JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WHAT YOU ARE DOING FOR THESE KIDS IS WONDERFUL AND I THINK THAT ALL OF YOU ARE GREAT FOR DOING THIS. I SAW THE PICTURES ON-LINE AND THE KIDS LOOK LIKE THEY WERE HAVING A GREAT TIME. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

FROM LUCY OF CHATTANOOGA

I was just looking at the pictures of your stay at Walt DisneyWorld and I am amazed at what you have done. I listened to your show both Monday and Tuesday, but didn’t have time to look at your website. I think it is amazing at what you guys are doing and please let us know what we can do to help Grin Kids get a 6th year next year

Petra
Charlotte, NC

I just wanted to say what all of you have done for these kids was and will be a blessing from now on in their lives. As I look at the pictures on the web it makes me thankful for what I have with my children and how I am blessed. I listen to your station every morning on my way to work and it starts off my day with laughter and I can see in the pictures that the Grin Kids were full of it too. It would be such a greater world if there were more people like all of you that had a part in this. May GOD bless each one who had a part in this event and I will keep you in my prayers each day.

GOD BLESS, Mark

This program is great! I live in Boaz, AL and actually know Brandon Sorowski. It is great what you do for these children’s lives. I listen to your show every morning on my 45 minute drive to work and people think that I am crazy because I am always laughing and driving.

Thanks for the entertainment!!!

Amanda

Hey guys, I have recently started listening to your morning show and I love it! I’ve never been able to stand talk radio in the morning but you guys are too funny. I don’t think I have gone one morning without laughing. I would like to just tell you that your broadcast from Florida with Grin Kids really moved me! Hearing those kids having so much fun made me cry! It really hit a soft spot in my heart. Keep up the great work! I’ll be listening in the morning!

I just wanted to tell you that I think it is wonderful what you do for these kids. One of my friends went on the trip and had a blast. Most of the kids would never get to experience this without your help because of the strains of everyday life. But being with other kids & parents that are like theirs helps a lot.

My salutes to you,

Misty in Alabama

Ace & TJ, this message goes to the both of you. My name is Ray Austin and I have listened to the both of you for about five years and I have never been more touched than I was this past week while y’all were at DisneyWorld with the kids and I tell ya I’m a 22 year old college student and that really opened my eyes. I mean I have been around kids for a long time as a professional wrestler with different organizations as well but listening to those kids and y’all working with them to make the whole week a magical adventure.

God does things for a reason and works so many miracles each day to make life a better and greater learning experience my prayers are with the families and children of the Grin Kids organization as well as you guys too. I hope and wish y’all welcome me as a strong radio family member. To all of the Ace and TJ staff, Ace, TJ, Ryan, Pete, and Angie…thank you for being an inspiration to the lives of these children, family and friends and mine as well. Thank you. I enjoy the tears the laughter and the whole show.

Ray

Dear Ace, TJ, Angie, Pete, Ryan, and all those that helped with the Grin Kids vacations both present and past.

I listen to your show every morning with out fail, with my two and a half year old son Davis who loves it as much as I do! Over the last few days I listened to your show during your broadcasts from Disney. And every morning I cried, sorry, sobbed at what your and your staff of helpers have done for these families. I came home tonight and logged on to your web site, within seconds tears poured down my face of both joy and sadness and shame! Shame that I didn’t donate!

Looking at the photos of these special children and families, that are so grateful for all that you and everyone involved has done for them all. I see in every photo a face of joy, happiness, the love and care shown by all around! You have made the dreams of many of these people a reality, for many of these families this would never have become a reality without you all.

All of these parents are aware that the lives of these children drastically shorter and yet they continue, the struggles and facts and hardships that life has throws to them all. Yet through their dedication and determination they do this without hesitation day in and out.

You have all shown a care and love for those who face more challenges everyday than some do in a lifetime.

So, I would like to say thank you all from the bottom of my heart, to all those that took part in the running of this operation, and for the joy, laughter, sadness and tears, that your photos and the five year video have brought into my life, making me more aware of those less fortunate than myself.

As you can probably tell from this email penmanship is not my strong point, who cares this is from the heart! My next payday is coming up and I pledge to bring $50s to your station on this day! So if I have not done so, please call me and shame me!

One of your faithful 11 listeners!

