GEORGE RAGSDALE – “GODFATHER OF LOG A LOAD FOR KIDSâ”
San Antonio, Texas – George Ragsdale, lovingly known as the “Godfather of Log A Load For Kids” was recognized with a Lifetime Champion Award for his tireless, enthusiastic advocacy for Log A Load For Kids and for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals at the National Log A Load For Kids Conference, November 16 in San Antonio, Texas. Buddy Shavender, Log A Load For Kids Volunteer Champion describes George as “the most influential person who has ever been involved in Log A Load and notes, “George has given his time; talent and treasure to help kids through the program because it brings him joy.”
George Ragsdale, a long-time leader in the logging industry and an avid supporter of Log A Load For Kids, auctioned off property and equipment from one of his own sawmills and solicited equipment from other sawmills and loggers to include in the sale. Most of the money that went to Children’s Miracle Network came from George’s sawmill. Since George got involved with Log A Load For Kids over a decade ago, he has dedicated incredible amounts of time, effort and personal assets to helping kids. George has provided seed money to help new states get their Log A Load For Kids program started and has made countless calls to his many contacts and supporters.
George loves to visit hospitals and see the kids and those who help them. George stated: “The caretakers of these children in the hospital – they are special people. They’re not just nurses, but they are really involved with the children, just like they are family. It is really awesome.”
To his friends, it comes as no surprise that George sees nothing special in what he does. George is very upbeat and positive and never at a lack of words: “This program is a challenge but it’s also such a pleasure. This industry has the best quality of people I know,” says George.
“George has made the world a better place with his warmth, wit, spirit and generosity,” stated Debby Blomberg, Chair, National Log A Load For Kids Advisory Group, as she handed George the National Log A Load For Kids Lifetime Champion Award.
Log a Load For Kids is an annual campaign, which encourages loggers and others in the forest products community to donate the value of one load of logs or any amount to local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Log A Load For Kids is one of CMN’s leading National sponsors in terms of donations to its children’s hospitals.