Ride for the Children
There was rain for the first time in two months on December 16, the day designated as the Ride for the Children, but it did not dampen the spirits of the Windjammers Motorcycle Club. More than four hundred riders participated in this year's event which was led by Bobby Brantley of Lizard Lick Towing (a reality television show based on a real business in NC). It took a large Army truck and a trailer to bring all of the toys that had been collected for the boys and girls in foster care. A check was presented to CHCC in the amount of $13,000 to be used for the residents needs in the coming year. We are very grateful to all of the Windjammers, their friends, the sponsors of this event and to the people who cheered them on as the parade moved down Marion Street. This is truly a special and unique Christmas tradition.
Hog Happnin'
There were challenges with the Hog Happnin' this year that were no one's fault. A health scare at the CC fairgrounds caused the event to be moved to Shelby City Park just fourteen days before it was to happen. Thanks to the dedicated work of the HH Board Members and the staff at the Park the event went off just as though it had been planned that way all year; the bbq competition, the car and motorcycle show, the entertainment, the arts and craft show and new this year the Connect, Commit to Change event which was held in the Park gym. After all was said and done many, many people came and had a good time on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
The Hog Happnin' Board of Directors has recently presented a check for $12,750 to Children's Homes as a result of the event. This is such a generous donation and so appreciated! For all of the extra work that was done in moving to a new location and all of the participation of the community and the support of the sponsors, we say Thank You!
Remembering
Ms. Ezra Bridges, in her earlier years, would call the James Home and say, "I have some clothes for you". We would go to her home where she would welcome us to come in, and the visit that followed was much more than just picking up some clothes. Ms. Ezra would tell us why she thought our work was important and why she thought it was important that she support our agency. It was almost like she gave us a spoonful of medicine because we always felt so much better when we left.
When Ms. Ezra passed she remembered many people and agencies in her will. CHCC was one of those remembered. Even in her death she demonstrated her caring for the boys and girls who have experienced abuse and neglect. Thank you Ms. Ezra, we remember you too.
Stewards of Children Training
Making a Plan to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
According to statistics provided by Darkness to Light one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18. This is an epidemic that we need to stop! Adults have the responsibility of protecting children but we aren't always sure of what to do. This training is designed to help adults make a plan that ensures a child's safety. The training is offered by CHCC to church groups, book clubs, civic organizations, school groups and community sports groups - anyone that works with children. If you would like to discuss scheduling, or sponsoring, a group training please call Margie at 704-484-2558. We can make a difference.
