Celebrating 90 years of building abilities in Topeka
by Jim
Last Thursday was proclaimed Easter Seals Capper Foundation Day in Kansas. And in Shawnee County. And in the City of Topeka! Although it was a typically hot, humid Kansas summer day, It was a fantastic day for Easter Seals Capper Foundation.
Many found a spot of shade to hear WIBW-TV anchor Melissa Brunner emcee the event, which featured an impressive slate of speakers:
- Governor Sam Brownback
- Representatives from Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran (they presented a commemorative flag)
- Mayor Bill Bunten
- Nancy Landon Kassebaum-Baker, former Senator from Kansas
- Brandon Van Becelaere, whose brother Alex receives services here at Easter Seals Capper Foundation
Reporter Phil Anderson quoted from some of the speeches in an article on the front page of the Topeka Capital-Journal:
Kassebaum Baker, who divides her time between a home in Tennessee and a ranch in Morris County, said she recalled the work the Capper Foundation did in the late 1930s and 1940s to help young people with polio, which was “a great concern” at the time.
“Just as polio has been eradicated, we now meet new challenges,” she said. “There will always be new challenges, but it’s the dedicated people at Easter Seals Capper Foundation who meet these special needs.”
Also speaking was Brandon Van Becelaere, 11, the son of Eric and Teresa Van Becelaere and brother of 6-year-old Alex, who receives services at Capper.
Brandon said Alex was born deaf-blind but through the assistance of Capper professionals has been able to gain a limited amount of sight and hearing.
“All the teachers and therapists have been so kind,” Brandon said. “They’ll never give up on anyone.”
The legendary Santa Fe Band played both prior to and following the formal program. 580 WIBW radio broadcast the 25-minute ceremony on stage at Gage Park Amphitheater, then followed up with interviews of our 90th Anniversary partners. Our glorious day was covered in stories on WIBW-TV and KTKA-TV — what a wonderful opportunity to share how Easter Seals Capper Foundation has evolved over 90 Years and talk about the importance of early intervention for children with autism and other disabilities.
Celebrating 90 Years of Building Abilities outdoors in Topeka , KS on a very toasty day with ice cream , ice water, cool celebrities and guests was lots of fun. We are truly blessed!