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Absolutely Incredible Celebrity Supporters

More than 600 million people have learned about Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® in the past 14 years, thanks to the support and coverage received from partners and media outlets across the nation.

Many elected officials, celebrities, sports heroes and noted psychologists endorse Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®. Click the links below to read the dozens of letters written by celebrities and notable figures who have shown their support for Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®.

ACTORS

DAN AKROYD Dear Absolutely Incredible Boys and Girls of America: You are the future. You trade that for nothing. It is irreplaceable. Life is a precious cord and you must defend it for yourself and others. Beware the thoughts you form, which you put out into the real world—make them positive ones, and your dreams will grow into real life benefits and satisfactions. Negative ones unfortunately have the same power to become reality. Start writing immediately. Your thoughts, impressions, a diary, a journal, stories, comments and letters to the newspaper and magazines and e-mails. Together, literacy and your imagination will unlock great fulfillment for you. I love you—don't let me down, Dan Akroyd
BARRY BOSTWICK Hey Kids, Listen to your parents, eat something besides “fast foods” and don’t, I repeat don’t, get sucked in by the Pokemon retail “razzle dazzle!” A stick, some string, and a little imagination are all it takes! Barry Bostwick
SPENCER CHRISTIAN Dear Kids of America, I would like to salute you on this special day and encourage you to do your best to become absolutely incredible kids. And, you know it’s a lot easier to be “incredible”than you might think. You don’t have to be the best in the world at everything you do, but just making a special effort to do a really good job at whatever you do will qualify you to be called “incredible.” On this day when we recognize all of our absolutely incredible kids, I think it would be a great idea for each of you to think about things like courtesy, kindness, respect for others’ feelings, and lending a helping hand. This would be a terrific example for anybody who wants to be an absolutely incredible kid! Have a sunny day! Sincerely yours, Spencer Christian, TV weather reporter, San Francisco
DICK CLARK Dear Absolutely Incredible Kids of America, Remember that you are nothing less that a living miracle put on earth. There's no one else like you. You are truly special. No one else can do what you can do. Never give up your dreams. You can make them happen. Be true to yourself. You may find it easier to be kind, thoughtful and accepting of other people. That will mean you have made the world a better place. Sincerely, Dick Clark
DAVID COPPERFIELD Dear Absolutely Incredible Kids of America, It is my pleasure to offer you words of encouragement that may be helpful to you in your present or future endeavors. Life is a challenge, and every day offers new reasons to quit or stop trying. However, it is important to remember that the easiest thing in the world is to come up with an excuse not to do something. I found that the most important thing in my life is to stop saying, "I wish," and start saying, "I will." Whenever I pursue my dreams, I discover something astonishing—I discover myself. My secret is to consider nothing impossible and to treat possibilities as probabilities. Remember that passion is everything. Find your passion, combine it with your gifts, and you will be unstoppable. Your hard work will make your dreams come true. Best of luck! David Copperfield
CINDY CRAWFORD Dear Kids, What can I tell you that you don’t already know? Anything is possible—you already know that. I guess I would only say to believe in yourself and trust your instincts. Only you know what’s right for you - don’t forget that. Being true to your best self is the surest way to being an incredible person. Best of luck. Love, Cindy Crawford P.S. Being punctual never hurt anybody!
TONY DANZA To all the great boys and girls of the greatest country in the world, America, It's your day so enjoy. Keep in mind that the choices you make early in life do effect you later in life. Try to be good, and I'll try too! All my love, Tony Danza
ROBERT DUVALL Have wonderful dreams. Dreams are important, but you must match these dreams with everyday study habits. Schooling is so very important. Robert Duvall
TERRI HATCHER Dear Incredible Boys and Girls of America, As a mother and as a woman who has journeyed many places and through many experiences in my life, I'd like to encourage you, first and foremost, to LOVE yourselves. With that love, feel so much strength and security, that you can treat yourselves and all others with kindness and without judgment. Treat, even those different from you, people with whom you might disagree, with respect. Be a part of creating a safe and equal society, in which everyone can choose their own life paths. Believe in your dreams and be responsible for making them happen. Embrace hard work and try to see each stumbling block as a lesson in strength. Remember, we are never given anything that we cannot handle. Lastly, when in doubt, choose happiness. My best wishes to all of you, Sincerely, Teri Hatcher
RICHARD KARN To the Incredible Boys and Girls of America, It is my pleasure to wish all of you a grand day. Remember, every smile you pass on helps brighten another person's day. So, be true to yourself, be loving and accepting of all, and success will find you. You are absolutely incredible kids, and you inspire me! Best wishes, Richard Karn
JOANNA KERNS Dear Boys and Girls, As an actress I played a TV Mom for many years but my biggest role was being a Mom at home. I always taught my daughter how important an education was and to work hard for what she wanted. She graduated college last year with honors! It was the proudest day of my life. Whether or not you want to make your parents or mentors proud staying in school, making good grades, and having a positive outlook will make you succeed in life. You can never dream too “big” or have too “many” goals to achieve for yourself. I offer you these encouraging words in hopes you will succeed in what ever you do and know all your hard work will pay off one day. Sincerely, Joanna Kerns
AL LEWIS To the Camp Fire boys and girls, This is Grandpa Munster wishing you an incredible kid day. But remember you can make every day an incredible day if you find something you love to do, do it passionately, and hopefully get to love the way you do it! God bless you all, Al Lewis
JOHNATHAN LIPNICKI Dear Incredible Boys and Girls of America, I would like you to know that you should always try your best. If someone puts you down, don't think of it as an obstacle. Always work hard in school and maintain a goal for yourself. Sincerely, Jonathan Lipnicki