Adrian

I just finished looking at your pictures from the trip and wow they really touched me. I think I cried the whole time just thinking about how much fun this was for those families and also how much it meant to them. You guys do such a great thing and I hope you are able to do it for years to come. You do such a great thing for so many people God has surely blessed you by giving you the ability to something so special. Keep up the good work guys and God Bless You!

Very Loyal Listener,

Christie from Dallas

DEAR ACE, TJ AND ANGIE,

I ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR SHOW BUT SINCE FRIDAY I HAVE GONE TO WORK WITH A RED FACE AND SMUDGED MAKEUP. I DIDN’T THINK I COULD BE SO MOVED AS I WAS LISTENING TO THE GRIN KIDS SHOWS. AS A MOTHER OF TWO HEALTHY CHILDREN, IT MAKES ME FEEL EVEN MORE BLESSED TO HAVE THEM. TO JUST KNOW WHAT THOSE FAMILIES GO THRU EACH DAY IS SO AMAZING. GOD HAS BLESSED US WITH WONDERFUL CARING PEOPLE LIKE YOU. I TRULY DO APPRECIATE EVERYDAY WITH MY FAMILY NOW. YOU HAVE A PLACE IN MY HEART FOR DOING THIS FOR THOSE FAMILIES. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS WITH ALL OF US YOUR RADIO FAMILY. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND THANKS AGAIN FOR MAKING MY DAY.

TANYA
HICKORY, NC

What a wonderful thing y'all have been providing. I was driving to work and almost wrecked for the tears in my eyes. I feel an overwhelming desire to help you all next year. I can give a monetary donation, and I plan to, but I would like to do something directly with working with the children if at all possible. I will be changing jobs and taking a huge pay cut to work in my chosen field of psychology, but I will have some time off by then that I will be able to use! Use and Abuse me in any way you see fit if I can be of service to the Grin Kids! I work right now with seniors in nursing homes, and would like very much to work with special needs children.

Thanks... Your willing servant for Grin Kids,
Bridgette

I would like to tell you that I think it is great what you do for the Grin Kids and their families! I listen to your show everyday and the live broadcast from Disney always make me cry!! God has really blessed the South with you guys!! We love you and keep up the good work!!

Tara
Clover, SC

I just have to tell you that Monday morning I cried like a baby. I believe it was Faith that sang "I Can Only Imagine", well that just touched my heart so much. I told the girls I work with about it and one started crying and the other got goose bumps. Ya'll are very special. Thanks for all you do!!! Brandi

Ace and TJ,

I can't thank you guys enough for your wonderful work. I called in during your final day at Disney World, but I in no way was able to fully express my gratitude. It was no coincidence that your station/show found its way onto my radio. Honestly, I feel a little guilty right now. I was blessed in such a way just by listening. I can't help but wonder if I got more out of your show and trip than the kids! Having been in poverty stricken areas overseas, I have a new appreciation for life and our quality of life here in the United States. Seeing hungry children eating food, throwing a new baseball, or waving to show their appreciation; smiling all the while.... that’s what life is all about! Children and entire families with renewed spirits of joy! That’s what brings tears to my eyes.

You guys and your entire staff have given new life; so to speak to some very special people. Memories are forever. And I have no doubt that many memories were made over the past few days. You can't give a greater gift than that! And the heart warming joy I felt myself by seeing their smiling faces was the best gift I could ever receive. That was the single greatest exhibit of compassion I've ever seen or heard. You guys are truly wonderful and they’re aren't enough thank you’s to express how much I mean that. Those kids all deserve medals for their strength and perseverance: but kids have no need for such things. Thank you for honoring them with something that really means something.....something they will remember for a lifetime. Thank you for being a blessing to the kids, families, listeners, and especially me.

God is good, and its good to see people allow Him to work through us. May God continue to bless all of you in the same way you have just blessed Him.

You guys are the best and looks like you have 14 listeners now.

Matthew (USMC)

Dear Ace, TJ, and Staff:

I normally don't e-mail many people, but for the past few years I've been a big fan. I'm writing this because the last few days have been amazing to say the least. What you do for these young children is just awesome. You'll never know what a blessing you are to the whole listening area if we had more people like you and your staff this world would be a much better place. I just thought you guys might want to know this and thanks for making us laugh and cry on a daily basis. We'll I think I'll take Ace’s advice and go hug my three beautiful children. Keep up the good work.

