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| If you knew Terri, you knew this expression. |
mcatoe@thelancasternews.com
Terri Ledbetter loved music and she loved her friends at the Chester-Lancaster Board of Disabilities and Special Needs (CLDSN). Nearly two years ago, she died unexpectedly at age 43.
For the past 18 months, her family and friends have been raising money to build a covered, handicap-accessible picnic shelter at the CLDSN workshop where her friends can enjoy fresh air, music and a little freedom.
"If I could picture Terri right now, I know she is smiling," said Debbie Crenshaw, owner of Main Street Hair Designers and a member of the Terri Ledbetter Memorial Fundraisers.
"She loved her friends at the workshop and she would be so thrilled to know that they will soon be able to go outside and get fresh air, sunshine and some fun in memory of her."
All her friends remember two things about her – that smile and her love of music.
"We are making sure they can enjoy music out there," Crenshaw said.
The plans include electricity and most likely mounted speakers.
A fundraiser in Terri's honor will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church May 5 at 7 p.m. The gospel group King's Cause will perform. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Tickets are available at Blackmon Insurance Group, Chandler's Collision Center, Mane Street Hair Designers, Nichols, Hess & Associates or by calling (803) 285-5433.
The committee has raised over half the money for the project, but needs $10,000 more.
Corporate and individual sponsorships are being sold in advance of the concert, and the names will be printed in the program. Business sponsorships are $100, and individuals and couples can have their names in the program for $50.
Immanuel Baptist Church seats 450, but only 400 tickets will be available. Fifty reserved seats will be filled with Terri's friends from the board of disabilities who are attending as guests of honor.
Terri's mother, Janice Steele, said "Terri was my heart and soul." Steele's voice cracked and tears filled her eyes as she talked about Terri and shared photos of her daughter smiling, dancing and loving life.
“Terri was so precious in every way imaginable, just a beautiful girl,” Steele said.
Mark Blackmon, of Blackmon Insurance Group, is a member of King's Cause and also Steele's employer.
"If there is something we can do to make this happen, then that is what we want to do," he said. "To help Janice and to see how she has taken the tragedy of losing Terri at a young age and making good of it inspires us."
The picnic shelter could be built anywhere, but her mother insists it be built for Terri's friends at the workshop, where Terri spent her days. Constructing it for adults with special needs added extra costs such as a concrete pad and walkway to allow equal access for those in wheelchairs. Accessible picnic tables will allow them to fully enjoy the experience.
"Terri would have loved to be out there in the sunshine with her friends," Steele said.
The committee is hoping the shelter will be completed by the fall. The work activity center staff are excited about the picnic shelter.
"This offers them a choice to go outside, and of course, enjoy their lunch," said Renee' Phillips, day program supervisor. "But also to work on goals and enjoy discussions about what they are learning."
Steele's commitment and passion are as infectious as Terri's smile.
Chad Catledge, owner of Perception Builders, has volunteered his time to the project.
"Mrs. Steele's passion about this project was contagious, and I wanted to participate any way I could," Catledge said. "The best way we could help was to donate our time, and we are certainly happy to do that."
Sheila McWaters, executive director of CLDSN, expressed excitement and gratitude for the gift.
"The shelter will serve as an area where the individuals can enjoy the beautiful weather while listening to music and eating their lunch," McWaters said. "We all know how important it is to soak up the sun."
Terri was always smiling with an ipod in her pocket and wearing the newest headphones. She was quick to remove them when she saw a friend. The only thing better than music to her was people.
Terri's sister-in-law, Carrie Steele, reflected on the lessons Terri taught with her life.
"Her zest for life was special," Steele said. "She often got excited by moments that many of us take for granted. She'd rub her hands together, jump up and down and cheer gleefully with her signature laugh. She will continue to thrive in our hearts, especially those moments where we find great joy in simply being with those we love."
Follow Reporter Mandy Catoe on Twitter @MandyCatoeTLN or
contact her at (803) 283-1152.
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