COMEDIANS

RUTH BUZZI To the Incredible Boys and Girls of America, You know something? I think I was a pretty incredible kid growing up. I loved my parents, brothers and relatives. I helped my mother with the house, and worked for my dad in the yard. I played hard and studied hard. I never took drugs, and you know what? It all paid off!!! I've had a very successful, wonderful life and it wouldn't have happened if I hadn't have been ... you guessed it ... an incredible kid. I'm no different than you. If I could do it, YOU can do it! Respect your elders and have a great day!! Love to all, Ruth Buzzi
TIM CONWAY My Little Friend – I hope your dreams come true. Be sure to enjoy the road along the way. Best wishes, Tim Conway
BILL COSBY Dear Camp Fire boys and girls: When I was a young man, I was unsure of what I wanted to become, but I knew I wanted to become something or somebody! I told my teacher that I didn't know what to do with my life. I didn't know what the various employment possibilities required, nor did I know how I could qualify to meet those requirements. She told me that the best place to go is to the library. It is quiet; therefore I would have to be in touch with myself. If a thought occurred that I wanted to become a designer, a scientist, an engineer, a law enforcement person, go into forensic medicine, become a social worker, a househusband, an entrepreneur, a chef, a chess champion, a basketball player, a coach, a marathon runner….she could go on and on, but I got the point - the information is in the library. And, she said to me that by reading, I would be in control of my own mind - that did it, I have been reading ever since. Sincerely, Bill Cosby
NORM CROSBY To the Absolutely Incredible Kids, My sincere congratulations to all of you for your continued commitment to high ideals and for setting an example for boys and girls everywhere. At a time when young people are being accused of total disregard for faith and morals; you prove that the majority of young people today are a credit to themselves, their families and to our society. You are an inspiration to all of us! With warmest good wishes, Norm Crosby
JEFF FOXWORHY To the Incredible Kids of America, Remember, God says you are "fearfully and wonderfully made." Don't let anyone else's negative opinion or comments stop the wonderful things you are able to accomplish! I've found every ounce of love I pour out comes back to me three times greater! Good luck and God bless, Funnyman, Jeff Foxworthy