In Christ’s Love,

Brad

I have been a listener for the four years that I have lived in the Charlotte area. I often visit your website to see the pictures of the things I hear you do on the air. I decided for the first time that I would take a look at the pictures of your GRIN KIDS trip. I, in my 29 years on this earth, have never seen such caring, giving, selfless group of people in my life. The things that all of you do for these kids and their families is off the charts. After seeing what these families go through to take care of their kids, makes my daily headache seem pretty good.

I was in tears looking at the pictures, tears of joy of course. Ya'll are wonderful people and I thank you for sharing these memories with us and putting my life into perspective.

With much love and respect,
Georgette
Monroe, NC

First of all, I have to tell you all that what you are doing with Grin Kids is amazing! I too have worked with special needs children and the difference that you are making in their lives is eternal. They will hold on to these memories and replay them for the rest of their lives!

Thanks for all you do!

I listen to your show every morning and I am glad God made angels like Ace and TJ and Angie and Pete and Ryan. If it wasn’t for people like y’all, these kids and families wouldn’t ever have had as much fun.

Keep up the good work and God Bless You.

I wanted to let you know how much of an impact you have both made. I've been listening to your radio broadcast since you moved to Charlotte and have laughed my way to wherever I'm going every time I listen - which is nice way to start my mornings! However, you got me today. I was listening as you signed off from your Florida broadcast, and Ace's comments about the courage of these children and their families invoked tears and thoughts.

My family and I have been going through our own tough times lately with various illnesses and I am fortunate enough to know we will be fine. I'm very thankful for that, but it's hard to keep things in perspective. The families who went with you demonstrate such strength and such a positive outlook, that I'm almost ashamed at how bleak I let my thoughts become. Listening over the past couple of days has restored my optimism ... and my smiles.

I'm going to send in $50 for next year's Grin Kids trip. I know it's not much in the grand scheme of things, but hopefully it will allow one more child to see the magic!

Thank you for everything!

Suzanne

Hi guys,

I just want to express my gratitude to all of you in your participation in the Grin Kids. Faith and her siblings are from our school, Fallston Elementary. I could see great joy in their faces. It just warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes to see Faith smile. Thank you for taking your time out to do this wonderful program.

Sincerely,

A fellow listener in the mornings as I get ready for school,

Ronetta

My family was at Walt Disney World over the last five days and we saw some of the Grin Kids and their families while we were there. I have never seen more pure joy than I saw on the faces of the Grin Kids. I think that their parents were even happier, if that was possible. This is a wonderful thing that you do for these families and I am very happy to support the trips. Thank you for all that you do.

Hey Ace & TJ,

Our Cub Scout pack visited the station in May and made a donation to Grin Kids. The scouts have been listening to the station and are excited and proud that they could help in some small way make a difference in the lives of these children. We would like to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to make such a difference and thank you allowing us to help. It is nice for us to see how all the hard work paid off. If there is anyway possible could you please email me some pictures so I could put them in our scrap book and show the Cub Scouts how they help make a difference. Especially when they see all of the big beautiful smiles on the faces of so many kids.

Thank you in so many ways.

Leslie
Kings Mountain, NC

Hey Ace and TJ,

I have been a loyal listener since the first day you started your show in Charlotte. I was ecstatic when I heard you were starting Grin Kids.

My brother, Brian, was chronically handicapped. Growing up we couldn't go on vacations because of everything involved with traveling, staying in a hotel and Brian's treatments and medications.

Every year I cry tears of joy the entire way to work when I hear the grin kids and their parents talking about what it means to them to be at Disney World and listen to you guys talk about how they "light up" when they see certain things.

This year it's a little more special for me. Last year, on October 16, 2003, my brother Brian passed away. This year as I listened to the families describe their experiences, I remember my own family's ONE single trip together....to Walt Disney World in 1984.

Thanks for doing what you do.

Marcia

Dear Ace & TJ Family,

This morning about 9:30 I opened a letter as I was listening to the families on the show. The letter was from Grin Kids and I knew what it was before I opened it. It was a Thank You note for coming in a week or so ago and stuffing goody bags for the 5K/15K this weekend. I called the guys to let them know no thanks was necessary. I was glad to do it and am glad to do anything I can help out with Grin Kids. As I read the note, I was hearing all the thanks I needed - the tales of the wonderful adventures those special kids and their families are having.

