Editors note - This story has been corrected to clarify some confusion regarding who was included in this program. The special needs day at the fair has always been a partnership between Pineland's High Hope Program and the Kiwanis. Pineland offers many levels of assistance for special needs individuals. Some may be home schooled and some may be from other communities. (Pineland serves 7 counties) In the original story, the writer met and included members of the High Hope program who were home schooled and from adjoining communities. Even though she did mention the High Hope connection, she did not again clarify these were indeed part of the High Hope program. This created confusion on social media when special needs parents, whose children are not involved in the Pineland High Hope Program felt left out. The point of this story was to highlight the incredible VOLUNTEER work of Mrs. Sanders and the GENEROSITY of the Kiwanis and fair workers who for decades have donated their time and resources to make a few individuals life a little better. We applaud their efforts and apologize for the confusion created by others feeling left out. The message we have heard from these parents through their concern however, is that we as a community need to work to find ways to provide opportunities, resources and other ways to support ALL of these amazing parents who are fighting every day for their remarkable children throughout the year.
The Story:
For more than 30 years, the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair has partnered with Pineland's High Hope program in Statesboro to hold a special morning for local special needs groups, offering them a unique and joyful experience in Statesboro. This cherished tradition was started by Sylvia Brown, and since then, it has become a staple event at the fair, continuing under the dedicated leadership of volunteers like Connie Saunders.
“Once you work this event, you just keep coming back,” Saunders shared. “There’s something truly special about spending time with these groups—they give back to us just as much as we give to them.”
On Wednesday, October 18, groups from Pineland, High Hope Adult Day Care Center gathered for a morning full of magical moments.
Attendees enjoyed a cowboy show, an acrobatic trapeze act, a puppet show, and even the excitement of pig races. “We want them to feel like citizens of this community, just like anyone else,” said Saunders. “Anything we can do to make them feel included is worth it—they’re very special to our hearts.”
Chick-fil-A of Statesboro donated meal boxes for the event, ensuring everyone had a delicious midday lunch to round out the experience.
Saunders reflected on the joy of seeing familiar faces year after year: “I’ve seen some of these High Hope patients for 5 or 6 years now, and every time they love and appreciate all the festivities. Many of them can’t attend the fair at night with the large crowds, so this morning event becomes their fair each year."
The event continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Kiwanis members and volunteers, who look forward to this morning of smiles, laughter, and connection each fall.