MUSICIANS

PAT BOONE Hey you incredible kids! I'm in the kid business—and I know good ones when I meet them! My wife Shirley and I raised four beautiful daughters, and they have provided us 15 incredible grandkids. All kinds: girls and boys. So, I'm an expert! George Washington, George Washington Carver, Abe Lincoln, Edwin Land of Polaroid, Bill Gates, President George Bush and Oprah Winfrey, were all incredible Kids themselves. They worked hard, studied hard, kept their word and told the truth, dreamed big and prayed their way to the top of their professions. You can do the same, and I believe you will. One wonderful tip: make God your agent (commit your life into His care and guidance.) He can open doors, and not only knows tomorrow, He can change it for you! Go for it! Pat Boone
WYNONNA JUDD My name is Wynonna, I’m a dreamchaser. I believe that dreams do come true. I know that if I can do it, so can you. Remember, if you can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it. Don't ever give up on you dreams. I won’t if you won’t. The possibilities are endless, so let’s begin. God loves you and so do I! Wynonna Judd
LISA LOEB Dear Special Person, As you grow older, you will find more and more ways to make the world a better place. You could be a doctor who finds a cure for a disease, you could be a teacher who helps kids to learn about their world, or you might even travel around with a guitar and make people feel better through your music. What you choose to do is not the point—the important thing is that you try to do something that makes the world a better place. Do you know what will happen if you, anyone, or me try to make the world a better place? The world WILL be a better place. From, Lisa Loeb
REBA MCENTIRE Reach for the sky! Follow your dreams! Love yourself! Love ya, Reba McEntire
BUCK OWENS To Incredible Boys and Girls, Reach for the highest star and above all, be kind to one another! Buck Owens
DOLLY PARTON Dear Absolutely Incredible Kids: I believe there are two most important things in your life. Number 1.....Learn to read well. Number 2.....Give everything you do your very best effort. I have included a song that I wrote just for you called “Try.” Verse 1: I’ve chased after rainbows; I’ve captured one or two. I’ve reached for the stars; and I have even held a few. I’ve walked that lonesome valley, topped the mountains, soared the sky. I’ve laughed and I have cried; but I have always tried. Verse 2: I’ve always been a dreamer, and dreams are special things. But dreams are of no value if they’re not equipped with wings. So secure yourself for climbing; make ready for the sky. Don’t let your chance go by; you’ll make it if you try. 1st Chorus: So try to be the first one up the mountain, the highest flying dreamer in the sky. And try your best to be an inspiration for others that are still afraid and shy. Try to make the most of every moment ‘cause if you never try, you never win. Try each day to try a little harder and if you fail, get up and try again. Verse 3: Nothing is impossible if you can just believe. Don’t live your life in shackles when faith can be the key. The winner’s one who keeps determination in his eyes. Who’s not afraid to fly and not afraid to try. 2nd Chorus: So you try to be the first one up the mountain. And try to be the first to touch the sky. Don’t let somebody tell you you can’t do it. If they do, then show them it’s a lie. And if they fail at first, just keep on trying ‘cause you are not a failure in God’s eyes. So spread your wings and let the magic happen ‘cause you’ll never really know if you don’t try. Tag: The first step is the one that always hardest. You’ll never really know if you don’t try. So spread your wings and let the magic happen; but you’ll never really know unless you try. Love, Dolly Parton
DOUGLAS PHELPS To the Absolutely Incredible Kids of America, We want to wish all of you a very good day! We want to encourage you all to follow your dreams and don't give up. We are living proof that dreams do come true. We have loved music all of our lives and have continued to pursue and chase it, and low and behold, in 1991, we were standing on the stage at the Grammy's receiving a Grammy Award for our Album, "Pickin' on Nashville," If we had given up somewhere along the journey, we would never have gotten there. Y'all be good to one another and have a great day! Stay cool, Douglas Phelps, The Kentucky Headhunters
BILLY SQUIER You're an absolutely incredible kid … just by being YOURSELF! Be glad you're you -- 'cause you're special!! Billy Squier P.S. Have a great day
THE STATLER BROTHERS Dear Absolutely Incredible Kids of America, Every night at our concerts we see kids of all ages: 5 years old; 15 years old; 50 years old. Yes, believe it or not, 50 and 60 year-olds are still kids! They still think of themselves inside as kids and those memories they made as children seem only a few short years ago. So, all of your mommas and daddies and grandmothers and grandfathers still have a little kid living inside them somewhere and it usually comes out when they're having fun. When they're happy. When they're with people they love. When they're with you. Cherish every day, and every memory you make, know that you are loved, because only a good sone or a good daughter can make a parent smile down deep where it really counts. Be happy and enjoy life to the fullest. You are what our lives are all about! Your friends, The Statler Brothers (Harold Reid, Phil Balsley, Jimmy Fortune and Don Reid)
AARON TIPPIN To the Incredible Boys and Girls of America, You are our future and we're counting on you. Every one of you has the potential to do anything you want to. My daddy used to say, "can't never could do nothin'." So just believe in yourself and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish. I BELIEVE IN YOU! Best wishes, Aaron Tippin

