TOP PHOTO: The 14th annual Campbell County Children’s Center Luncheon was held Friday at the Ball Farm Event Center. The center’s board chair Sandra Fuller thanked all who support the center’s efforts.

Congressman Tim Burchett guest spoke at the 14th annual Campbell County Children’s Center Luncheon on Friday at the Ball Farm Event Center.


By Charlotte Underwood 
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Community business leaders, county and city elected officials, law enforcement members and individuals came out to support Campbell County’s children on Friday at the 14th annual Campbell County Children’s Center Child Abuse Awareness Luncheon.

The luncheon was held at the Ball Farm Event Center and went “great with a huge turnout,” according to Children’s Center CEO Tracie Davis, who said she was “grateful” for the outpouring of support. 

The theme of this year’s luncheon was a nod to Mary Poppins; “Every child is practically perfect in every way.”

The event began with opening remarks from Children’s Center Board Chairman Sandra Fuller, who thanked the sponsors, and business partners for their support. She also paid recognition to the center’s board of directors and the the Children’s Center staff, as well as law enforcement, DCS, the court system, CASA and many others who all work together for the children of Campbell County.

Campbell County Commissioners Zach Marlow and Scott Kitts (left) with Congressman Tim Burchett and Campbell County Mayor Jack Lynch (far right) as all attended the Children’s Center Child Abuse Awareness Luncheon on Friday.

“All of these wonderful people face the reality every day, of child abuse and neglect,” Fuller said.
She told the audience that the responsibility of protecting and taking care of the children fell to us all.

State Rep. Dennis Powers also spoke briefly before introducing Congressman Tim Burchett as the guest speaker for the event. 

“The Children’s Center does great work for Campbell, Claiborne and Union counties; they are invaluable to our children in need,” Powers said.

Congressman Tim Burchett spoke, giving a special thanks to law enforcement, the Children’s Center staff, the court system and all who fight on the front line against the abuse and neglect of children.

“This is a safe haven for kids. Every one works hard to help these kids in these awful abusive situations. We need to give the Children’s Center the money they need,” Burchett said.

He closed by thanking the center and all those who support it.

State Rep. Dennis Powers was the emcee for the Children’s Center 14th annual luncheon.

“You all help keep the children from falling through the cracks; thank you for what you do, ” Burchett said. 

The Campbell County Children’s Center also asked that those who wish to help, check Facebook for the Children’s Center’s “wish list” which will have items posted that the center may need to help with children transitioning homes and custody such as new clothing, hygiene items and more. 

The Campbell County Children’s Center is a child advocacy center that was founded in 2001 to provide a safe haven for sexually and physically abused children. Instead of being interviewed countless times at different locations, a child can tell their story to one caring and specially trained professional in a child-friendly environment where the child knows he or she will be safe.  The Children Center’s main office is in Campbell County with satellite offices in Claiborne and Union counties.

For more information, visit the Children’s Center website or Facebook @CampbellCountyChildrensCenter.

Upcoming Children’s Center events include:
Mon., April 24: Claiborne County’s Walk for Victims at Harrogate City Park at 9am.
Tue., April 25: Union County Walk for Victims at Wilson Park at 9am.
Wed., April 26: Campbell County Walk for Victims at Seargeant’s Park at 9am. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/17/2023-6AM)

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