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2nd Annual Reagan Williams Memorial Invitational
The DHS Boys Track
Team hosted the second annual Reagan Williams Invitational on Saturday, March 22, 2008, at
9 a.m. This meet included teams from Danville, Georgetown-Ridge Farm, Hoopeston, Oakwood, and Rantoul. Reagan
wristbands, event t-shirts, and programs were available for purchase. A 50/50 raffle and a drawing for a Reagan
Emery Bear, compliments of Boyds Bears, were held. All monies collected went to Reagan’s Rescue. Most
of the proceeds will go to a new Reagan Williams Memorial Scholarship, given to a DHS senior who plans a career as a
firefighter, EMT, pediatric nurse or doctor, or law enforcement official. The event, sponsored by Courtesy Ford, was
held in the DHS Field House. Thanks to Coach Steve Luke and Athletic Director B. J. Luke for their support and generosity.
Early Childhood Education Conference at DACC
Greg conducted a workshop entitled Shaken Baby Syndrome: One Small Candle on Saturday, March 15,
2008, at the Early Childhood Education Conference at Danville Area Community College. The workshop included SBS facts,
ways to handle crying, the viewing of two short videos, and a discussion about what those who attended could do to spread
the word on SBS. The daylong conference was held at the Bremer Conference Center and the Clock Tower Center.
Dedication of Reagan Williams Playroom at YFRC
The Green and Williams families gathered on January 29, 2008, at Your Family Resource Connection to dedicate
a playroom in memory of Reagan. Toys, books, and a kitchen set donated by Reagan's Rescue were carefully placed
around the room. A hobby horse and a rocking chair from the Builder's Club at North Ridge Middle School were
also ready for use in the room. Decorations included a Dora the Explorer theme which Reagan would have loved.
On the wall is displayed a portrait of Reagan, painted by her great-grandmother, Roberta Williams.
Festival of Trees
Thanks
to designer and friend Julia Megan Sullivan, Reagan's Rescue was beautifully represented at the Festival of Trees this
year (November 9 through November 14) with a Christmas tree entitled Angels on Earth. Although the
original concept was a tribute to Reagan, Julia decided to create a tree that Reagan would have loved. Decorated with
numerous Doras, butterflies, and stars, the tree would certainly have captivated Reagan; in fact, it is our hope that she
did see it. We are also confident that the tree gave pleasure to other children while reminding adults about
their responsibilities as caregivers.
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| A Christmas gift for our explorer |
Toys for Tots
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| Ian Williams, left, presenting toys on behalf of Reagan's Rescue, Christmas 2007 |
YFRC Candlelighting Service
On Tuesday, October 16, 2007, at 6:30 p.m.,
Greg spoke at the Candlelighting Service at Your Family Resource Connection, held in conjunction with Domestic Abuse
month. He told the audience about Shaken Baby Syndrome statistics and the origin of Reagan's Rescue.
Greg's dad, Pastor Jim Williams, offered a closing prayer. Also in attendance were Marsha Williams and Roberta Williams. Please read about Reagan's growing legacy in other
communities.
Candlelight Vigil
A candlelight vigil was held on the front lawn of Central Christian
Church at 9 p.m. on July 2, 2007, the one year anniversary of Reagan's death. Some three hundred people attended
the thirty minute service, including the Tilton Fire Department. Greg Williams spoke about Shaken Baby Syndrome facts.
Gary Green shared his memories of Reagan. Joni Markel, whose great-niece, Macey Duewar, was also a victim
of Shaken Baby Syndrome, talked about recent legislation and the need for lessons on SBS in the public schools. Ted Vacketta
from Central Christian Church offered a prayer.
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| Candlelight Vigil on July 2, 2007, at Central Christian Church |
YFRC
Child Awareness Workshop
Reagan's Rescue sponsored a booth about Shaken Baby Syndrome
at the YFRC Child Awareness Workshop on April 19, 2007. The presentation included a 6-minute video on SBS and a personal
talk about losing Reagan. Brochures were available as well as Reagan bracelets. More information can be found
at the Commercial-News website.
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| Greg sharing information with his father, Jim Williams, at the Reagan's Rescue booth |
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