BUSINESS LEADERS

MICHAEL EISNER Dear Absolutely Incredible Kids of America: You may not know it, but you belong to a very special club. However, it’s a club that you’re going to get kicked out of one day. I used to belong to the club. Even you parents used to belong to the club. It’s the Great American Kids Club. The people who belong to it get to have fun, they get to learn, they get to grow, they get to make friends. And, one day, they get to move on and leave the club to become adults. So, as a former member of the club, my advice to you is – make the most of it. This is an incredible time of your life. Every day try to learn something new, talk to someone new, try something new. This way, when the day comes that it’s time to leave the club, you’ll be able to do so with a smile on your face, having done a great job of being a kid. Sincerely yours, Michael D. Eisner Ex-member of the Great American Kids Club, Former Chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company
HELEN GURLY Dear Camp Fire boys and girls, We don’t know each other personally, but I hear you are an absolutely terrific group. I was a Girl Scout—didn’t make it to First Class because I kind-of tended to drown if I swam more than 15 yards, but that has nothing to do with all the wonderful things you have achieved and enjoyed! Grown-ups can be kind of a drag when commenting to younger people and I don’t want to be that! My hope would be just to congratulate you on your Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® and assume you will go on doing the same happy incredible things! All my best wishes, Helen Gurly Brown, Editor-in-Chief, Cosmopolitan magazine, International Editions
DONALD TRUMP To the Nation's Outstanding Young People, The day and the millennium belong to you, the future of America. Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® celebrates the true joy and spirit of our country. I am honored to contribute my thoughts. Continue to strive and achieve and always follow your impulses and pursue your dreams. Believe in yourselves and your ability to be progressive, revolutionary and inspirational. A true sense of self will guide you far. Know that you can make an impact, you can truly change the world. Best wishes as you continue to amaze and enhance our nation. Sincerely, Donald Trump
JEFF WISE Dear Children of America, The National Environmental Trust (NET) is writing to you on Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® to let you know that our organization is committed to ensuring that your toys and food will be safe from potentially harmful chemicals. Things are a lot different from when your parents grew up. Today, some of the people that provide our food and make our products use all kinds of chemicals that have never been tested for how they might affect children. Because your bodies are constantly growing, you may be more sensitive to the effects of chemicals in the environment than your mom or dad and other adults are. We want to make sure all substances are tested for their possible effects on children and that untested substances are labeled on toys and other products around the home, so that your parents can be sure everything in your world is as safe as it can be. NET will continue to work hard to help your parents make your world toxic free, so you can grow up to be absolutely incredible and healthy adults. Sincerely, Jeff Wise, National Environmental Trust

AUTO RACING

JEFF GORDON Dear Incredible Boys and Girls of America, I want to encourage each of you to follow your dreams and work hard to make those dreams become a reality. You can make those dreams come true by staying in school. A great education is a big step in achieving the success that your heart desires. Work Hard—Dream Big, Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet DuPont #24

