Second graders from Greene County and Paton-Churdan schools discovered there were lots of mouths to feed at the Blank Park Zoo, thanks to Jefferson’s children’s charity, Beta Tau Delta.
There were squeals of delight from the children when they fed the dozens of koi that swirled and splashed to gulp down the nuggets of food tossed their way. There was total silence when the giraffe towered tall to gently take food wafers from students’ outstretched hands. And everyone held their breath when parakeets came up close and personal to students to perch and eat.
“It’s the join of seeing the children’s amazement of animal antics that makes this such a delightful program to sponsor,” said Carole Custer, trip organizer and member of the sorority. “The zoo loves having us every year because the students are so well behaved and the teachers, associates and the Beta member chaperones are so well organized.”
As part of its mission to be children’s champions, the sorority provided chaperones and paid for bus transportation, a live animal program for each class, feeding the animals, a hot lunch for the 105 students and their teachers at the zoo’s Safari Grill, a zoo train ride, a bag of zoo souvenirs and a souvenir photo.
“This trip would not be possible without the support of Greene County residents who donate to Beta Tau Delta through our annual virtual Christmas charity ball and other fundraisers over the years,” Custer said. “The annual trip sponsorship, now in its seventh year, is a way our community, through donations to Beta Tau Delta, can step up when school budgets can no longer afford such field trips.
Sorority members who accompanied the students and helped tour the zoo were Joann Lang, Sue Luht, Carol Ahrenholtz, Sue Richardson, Anita Van Horn and Custer.
Second grade teacher Paula Carlson, school organizer for the day, said the annual trip offers many students their first opportunity to experience the zoo. “Even those who have previously visited a zoo always discover new animals and environments and are especially wowed by the opportunity to personally feed the animals,” she added.
The students’ school curriculum includes zoo animals.
Greene County second grade teachers in addition to Carlson are Lisa Wilkins, Audrey Hinote and Kathy Dobney. Lori Berns teaches second grade students at Paton-Churdan.
Beta Tau Delta raises funds for projects to benefit children. It’s annual virtual Charity Ball fundraiser will start in late November for the holiday season.
