came out to Visitor’s Day this summer. They even provided a booth at Fun Fair and brought Louie the Lightening Bug with them. They all enjoyed their day at camp and left with a clear understanding of what a difference they are making.

Just a few weeks ago, we attended the Bucks for Burn Camp Christmas party at which time the committee presented us with a very generous check to be used on our programs. The committee presented John Brogan with a special award for all his years of dedication!

2005 was a very successful year for the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance. Our mission to disseminate fire safety and burn prevention programs continues to be achieved and appreciated. We look forward to an even more productive year in 2006. I will close in wishing you all happiness, health and safety in the New Year!