BASEBALL

SAL BANDO Dear Cherished Boys and Girls of America, You are our future and we are counting on you for great things. Believe in yourself and know that you have been “inherently” equipped to succeed. Work hard, take advantage of your learning opportunities and ask questions. Be curious about the world around you. You have so many people hoping and believing in you. Don’t let us down, but more importantly, don’t let yourself down. Peace, Sal Bando, 1968-1981 A’s, Brewers
VIDA BLUE Dear Kids, Enjoy every day like it’s your birthday. Always have fun and enjoy life. Never give up and always believe in yourself. Please be kind to others because we all are the same, no one is better than the other. We all are brothers and sisters. Remember, there are two choices in life: right and wrong. Always try to do the right thing. Vida Blue, 1969–83, 85–86 A’s, Giants, Royals
HARMON KILLEBREW Incredible Boys and Girls, I was privileged to play Major League Baseball, but I would say to you that you can do anything you want to do in this great country! My mother told me when I was very young that “the main reason we are here is to love and help one another!”I hope that you will remember that and love and help people along your life’s journey! Good luck and “keep swinging!” Sincerely, Harmon Killebrew, 1984 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee
DON MATTINGLY To my three boys, T, Preston, and Jordan, I’m writing this letter to you on Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® to let you all know how special I think each of you are. I know you get tired of hearing my many speeches on a wide variety of issues that we seem to face every day. I just want you to know that they all come from the love I have for each of you. Love, Dad (Don Mattingly, former New York Yankee) P.S. It doesn’t matter what happens on life’s road. I will always love you.
KIRBY PUCKETT Dear Incredible Boys and Girls of America, I want to share the message that hard work and determination are necessary for success. Each of us needs to work really hard to make the most of all our gifts and talents. Whatever you do, wherever you go, never forget how you got there. Always be grateful for your abilities and the teachers, coaches, and most important, parents, who nurture and stand by you as you work hard to succeed. Never give up and dream big! Kirby Puckett, Minnesota Twins

BASKETBALL

REBECCA LOBO Dear Incredible Kids, Make sure you have Big dreams and work as hard as you can to reach them. Dreams come true everyday. God Bless, Rebecca Lobo, New York Liberty
CARLA MCGHEE Dear Incredible Boys and Girls of America, Congrats! You guys must really be pretty awesome to have your own day! I’m a strong believer that the kids (children) are our future. I feel we owe you guys, the kids of the future, every possible opportunity to lean on us for emotional, physical, spiritual and mental support. Kids are gifts from God; we are suppose to love and teach you guys. I thank you in advance for taking the time to ready my letter and for allowing me to be a part of Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®. Thanks for being my present but more so for my “Bright Future!” Stay Positive, Carla McGhee, Orlando Miracle
DAMON STOUDAMIRE Dear Camp Fire boys and girls, I think that Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® is a great way to celebrate kids! It is no secret that I love kids and I feel honored to be asked to write a letter for this event. I want to stress a concept that has been critical to me in my life and something that should be important in your lives, too. As an athlete, I know the importance of taking care of your business in the classroom before you can take care of your business on the athletic field. I know that I would not be playing in the NBA today if I did not go to school and excel academically. My grades and my hoop have always gone hand in hand and it is only through that self-discipline that I have been able to attain my dream. I created the “Books Before Baskets” program in my hometown of Portland, Oregon in 1999 as a city-wide campaign to collect school supplies for inner-city youth. It has been a huge success and I am thankful for the support and the encouragement from kids, parents and the community as a whole. Continue to be an ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE KID!!! Damon Stoudamire, Portland Trailblazers
ROY WILLIAMS To the Absolutely Incredible Kids of America, My name is Roy Williams and I am the head men’s basketball coach at The University of Kansas. I am so, so lucky because I am associated with so many wonderful young people here at The University of Kansas and they all started out as absolutely incredible kids. I want to encourage all of you to do a couple of things to continue being absolutely incredible kids. My first encouraging words would be for you to work extremely hard academically. Someone can take away a lot of things from you in life but they can't take away your mind. Work very hard in the academic area so you yourself will be able to make your own decisions. Second, I would ask all of you to find something that you truly love and dream about and work as hard as you possibly can to reach those dreams. You should always aim for the stars because you never can tell ... you might hit them. I would like for you to be led by your dreams and not pushed by your problems. That little saying will help you out if you continue to focus on it. Remember one other saying that I truly like: “The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way you use them.” Good luck to all you absolutely incredible kids! Most sincerely, Roy Williams Head Men’s Basketball Coach, The University of Kansas

