THE MARKIE VOYLES ADOPT-A-KID PROGRAM

Presented By: 

Over ten years ago a very bright individual named Bo Saulsbury, then president of the Knoxville Track Club, came up with an idea to help kids who take part in our KTC Youth Athletics Program.  Why not give KTC club members, community members and corporations an opportunity to defray program costs for those kids in our program that are in need.  It was one of those “why did I not think of this” moments.   What a great idea to adopt one of our kids that might not otherwise be able to participate in one of our great programs.  At Bo’s urging we launched Adopt-a-Kid in 2000.  Much to the credit of KTC members, Youth Athletics parents, and the Knoxville community the program was warmly received.  In its first year Adopt-a-Kid raised $ 4,800.00 to help kids in need. Since its first year the program has raised:

Last year donations represented less than $5.25 per club member.  That’s less than a third of the cost of most road race entry fees and only 5% of the cost of a new pair of running shoes.

Markie Voyles  6/11/91 - 10/26/08

In 2008 our program was renamed in honor of Markie Voyles.  Markie competed for our KTC Youth Athletics Team in cross country and indoor track.  She was also a standout runner for White County High School (Sparta, TN) and was 2007 State A/AA Champion in the 1600m and 3200m runs.  Markie passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a single vehicle accident just one week from competing in the 2008 TSSAA State Cross Country Championships.  Makie's generous heart and love of kids exemplifies what this program is all about.

Markies impact on her friends and Competitors 

I would like to thank those that have so generously supported this program over the years as well in 2011. As we near the end of 2011 I am asking for your help once more. To date we have raised To date we have raised $6,895 (update 12/30/11)  towards our goal of $14,000. I am fully aware that in the current economic climate surplus funds for donations are few and far between. The same economic conditions have made it difficult for many parents to cobble together the finances to afford program, meet entry and travel fees. This despite having the most affordable Youth Athletics Program in the area. In 2011 KTC Youth Athletics provided over 12% of our participants fee waivers and another 10% reduced fees. I am committed to making sure that finances will not be a barrier to participation and I hope you feel the same as I do. I urge those who have not given to consider giving back to a part of KTC that is laying the foundation for the clubs future members. I know that many of you have a variety of charitable causes you donate to and I certainly encourage you to continue. As we approach the end of the year I hope that we may once again rely on your generosity. I fervently believe in what the KTC does for our youth. It cannot be done without your help.   Take some time to review what KTC Youth Athletics provides (Link below this letter) and ask yourself if contributing to this effort is worthwhile.  If so please click the Donate button to make your online contribution.  I am sure you will agree that your donation goes a long way in our community and in our club.  I thank you in advance for your support and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 865-406-4128.

Marty Sonnenfeldt  
Youth Athletics Director 

Click Here for a review of KTC Youth Athletics 2011

• Bronze Donation Level  - $38.00 (Sponsors a Child through the Summer Developmental Track and Field Program)
• Silver Donation Level  - $79.00 (Sponsors a Family through the Summer Developmental Track and Field Program)
• Gold Donation Level  - $182.00 (Sponsors travel costs for one child on the Competitive Team)
• Champion Donation Level  - $ 360.00 (Sponsors a child to participate year-round in KTC Youth Athletics Programs)
• Olympic Donation Level  - $515.00 (Sponsors a Family to participate year-round in KTC's Youth Athletics Programs)
• Corporate Donation Level  - $1,000.00 (Sponsors 2 Families to participate year round in KTC's Youth Athletics Programs while providing your company a "presenting logo and link" from this page)