4 minute read
Keeping the Mission in Motion
Charity Angels Expands Commitment to Improve Individual Independence and Mobility
Story by Carey Head / Ponca City Monthly Staff Writer, Photos by Carey Head and Contributed by Charity Angels
As a “new normal” settles upon us, many still wistfully long for the way things used to be. Understandably, this nostalgia may serve to effectively put on hold progress until a better version of “normal” becomes available (such as one brought about through a safe, effective, and globally available COVID-19 vaccine).
Members of the Charity Angels chapter of AMBUCS aren’t waiting for another change. They are dealing with this one just fine.
Ask chapter treasurer Donna Hingtgen about the group, and it is a pleasure to absorb her enthusiasm. The evolution of the lunch meetings at a local restaurant into lawn chairs in members’ yards is one way the female arm of Ponca City AMBUCS is keeping the mission moving. “It’s important to think outside the box,” Donna explains. “Do things differently, but keep doing them.”
She points to the group’s mission to improve independence and mobility for those with physical disabilities. Providing the customized bicycle or tricycle, known as an Amtryke, is a key mission for all AMBUC chapters. The therapy vehicles are made to exact specifications for the individual applying for the mobility assist.
Charity Angel’s Brook Lindsay, fourth from left, hosted a socially distant cookout and bonfire at her rural home. Joining Brook on the first row are Karly Fagg and Donna Hingtgen. Standing from left: Rosanne Cockriel, Natalie Frazier, Sheila South, Tracey Ivy, Katrina Presnal, Misty Jordan, Melissa Frame, Ginny Durham, Helen Coleman, Suzanne Devinney, Darrla James and Wendy Bond. Brook gave each guest a pre-bagged hot dog meal as well as s’more fixins so each could cook her own while maintaining safe distancing.
(Photo provided by Charity Angels)
One Amtryke has been approved for a local client. Charity Angels has delivered three Amtrykes during the COVID-19 isolation period. While the needed paperwork and measurements are being finalized for a fourth, Charity Angels learned that an Oklahoma City AMBUCS chapter has an Amtryke waiting list of 42. Ponca City’s group has elected to send the funds to purchase an Amtryke for the Oklahoma City area client and help out the chapter.
“Other than not being able to do things together, we still are very busy,” Donna says.
In addition to the delivery of three Amtrykes, the group has completed a handrail installation, and successfully funded and installed two new playground elements at AMBUC Park at Lake Ponca.
Wendy Bond, Charity Angel Ambility Chairman, presented renditions the proposed equipment to the Ponca City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. A basket swing, which hangs from an arched support, is especially soothing to autistic children, according to Bond. The second piece is a wheelchair-accessible, ground level merry-go-round. The structure holds two wheelchairs and up to six other children.
After winning approval for their equipment donation proposal, the group worked as a team with Eric Newell, Park and Rec Superintendent, to see the project to fruition.
Other ongoing projects include sponsoring the two Special Education classes at Union Elementary School. “This is our fourth year to sponsor the classes,” Donna says. “So, if there is a need, then the teachers, Sheila (South) and Jessica (Wyckoff), call us.”
Union Elementary School Principal Jennifer Dye agrees. “Already this school year, they have provided us with table dividers and masks for our special education classes. They are really wonderful to work with us.”
Donna described how the Charity Angels managed to construct the table dividers as a group without the usual meeting for a workday. “One member bought the materials. Then they were would work on a certain part of it. Then she would take them to the next member to have another part of the construction completed, and so on, until they were delivered.”
Among the many accomplishments Ponca City’s Charity Angels AMBUCS chapter shepherded from idea to reality were two special additions to AMBUC park. The new features are handicap accessible, including a merry-go-round which accommodates wheelchairs.
(Photo by Carey Head)
The group also helps fund scholarships for students pursuing advance degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, and hearing audiology. Charity Angels sponsors three students, with each receiving national scholarships. The chapter funded a $500 scholarship, as well.
Though Charity Angels canceled transferred to another member who close encounter-style fundraisers, such as the popular Wacky Golf Tournament, the group had a successful firework stand, and now a sold-out Mum Sale, so funding for their mission continues.
The longest-running Ponca City women’s AMBUC chapter is celebrating its 11th year, and welcoming new members. Membership is open to those 16 and above who believe in the AMBUC mission to improve individual mobility and independence. Those interested are asked to complete an application. Annual dues are $80, and scholarships are available. continued on page 10
Among the many accomplishments Ponca City’s Charity Angels AMBUCS chapter shepherded from idea to reality were two special additions to AMBUC park. The new features are handicap accessible, including a merry-go-round which accommodates wheelchairs. (Photo by Carey Head)
Chrysanthemum purchaser Lanita Chapman, right, loads her order of mums from Charity Angel member Wendy Bond. Customers picked up their order at a Lindsay Manufacturing warehouse in Darr Industrial Park. Lindsay offered the space to shelter the hundreds of large plants until the sale’s conclusion. Mark your calendar for next August to participate in this important fundraiser which gives the gift of mobility to deserving clients in Ponca City and beyond.
(Photo by Robyn Ryan)
Though many traditional fundraisers were cancelled due to the pandemic, the Charity Angels were thrilled the annual chrysanthemum plant sale was a sell-out. The fundraiser will help pay for the manufacture of Amtrykes, similar to the one pictured here. These highly specialized therapy and mobility machines are made to order for each approved client. The client’s physical therapist completes the measurements and recommendations for the Amtryke’s unique functions.
(Photo by Brook Lindsay)
Charity Angels members and chapter were recognized at the 2020 National AMBUCS conference. During the virtual conference’s awards ceremony, the ladies earned some heavy hardware including recognition as a Blue Chip Chapter (a perennial award for these gals), 100 percent giving in Scholarships, Ambility and Cornerstone.
In total, Charity Angels funded the custom crafting of 13 Amtrykes last year, including one for a veteran. The group also funded the re-tooling of three existing Amtrykes for new recipients. Their efforts helped rank this Ponca City chapter as number 10 among the nation’s 155 AMBUC chapters.
Individual honors include Brook Lindsay’s election to the District Governor office. Wendy Bond is the incoming National Big Hat Secretary-Treasurer and Donna Culver Hingtgen is the newly selected Great Plains Region Director.
The highest honors bestowed by this 85-year-old organization are National AMBUC of the Year and National Project Manager of the Year. Wendy Bond was awarded second place, National Project Manager of the Year; Donna Hingtgen was awarded second place, National AMBUC of the Year.
The longest-running Ponca City women’s AMBUC chapter is celebrating its 11th year and welcoming new members. Membership is open to those 16 and above who believe in the AMBUC mission to improve individual mobility and independence.
For more information, email pc.charityangels@gmail.com or visit the Charity Angels Facebook page.
