With snowflakes dangling from the ceiling, and gowns glittering with every movement, Johnny T’s Next Door sparkled for the Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness of Hillsdale County Children’s Charity Ball Feb. 13.
According to CAPA Executive Director Bill Lundberg, the monetary goal of the event was $10-15,000. Although the final numbers were not available for the Collegian, Lundberg said the event was very successful.
The event was hosted in memory of Trey Bowman, who passed away in May 2000, from what were supposed to be complications from Shaken Baby Syndrome. The money raised will go to to help the “Baby Think It Over” Campaign, which sends baby simulators home with students to simulate the responsibility of having a baby.
According to Board President Denise Potter, abuse poses a serious threat to children in the county.
“When I first joined CAPA, I was pretty naive about what was going on in the community when it comes to abuse,” Potter said. “I sell insurance for a living, so you know, so I was pretty naive to that, so being involved made me more aware, more educated about what’s needed in our local schools to teach them about good touch, bad touch and things like that.”
Paula and Chad Haynes attended the event because they adopted two children from the area who were in foster care.
“It’s something that’s close to our hearts,” Paula Haynes said. “We’ve adopted two children who were taken out of a very bad situation. Being in education and having our two children whom we adopted has made us aware of the problems.”
Those interested in donating to CAPA can find more information online at capahillsdale.net.
