16 March 2010 - Simone’s dreams come true

To All at Kuzuko Lodge and Reach for a Dream Foundation - 16 March 2010

We would like to extend a big THANK YOU to all at Kuzuko Lodge and the Reach for a Dream Foundation for making Simone Richter's dream to see the Big Five at a Game Reserve come true.
Simone (as well as her mom, dad and sister Gemma) had a truly amazing weekend which far exceeded her wildest dreams. We are not sure how we can express our gratitude for allowing Simone to reach her dream! Not only were we served like royalty from the start of our stay but each and every staff member at Kuzuko Lodge went the extra mile to make our stay one that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Special mention must be made of:
• Elvis, our game ranger who taught us so much about animals and wildlife and made our game viewing so interesting and fun. Elvis so eagerly shared his knowledge and experience with us and has a special manner in which he deals with people. Elvis's patience and animal spotting was amazing and his passion for the wild reflected in his demeanor. He is a true ambassador for Kuzuko Lodge and all our thanks go out to him.
• Elsie, our waitress who served our every whim with an award winning smile and ensured that no thirst or taste went unattended. May Elsie be given the recognition she so duly deserves for also going the extra mile and being so attentive to our needs.
• Chef Chris thanks for allowing Simone to assist in the kitchen. Something she always wanted to do and her passion for cooking was accelerated by seeing what wonderful food you make. Simone has said she hopes to be able to cook as well as you do one day.
• Gerhard de Lange, thank you for going out of your way to not only personalize a game drive for Simone but you also took the time to ensure that her stay was made so comfortable. Thank you for the gift - soft toys that both Gemma and Simone received in the curio shop. They have been given much love and we are sure they will spend many nights watching over the girls. The adventure that you took Simone on to see the lions was one that will be remembered forever and the smile, excitement and experience that Simone had was life changing. Simone has spent many hours watching Animal Planet but nothing comes close to what she saw and experienced at Kuzuko Lodge with Gerhard. The cheetah experience was so thrilling and the photos that Gerhard took were simply out of this world. Gerhard, you are Simone's hero and she can't stop telling family and friends about what Uncle Gerhard showed her.
• Catharina - for the special attention and making us feel so at home. Thank you for taking the time to cut the photos onto disk for Simone. Simone has been asked to give a speech at assembly on her experience and will proudly show off the photos and DVD on Kuzuko Lodge.
• Angelique - for spending time with Simone and Gemma and being a special friend.
• To all the other staff who also treated Simone (and us) so well but have not mentioned by individual name - THANK YOU So much . Kuzuko Lodge is most definitely a place of glory!
• Lynette & Margi from the Reach for a Dream Foundation - thank you so much for all the time and effort put into making Simone's dream come true. She is most thankful for the stunning wildlife book that you so kindly gave her. She was kept busy for the duration of the trip as she read as much as she could (Gemma adored her Barbie set and it also kept her busy - thanks). Simone forgot about all the worries of being Diabetic for the weekend and I can honestly say that the experience at Kuzuko Lodge far exceeded any expectation/dream that she had about going to a game reserve. I can assure you that the experience was an opportunity of a lifetime and will never be forgotten, it will be held close to her heart for many years to come. Her room is about to be covered with all the amazing photo's taken over the weekend.
As a parent watching your child partake in a dream coming true is something so unique and special and you all so kindly contributed. The emotions felt on the week-end were of nothing but happiness and excitement.

Thank you all once again so much.
God Bless

Jeff and Monique Richter