I just wanted to challenge the entire Ace & TJ family to help out however they can to ensure this happens each and every year. Until I was laid off in March of this year, I worked for an amazing company that allowed us to designate our "giving" during the annual charity fund raising drive to any 501(c)3 group we wanted to support. As long as Grid Kids has been around and I was employed, I was donating money from my paycheck and my company was matching it 100%. Don't be shy. Ask your company if they will do the same. I can think of nothing better than actually being able to hear and see your dollars at work for such a wonderful cause.

Since I am still on the job hunt, I can't donate money right now, but I do have that time on my hands that I want to do good with. So I signed up on www.grinkids.org where there was a place to volunteer. The day we stuffed envelopes we had a great time and knew we were helping a great cause. Diana also told us how our time was just as, if not more valuable, as money. So if you think you can't help, you could be wrong. Check out the website and sign-up to volunteer your time. I can tell you that every year I listen to the trip on the air it bring tears to my eyes to hear how much fun these kids and their families are having and to know that I had a teeny tiny part in making that happen.

So don't forget to buy the CD's, go see Charity Case, donate money through your workplace giving campaign or directly on the Grin Kids website, run in the 5K/15K, go to the gala or sign up to donate your time. It takes a lot to take these kids and their families to a magical place and Ace and TJ and Angie and Pete and Ryan and Diana can't do it all on their own. Do what you can to help.

Thanks and have a great day!!!

Kim

Dear Ace, TJ, Angie, Pete and the radio family,

I just wanted to send you and email and tell you how wonderful I think y’all are. I have been listening as I do every morning, and the things ya'll do for the Grin Kids is absolutely outstanding. I was an Autistic teacher a couple of years ago and it was absolutely the best job I have ever had.

I had 5 Autistic children in my class and they changed my life. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts in the district, my job was eliminated. But people used to tell me all the time that "it takes a special person to do that job". And I will never say it was easy. But I don't think there is anything special about what I did. I actually felt guilty sometimes of how self gratifying my job was. I think it just takes good hearted people.

Now what we all do together as a community, that's special. To dedicate such an organization to these kids, and to have so much support locally, is an awesome accomplishment. I do everything in my power to support the Grin Kids. You should all take a bow, and believe me the best thing to cherish about your organization is by far...the smiles you bring to those kid's faces. No need to identify me, I am recognizing everyone today. Thank you for spreading joy and showing people that it does not take a "special person" anyone willing to put a smile on someone's face can do it.

LUCY

Hey guys,

My name is Staci. I listen to you guys in Birmingham. Of all the time I've been listening, nothing has touched me more than listening to you guys this morning broadcasting from Orlando. The longer I listened, the more touched I was. I cried all the way to work listening to these stories and when the little girl sang "I Can Only Imagine", I thought I was going to have to pull the car over and regain my composure. I think what you guys are doing for these families is terrific. And being a teacher, I see the pain and hardship they endure daily. Keep up the good work! We need more people like you!

Staci

I have listened to your program for many years. It is the highlight of my mornings. The very first Grin Kids trip touched my heart. The respect I have for each of you to take the time to care about these children grows each day. I think that it is amazing all the things you do out of the kindness of your heart. All too often, we become self-involved with our own situations to care or think about the situations of others. To hear the emotions that you all have when you talk about these amazing children and their families have touched me each time I have heard your stories. I have sat in my car and cried with you as you spoke so highly of these families.

In August, I unfortunately learned part of the life that these families live. My oldest daughter was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Every thought for the future briefly came crashing down on us. This beautiful and gifted child that loves life so much, now lives her days with chemotherapy, antibiotics and constant doctors appointments. My daughter is incredibly lucky in her life right now. Her life is inconvenienced by the medication, but she is able to walk and talk like she always has been. We do not know her future, no one does. But one thing is for certain, we will stand strong.

Keep doing what you are doing. Your words and your actions, as well as your personal involvement changes so many lives. You give hope and happiness where there may be none. These children, and all children, are so incredibly amazing. They are lucky to have such a wonderful extended family as you all.

