Here Are Some Highlights, from When We Started to Where We Are Today

Here are some highlights, from when we started to where we are today!

1988 – South Carolina Forestry Association founds the Log A Load for Kids program and develops the format for participating with Children’s Miracle Network-affiliated hospitals. South Carolina raises approximately $25,000 in this first year.

1992 – Six states (Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia) collectively raise $155,000.

1993 – National Council of Forestry Association Executives approves a motion that FRA, then the American Pulpwood Association, serve as Log A Load’s National Sponsor, with the objective of growing the program to 30 states. The National Log A Load Advisory Group forms, electing George Ragsdale as its first Chairman. Alabama becomes the first state to raise more than $100,000 in a fundraising year.

1994 – First-ever Log A Load appearance on Children’s Miracle Network’s national broadcast, with a check presentation, July 4-5. South Carolina Logger Murray Powell and Stone Container’s Charles Wright present the check. That year, ten states collectively raise approximately $600,000 for CMN hospitals.

1995 – Total national Log A Load annual contributions exceed the $1 million mark for the first time. Thirteen states are now involved. Alabama leads all states, raising $317,899.

1997 – Log A Load For Kids Log A Load For Kids National Advisory Group Program presents national check for Chairs $2 million; 22 states now involved. 1) George Ragsdale – 1993-1995 2000 – Twenty-nine states 2) Jim and Janet Seaman – 1996-1997 3) Jim Mooney – 1998-1999 collectively raise nearly $2.8 million 4) Betsy Luoto – 2000-2001 for approximately 70 CMN 5) Debby Blomberg – 2002-2003 hospitals. 6) Allen Boatright – 2004-2005 7) Sam Cook – 2006-2007 2001 – Log A Load begins 8) Robert Williams – 2008-2009 recognizing “Volunteer Champions,” recognizing state leaders in campaign organization, starting with Alabama’s Janet Ison.

2006 – Canada’s Log A Load program raises nearly $74,000 north of the border. North Carolina raises highest-ever single-state total of $606,300.

2007 – Earl Dail of New Bern, North Carolina wins the first Children’s Miracle Network Volunteer Recipient Award presented at the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration in Orlando, Florida.

2008 – Log A Load For Kids raises over $2 million for approximately 70 CMN hospitals. The cumulative twenty-year total approaches $30 million.