Family Support Council fundraiser at the Oakwood

Published 1:17 pm Friday, February 26, 2010

The Family Support Council is sponsoring a fundraiser for its Heroes Against Child Abuse Campaign. In partnership with the Oakwood Cafe in downtown Dalton a luncheon will take place on Sunday, March 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The meal consists of chicken tenders, green beans, mashed potatoes, roll and a drink, and tickets are $8 each. Both dining in and carry out are available.

The funds raised will help to support the many programs and services that the Family Support Council promotes in Whitfield and Murray counties at usually at no cost to the clients. One of the programs that will be directly supported by this fundraiser is Camp Aim, a two-week therapeutic camp for local children who have been sexually abused. The camp is held in June and is free to everyone participating. The actual cost to attend this camp per child is approximately $500, and 35-50 children attend the camp each year.

During difficult economic times community support is essential to be able to continue this and many other fine programs serving area citizens. The Family Support Council is the largest child abuse prevention agency in the state of Georgia and has grown with the encouragement and support of this community.

Ginger Robinson, program director of the Preschool Outreach Program, is leading this fundraiser. Tickets are on sale at the Family Support Council, 1529 Waring Road, Dalton (706-272-7919). The Oakwood also has tickets on sale for the event.

Tickets can also be purchased from council board members: president, Comer Turley; vice president, Curtis Kleem; treasurer, Kim Epps; secretary, Marybeth Meadows; and Dee Anne Adams, Dr. Joe Baxter, Dottie Boring, Sue Boyd, Susan Bramblett, Norman Burkett, Bobbi Butler, Bennieta Chappell, Elizabeth Cobos, Rob Cowan, Libby Haigler, Craig Harper, Sandee Hooper, Judy Jolly, Lou Kirkman, Nicki Osborn, Rev. Scott Parsons, Octavio Perez, Judy Schwenn, Karen Townsend, Lynn Whitworth and Roger Williams. 

“Our little portion of Georgia, Dalton/Whitfield and Chatsworth/Murray happens to be one of the most unique areas of the state,” Turley said. “We bring in a great deal of business and revenue to the state while contributing a wealth of energy and talent to different facets of life throughout this part of the country. We definitely have some of the most giving people, with the biggest hearts, that you could find anywhere.

“The Family Support Council is an example of that spirit. It has grown to become one of the most effective and far reaching organizations of its kind, and it definitely reflects the hearts of the people of our area. However, we also are in an area that has suffered a great deal recently and our children seem to be the ones who end up hurting the most.

“The Family Support Council is focused on children being able to be children, safe and secure, having a chance to grow up and leading a normal life. The numbers of families and kids helped is encouraging, but we do need assistance. Economic conditions have led to some funds being cut, some programs being trimmed back or eliminated. However, while these times are difficult for all of us, they are the most difficult for kids. They often receive the brunt of our own frustrations and fears. Now is the time we must help. The patterns of abuse have to be broken or they continue to scar and cripple lives, and the abuse simply continues and grows.  Please help!”