Back B.I.S. (before ice storm) the Harlem Ambassadors were going to come to town as a benefit for our Southwest Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross. Then the freezing rain caused havoc with our electrical supply and the basketball game was postponed. But did you know the Ambassadors came to Altus anyway? They heard of our plight and spoke with Rosalyn Hall, Red Cross Director. She told them she was at the shelter and the Ambassadors decided to come help. They arrived at the shelter and stayed for four hours entertaining those who came for warm food and shelter from the cold night. They read to children, played ball with them, served meals, and generally provided some levity in the otherwise rather bleak weather.

Now the Ambassadors are coming back Monday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Altus High School Gym. Tickets purchased with the Feb. 1 date will be welcome. Tickets will be sold again at area banks and credit unions, the Altus High School Athletic Department and the Red Cross. Tickets will also be available at the door for $2 more. Children 4 and under are free. Tickets for students through high school are $5, as are tickets for seniors. Regular tickets at $7. All proceeds benefit the Red Cross.

The student winners of the Red Cross / Altus Times essay contest will be seated in a special area. These are the essay winners:

Emelie Paige VonRaesfeld, Will Rogers Elementary School, 3rd grade, Mrs. Schur

Caleb Rose, Blair Elementary, 3rd grade, Mrs. McKee

Maria Renteria, Blair Elementary, 3rd grade, Mrs. McKee

Nicholas Gumas, Blair Elementary, 3rd grade, Mrs. McKee

Payson Ramirez, Blair Elementary, 3rd grade, Mrs. McKee

Haylee Hammock, Blair Elementary, 3rd grade, Mrs. McKee

Dalton Ellis, Blair Elementary, 3rd grade, Mrs. McKee

Miranda Snodgrass, Blair Elementary, 3rd grade, Mrs. McKee

They will have their pictures taken with the Ambassadors at the end of half-time.

Please come show the Ambassadors how much we appreciate their willingness to help Altus when we had virtually nothing to offer them but a smile.