Spook-tacular Day for Area Kids
October 29, 2004

It was trick or treat time for some special children in the Myrtle Beach area, but Pelican employees were the ones who got the real treat. On Friday, October 29th, Ryan Ibbotson, Neil Fortier, Angela Barwick and Splash from the Myrtle Beach Pelicans joined with WBTW-News 13 and other area businesses to participate in Treats for Special Kids. Hosted at the Medieval Times Theater, the event was the chance for special education children to celebrate Halloween in a barrier-free and non-threatening atmosphere.

More than 600 school age children from the local school district traveled to the theater for the morning of fun. The Pelicans joined area attractions and businesses that set up a table to hand out treats. The children, many in costumes or hand painted Halloween t-shirts, made their way around the arena to fill their bags with goodies. Splash was on hand to greet young trick or treaters, and a Halloween party was also held in the main lobby with face painting, snacks and games.

Treats for Special Kids is an annual event in Horry County, and one that the Pelicans plan on attending again next year. The event is the only way that some of the children can celebrate Halloween, due to their handicaps. Even though Pelican staffers were volunteers at this community event, all agreed that they got the best treat of the day – the smiles and happiness of the children who attended. As promised by Angela McRavin of WBTW-TV, the host of the event, sponsors were rewarded “with an overwhelming feeling of joy and gratification”.