Oct. 27 fund-raiser benefits Native American reservation; IceHogs to sign autographs at event

Online Staff Report

Dr. Trina Blackman Morgan and Dr. Andrena Sayles, chiropractors from Roscoe, Ill., along with other local chiropractors, are hosting a fund-raiser from 5:30-9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Hoffman House in Rockford. The purpose is to benefit 2,000 children on the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana.

Dr. Blackman Morgan, Dr. Sayles and the other chiropractors are part of a world project called Love Has No Color (LHNC). Ninety-nine percent of Americans are not aware of the Third World conditions right here in our country. The nation’s highest suicide rates for children, drug and alcohol abuse, disease, crime, high school dropouts, and teen pregnancy are found on our Native American reservations. LHNC provides hope and solutions to America’s first people.

Kids, unfortunately, don’t have a voice when it comes to human rights, dignity, health and bright futures. They count on adults to guide them to reach their highest potential. These kids on the Fort Peck Reservation endure a paralyzing grip of poverty, violence and disease with no end in sight. Since Love Has No Color was established in 2006, the aim has been clear … to wipe out extreme hopelessness and poverty on the reservation.

“When I heard that children as young as 10 were taking their own lives, I was appalled, and I knew I had to become involved,” said Dr. Blackman Morgan. “Almost everyone I talk to is totally unaware of the barbaric, Third World conditions on the reservation. But once they find out, they ask how they can get involved.”

LHNC uses health care, social programs and teaching as platforms to ensure that every young person feels wanted, recognized, and has the opportunity to claim a bright future.

Dr. Andrea Sayles explained: “When I first visited the reservation, I couldn’t believe my eyes at the conditions of the children. As a parent, no kids should be brought up like this. We can help these kids if everyone is aware of the problem.”

Kenny Smoker, Native American and wellness program specialist from the Fort Peck Reservation, will give a firsthand account of the challenges of reservation life. Several members of the Rockford IceHogs will sign autographs and T-shirts.

Silent auction and IceHogs autographs start at 5:30 p.m. Presentation starts at 7 p.m. There will be a cash bar, music, hors d’oeuvres and authentic Indian artifacts to purchase. Casual dress is suggested.

Dr. Kevin Pallis and Dr. Ed Plentz, founders of LHNC and co-owners of The New Renaissance, will give a presentation about Love Has No Color and the project’s goals and accomplishments to date.

Since 2005, LHNC has provided 50,000 gifts (toys, coats, gloves, sneakers, art supplies and more) to the children at Christmas time. For some children, this is the only gift they will receive. The chiropractors have also refurbished a movie theater, giving the kids a safe place to hang out.

During the summer, LHNC travels to the reservation for an annual Fun Day for the kids that attracts hundreds of children each year. This event involves community service and events for the children including confidence-boosting and self-esteem enhancing activities, as well as traditional games and pastimes.

LHNC is in the process of bringing a full-time chiropractor to the reservation to see to the health needs of all the adults and children.