FOOTBALL

MARK BRUNELL Dear Incredible Boys and Girls, Always have a goal and a dream! Never, ever give up that dream. Work hard, study hard and success will follow. Best wishes to you all! God bless Mark Brunell, Jacksonville Jaguars
DREW PEARSON To the Absolutely Incredible Boys and Girls of America, It is with much pleasure and great pride for me to wish all of you marvelous boys and girls a truly wonderful day. Remember, if you can dream it, you can achieve it. Keep a positive attitude and continue to do good things. Best wishes and much happiness to all you incredible boys and girls. Sincerely, Drew Pearson, former Dallas Cowboy
JERRY RICE To each and every child in America, Believe in yourself and follow your dreams! Hard work, honesty and determination create success—it has for me, on the football field, and more importantly, in my personal life with my family and friends. Remember that in this wonderful country, anything is possible and you have the freedom to choose your destiny. You can always find happiness when you look to the world with a positive attitude, when you look to family and friends, and when you look within. You are never alone—you are never without a friend. There are always places to go and people to turn to who appreciate you for the unique and important individual you are. Please never forget that you are absolutely incredible, and that you hold a very special place in this world. Your friend, Jerry Rice, San Francisco 49ers
KURT WARNER Dear Incredible Kids: Life is not always easy. Many times we encounter challenges and obstacles in the pursuit of our dreams. But, it is important to never give up! My dream was success in the National Football League. I did not take my eyes off of that goal until I achieved it—not when I was bagging groceries at the Hy-Vee, not when I was playing Arena Football for the Iowa Barnstormers, not when I was third string for the 4-12 St. Louis Rams. I believed in the talents the Lord blessed upon me and worked hard to prepare for the time my opportunity would come. The rest, as they say, is history. In 1999, I helped lead the Rams to the Super Bowl and earned NFL and Super Bowl MVP honors and a Super Bowl ring along the way. I encourage each of you to set your goals high. Go out and get YOUR Super Bowl ring. Whether it’s to be a nurse, a lawyer, a teacher—identify your “ring,” your goal, and go get it! All things are possible when you seek to put first things first in school, in life and in yourself! God Bless, Kurt Warner, St. Louis Rams Proverbs 3: 5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.”

GOLF

LEE JANZEN To Absolutely Incredible Kids, Being a father, I feel so grateful every day to experience watching a child grow up. Our children are the future. We have to realize the potential in each child. Every dream a child has for the future can become a reality if we show our kids the way. Go, kids, go to the future, Lee Janzen
TOM LEHMAN Dear Rachael, Holly and Thomas, I don’t normally write you letters to say what I want to say to you. Typically I just tell you straight out what is on my mind and what I think of you and how much I love you. I love the look on your faces when I tell you how much you mean to me. I love the hugs that I get and the kisses, and I especially love the satisfied and content looks on your faces: everything is right with the world, your world. And that makes me incredibly happy. But sometimes it’s easy to forget those words that I say, and the feeling that those words make you feel. So, I’m writing this letter so you can keep it forever, and so that the words will never be forgotten. I love you kids more than anything in the world. You, all three, are wonderful, priceless gifts from God, and I have been given the privilege of being your Dad. I am honored to be your Dad, I am grateful: I consider it, along with being married to your Mom, the greatest, most wonderful thing in my life. The pride that I feel when I think of you, well, every button on my shirt pops right off. I am so proud of you. And, I love you. There is nothing that you could ever do that would stop me from loving you. No matter where you go, no matter what you do, no matter how you look or whether you get good grades or not, I am always proud of you, and I always love you. Always. Forever. It is a dad’s nature to be protective of his kids. I am no different. I wish I could protect you from all of life’s little hard knocks. I wish I could make it so you are never sick, never get injured, never get your feelings hurt, never feel pain of any kind. If I could make it so you are always happy and content, and always healthy and strong, I would do it in a minute. The thought of any of you suffering in any way is unbearable to me. Yet, I know that is a dreamland, that some of those things will be in the future. Just know that I will always be there for you, and that I will protect you always. No one better mess with my kids! It is hard to say without writing a novel what it is about each of you that I love so much. You all have so many great qualities; there is so much to love! How do I start without going on and on and on ... If there had to be one or two things that come to mind above all else, I guess I can easily think of those. Rachael, you are so compassionate and kind. If anyone is hurting or sad, you are there. If there are children less fortunate than you and are hungry or without proper clothing, you want to give them your money and your clothes. That is something I hope you never lose. That is an incredible quality. People are always way more important than things. I love that you sleep with the daddy’s Little Girl pillow every night. I know that you love me, too. And Holly, your enthusiasm and energy light up everyone’s life. There is never a dull moment with you around. You love life, and I can hear your laugh even when you are miles away. You love to laugh and you love your family, and that is one of the things I love about you. I love that you can’t sit still, you sit at the table with one bun on the seat and inevitably fall off your chair, and spill your milk. That is just one of each day’s guarantees, and I love it. Thomas, you are dad’s little man. It is so fun to go to the golf course with you or ride bikes with you. You try so hard to please me, and want so much to be with me. You make me feel important! I can’t wait to teach you how to play golf and basketball and baseball, to throw you passes in the back yard. I can’t wait to teach you how to camp and catch a fish. And most of all, I can't wait to teach you that it is not what you have that makes you a great man, but who you are on the inside. It is important to me that you and your sisters grow up to love God and love other people more than anything else. And if there’s one thing that I hope people will always say about your Dad, it’s that he loved God and loved his wife, and loved his kids. Because it is true, I love my family very much an always will. There's no trophy or amount of money in the world that could ever be anywhere as important as you are. I just want to you know that. I love you kids very, very much, Dad (Tom Lehman)
JACK NICKLAUS Dear Camp Fire boys and girls, My advice to you would be to set your sights on what you want and go after it! You can achieve anything as long as you work hard, believe in yourself, and don’t forget to appreciate the people who help you along the way. Now, more than ever, it’s important to stay in school and commit yourself to whatever it is you love to do. I wish you all the best happiness and success in school and in the many years to come. Sincerely, Jack Nicklaus

