TOP PHOTO: The community showed its support in a big way at the Children’s Center’s fundraiser held Thursday at the Ball Farm Event Center.

By Charlotte Underwood 

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The community turned out in force to support the Campbell County Children’s Center at its 7th annual “Hand in Hand for the Children” fundraiser Thursday evening at the Ball Farm Event Center. 

According to Children’s Center CEO Tracie Davis, she was “excited about the turnout and thankful for the support.”

Approximately 70 sponsors/donors and area businesses donated items for the live and silent auction.

“We had so many wonderful businesses and individuals to donate to this cause. This is the largest number of sponsors to date, and we are so grateful for that community support,” Davis said.

The night began with election candidates speaking from the podium as well as having their favorite dessert up for auction to raise funds for the center. 

Those in attendance at the Children’s Center’s fundraiser salute the flag during the singing of the National Anthem.

Tennessee State Representative Dennis Powers introduced candidates.

Powers also spoke on the importance of the role that the Campbell County Children’s Center plays in the lives of children in the court system. 

“This is such a good cause that needs your support tonight,” Powers said. 

Candidates auctioned off their favorite desserts at the Children’s Center’s Hand in Hand for the Children fundraiser Thursday evening.

Political candidates were restricted to two minutes to speak, before their desserts were auctioned off by Billy Ball. 

Candidates asked for votes, reminded everyone early voting starts Friday and asked the audience to dip into their wallets for the Children’s Center.

Lemon pie, chocolate and vanilla cake, cherry cheese cake and other favorites had everyone bidding on summer sweets for a “wonderful cause.”

The sale of desserts and tons of other live and silent auction items raised funds the center will use in combating child abuse. 

Davis said she wanted to express a huge thank you to all the sponsors, the Board of Directors, the fundraising committee, the Children’s Center staff, as well as Rickard Ridge and the Ball Farm Event Center. 

“It’s wonderful to gather together again and wonderful to see the community turn out in full force to support our efforts in combating child abuse in Campbell County,” Davis said.

The Campbell County Children’s Center is a child advocacy center, non-profit 501(c)(3) chartered by the State of Tennessee.  It 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. 

 For more information visit the Children’s Center website or on Facebook @CampbellCountyChildrensCenter. Stay tuned for upcoming Children’s Center fundraisers.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/15/2022-6AM)

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