A Special Thank You
After nearly a year of planning and hundreds of hours of work by dozens
of dedicated individuals, the Red Skelton Festival Weekend and Grand Gala
celebration has at last come to fruition.
In light of their tremendous contributions of time, talent, and treasure,
the words “Thank You” seem inadequate to express the deep, heartfelt
appreciation I have for everyone who has worked so hard to help make Red’s
dream come true. Please join me in acknowledging their efforts.
Legendary performers Tommy and Dick Smothers.
David Sandy, Tom Mullica, and Stephen Holmes for their hours of advance work and their generosity to produce and perform. And hats off to David Hindman for his kind consideration.
VU alumni Kirk Hunckler, Shani Lynn Nielsen, Diana Steckler Sacino, and Melissa Cary Sandullo.
Red Skelton Project Committee members--a group of outstanding volunteers for the community.
Executive chairs Nancy Hensel, Gazella Summitt, and Georgiann Leonard; committee chairs Jane Rode, parade; Mark Hill, Don Kirk, and Jennifer Skinner, Sunday events; Joyce Villwock, awards and recognitions; Jennifer Laue-Gilmore and Marge Hubers, clowns; Jack Masters, Shriners; and Phil Grounds, Shriner hospitality.
Skelton in the Schools volunteers Mark Kratzner, Tom Fausnacht, Doug Carroll, and Dr. Phillip M. Summers, as well as the participating teachers, principals, and schools.
David Goodnow for his great direction and authorship.
Paint the Town Red committee: Liz Blue, Kathy Burch, Mark Lange, Amy Lyle-Bousley; Elizabeth Cutter-McNeece, tours; Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Knox County Chamber of Commerce, and the Vincennes Mayor’s Office.
Clowns Around Town committee: Sue Klein, Will McCormick, Buddy Rogers,
and Anne Wellman.
Vincennes University, Dr. Richard Helton, the VU Foundation, Bernie Niehaus,
and the staff who have walked this long journey to success with us.
And to Jim McCormick, my 24/7 partner, companion, and mentor, I offer a very special “Thanks, honey!"
Marilyn McCormick
Executive Committee Chair