Contact:
Rogie Wiswell Rich Renollet
Rhatigan Student Center Smith Bowling and Recreation Center
Wichita State University Wichita State University
316.978.7008 316.978.7051
rogie.wiswell@wichita.edu rich.renollet@wichita.edu
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 15, 2008
WSU Hosts Fundraiser for Little Family
WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita State University’s Rhatigan Student Center is hosting a fundraiser for the Little family on Saturday, February 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets will be sold for two-hour time slots of unlimited bowling and billiard play in the William H. Smith Bowling and Recreation Center for only $10 per person or $30 for a family of five.
A benefit poker tournament will also be held simultaneously. There is a suggested donation of $25 for entry into the poker tournament. Prizes for the poker tournament include the president’s skybox for a WSU baseball game, with all food and tickets for 10 included, hosted by Don and Shirley Beggs.
One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from all ticket sales will be donated to the Little family.
Robert Little and his family have endured the loss of their six-year-old daughter due to an asthma attack, the diagnosis of a three-year-old son with leukemia and their home and vehicle caught on fire before Christmas. The family is also divided among three different locations since their home is not currently livable due to the extensive fire damage.
Rich Renollet, manager of the William H. Smith Bowling and Recreation Center is excited to be hosting this event. “It is WSU’s mission to be an urban serving university,” Renollet said. “As such, the university partners with our community in many different ways and sometimes that calls for giving back to the community.”
To purchase your advance tickets for the Little Family Benefit hosted by Wichita State University, contact the William H. Smith Bowling and Recreation Center at 316.978.3479 or stop by the basement of the Rhatigan Student Center to purchase your tickets in person. This event is open to the general public. For more information, visit www.wichita.edu/rsc.
1845 Fairmount Street, Wichita, Kan. 67260-0056 Telephone: 316.978.7008 Fax: 316.978.3217
The Little family has gone through the death of their six year old daughter, diagnosis of leukemia for almost 3 yr old (Dec 28) twin son, loss of income, and recently losing all their possessions, home, and vehicle in a house fire. A home that was dedicated to them just this summer from Habitat For Humanity. All toys not salvageable. All clothing damaged. The Littles are currently divided/having to stay at three diff. locations apart from one another since their home is not livable.
A "PAYPAL" ACCOUNT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BY ROBERT'S BROTHER.
PAYMENTS MAY BE MADE TO:
robertslittle@gmail.com
Check out the Little's story:
http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/36537019.html
Donations may be dropped off at Sedgwick County Fire Station 32 (I-135 & 77th St North)
Monetary donations can be made to the Robert Little Benefit Fund at Mid American Credit Union. Their two locations are 525 N. Main, Suite 103, Wichita, KS 67203 & 8404 W. Kellogg, Wichita, KS 67209. (Please make checks payable to the: Robert Little Benefit Fund)
Here is the updated info on the family that many have inquired about. This family is humble, but spiritually strong. The parents ask for nothing, but with encouragement, have helped us come up with a list of needs:
**Due to Joey's weak immune system, clothes items donated would be best new. Thank you!**
*Family purchased a Christmas Tree!*
*NO deadline has been set for continued donations. Thank you to everyone!*
Needs that have not been met include:
New King/Queen/Full Bedding (for temp location)
New Twin Bedding (for home-Cody age 14) Loves Astronomy!
Towels (Kitchen & Bath)
Pots and pans
Cooking Utensils (Mom has only one spatula and Serving spoon)
Cookie Sheets
WARM BLANKETS- (not mini or lap sizes)
Food needs have been met! Thanks to all who have contributed in the united effort to help the Little Family.
May God Bless you with a wonderful New Year!
MORE BAD NEWS FOR THE LITTLE FAMILY!!!
THEIR HOME AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DECEMBER 15TH!
The bad news is that the house fire last night that engulfed a vehicle, house port, and damaged the home is the home of the Little Family. Not only have they endured the grief of losing their 6 year old daughter, loss of income, and the current battle with leukemia with their 3 yr old son, now this. Two people I spoke with this morning asked, "How could so many bad things happen to one person?" "How is it that this man seems to have the heart of Job (In the Bible), that he loves God and life and is still the rock for his family?" If there were ever to be considered a modern day "Job" like experience, I couldn't think of anyone else.
I can be reached at (316)264-3616 or nancyepeters@hotmail.com I am currently working with various people who are interested in helping this family. If you would still like to help in any way, please feel free to contact me. Jorge De La Torre and I will be meeting with Rob to discuss their needs and how we can help them. If anything, please continue to keep them in your prayers.
SPECIAL STORY OF THE LITTLE FAMILY
From Nancy Peters
Over the last several months I have had several firefighters ask me if we were going to sponsor a family for Christmas this year. Outside of helping over 400 people with the recent "Coats For Kids" project and a family with food recently, we did not have any knowledge of a family in need...until now. Yes, it is a very late notice, and I apologize for adding something to this Christmas rush. However, I think it is worth our time to reach out and help a Sedg. Co. Employee.
Robert Little and his family are truly survivors of incredible challenges and tragedy. Robert has a wife, Clarissia, 3 sons, Cody (age 14), and twins Josiah "Joey" & Elija, who will turn 3 on Dec. 28th. Due to complications from an asthma attack, their daughter Areona passed away at the age of six last April 10, 2006.
Now he is fighting to be the rock of his family in another scary ordeal. On April 2, 2008, Joey was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Joey has fought many battles but now is in one of the biggest fights of his life. On Dec. 1st, he was admitted to the hospital w/fever, rash, swelling, and lack of oxygen. The result, a virus which caused a staff infection, Toxic Shock Syndrome, and damage to his gallbladder that had to be removed. He is now out of ICU, but still testing positive for a staff infection.
Let me share with you words from my friend in Public Works, Jorge De La Torre,
"I cannot begin to imagine the toll that something like this takes on a family. It is enough to worry about the health and courage of a three year old little boy, but to have to stress about making Christmas happen for your family while bringing in no income is something that I feel no one should have to worry about- his courage, and his positive attitude astound me, which is why we are asking for your help. Because Rob has been such a rock for his wife and kids, he will be without a paycheck for the second pay period in a row."
Jorge's words touched my heart. My family has been blessed with an income, food, the ability to buy gifts for our children, and good health as many of you are blessed. I am inviting you to join me in helping the Little family.
CONTACT NANCY PETERS AT nancyepeters@hotmail.com , (316) 264-3616