HOCKEY

GRANT FUHR Dear Incredible Boys and Girls of America, When I was young my dream was to be a part of the NHL. I set my goal, and even when it seemed like a fantasy I never gave up. I put everything I had into making my dream come true. I made it, I broke records and won trophies, I got there by never giving up. So remember to dream big, set your goals, and if anyone tells you that you can’t do it, prove them wrong. Always believe in yourself. If you can dream it, you can do it! Grant Fuhr, Calgary Flames
DOUG GILMOUR Kids of America: Confidence, Caring and Leadership. Character traits that have served me well over my 18-years as a forward in the National Hockey League. These same core values are what shape the development of a Camp Fire boy or girl. Use Confidence everyday to maintain a belief in your own abilities and the assurance that the decisions you make are the right ones, impacting your life in a positive way. Without caring and compassion we lose a sense of our human dignity. Incredible Kids care about their neighbors, their friends and their classmates. Players can show Leadership on and off of the ice. Incredible Kids lead by setting the example for others to be honest, responsible, active participants in their community. I am please to join professional football super star Jerry Rice and thousands of parents, celebrities and other dignitaries in this heartfelt campaign. Every kid is a form waiting to be shaped. The Camp Fire group molds them into Absolutely Incredible Kids. Please accept my best wishes for continued success in checking life's greatest challenges. Best Wishes, Doug Gilmour, Buffalo Sabres
JAMAL MAYERS Dear Incredible Boys and Girls of America, I cannot stress enough the importance of believing in yourself and the value of never giving up. You can reach all your goals and dreams only if you follow your dreams regardless of the obstacles that you may encounter. If you follow things through until completion, even if the result isn’t great, you’ll have learned something new about yourself or even find a completely new interest or passion. Be sure to do well in school because no one can ever take away your education. There’s no better time to make a change than today. Take action for your life because it’s no one else’s responsibility but your own. Now is the time to do it! Dreamers make life fun! Jamal Mayers, St. Louis Blues

TRACK AND FIELD

Mark Crear

Greetings to each and every child in America!

In honor of Kid Day, I wanted to personally take the time to say, “I salute you for being an absolutely INCREDIBLE KID!” This includes my precious daughter, Ebony Sharmane, whose awesome spirit never ceases to amaze me. I encourage her and all the rest of you to find your special talent and move mountains!

I want you all to always remember how awesome and special you are. It is important that you learn to be the best that you can be. I encourage you to do that by learning to love the qualities that makes you an absolutely incredible kid. I have made my dreams come true because I learned to develop the things that are special about Mark Crear when I was younger.

Now I have two Olympic medals and family and friends to share it with. I believe that we all have the ability to move mountains and make this world a better place! You can start today by dedicating yourself to be the best person you can be! More importantly, whatever you become in life, remember to use your special gifts to make a positive contribution to your family, friends and the world!

God Bless & God Speed,
Mark Crear, Two-time Olympic Gold Medallist