Lucy

Hello guys:

I live in Oneonta, Alabama and the 400th Chemical Unit left on Sunday for active duty - our entire town pulled together, the streets were lined with well wishers, flags flying, yellow ribbons and for the first time I realized the true meaning of a hero. I listen to your show this morning - those children are also heroes and I think you guys are heroes too.

Thanks for caring.

Tammy

Ace, TJ, Angie and Pete,

Another year and you all cease to amaze me. I thought that last year I had cried all I could. This morning I just sat in the car after the early morning drop off at school and cried. You all are our ANGELS here on earth. Although, you may not act like it you all are. I just feel blessed with the two children that I have that are healthy and happy. My heart is warmed with the love that everyone has for the “Grin Kids” and the way that are just “normal” children for the couple of days at Disney.

The parents are amazing in the way they are and take everything in stride. I just want to say thank you sincerely for showing me how fortunate I am for the health of my children and not to take that for granted. Thanks, for all that, you do and all that you have done. Have a safe trip back.

Bess

Just short note to say, you guys do a great thing. All of you there have climbed another rung on my respect ladder. Anyway, thanks for all you do. Doug

I AM SOOO PROUD OF YALL!!!!!! I love y’all anyway, and I have heard of your Grin Kids program. I always thought it was a great idea. Today I listened to your radio show and heard you in action. Of course I was all tears but I felt such a since of pride and thankfulness. You guys are extra great, you give us the gift of laughter every day but what the gift you are giving those kids and there families is OUT OF THIS WORLD!

It truly takes special people to reminds all of us how special these families are. They need it, they deserve it, and I am glad you guys are making sure they get it! I am just so proud of you all.

Ace, TJ, Pete, Angie and Ryan you are magnificent.

I am very proud to call yall my DJ's (and radio personalities)

Keep up the good work & God bless.

Sincerely,

Genita

Dear Ace & TJ:

I am so happy to know that Creative Memories is a sponsor of Grin Kids. I have spent so much money with Creative Memories, so I am glad to see someone I support gives back in the form of Grin Kids. You are doing a great job and giving these children wonderful memories.

Thanks.

Rachael in Birmingham.

I was listening to your show on my way to work this morning. I couldn't wait to get to work and check out the pics of the kids on your web site. They are just awesome! I can imagine how it is to be able to spend time with these very special children. They are truly angels. Seeing this makes me realize just how blessed we all are. Ya'll are doing a wonderful thing for these kids. I wish my job was as much fun as yours is!

Thanks for making my drive to work a blast every day!!

Hi! I have really enjoyed the pictures of Disney! These parents and entire families should be commended. Their lives are more difficult than we can even imagine. If it wasn’t for you all and the sponsors, none of this would be possible. What big hearts you have for these sweet children! I know you all will be blessed.

Thanks for all that you do.

Missy in Myrtle Beach

Hey guys!

I have been a listener since I have moved to Charlotte almost 3 years ago.

I have never had the pleasure of catching your Grin Kids trip though, this has been a first.

Usually I hear you guys in your cynicism and sarcastic humor perpetrating the airwaves, which I do enjoy listening to, but this morning was a different affair entirely.

I listened you to talk to Faith, the little girl with SpinaBifida and before her Brandon, the little one with Down Syndrome.

My remark is to you three there, talking with those children. There are times in people's lives when you can sense that they are doing truly what they are meant to do. That they are in their 'zone'. You guys sound SO entirely happy talking to those kids. I can see the broad grins and feel the energy coming from your voices. There is nothing but love all around you -- and it felt really wonderful to listen to, and what a change it was.

There is nothing more noble than helping those in need. Bravo to you for making this effort and showing us what generosity and love can really do for people.

Thanks for making my morning brighter,

Jennifer

I just move her from Chattanooga, TN and I wanted to say how touched I was by the Grin Kids picks on your web page. These children were all so beautiful, and the magic you and other have brought into their lives in just un-measurable. One child however did strike me as such a joy to watch. I am not sure of her name but she was a little curly headed brunette, with pink shades. She just stuck me as someone very special (not to say that the rest of the children are not), but the look on this child's face moved me so much, that I want to contribute to this amazing foundation. Can you tell me how I can go about this?

God Bless you all and all that you do for these kids.

EDITH