8 UCW SEPTEMBER 23-29, 2009
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM
Denim is always in style but at the Blue
Jean Ball, denim rules. The Blue Jean Ball &
Chair-ity Auction is scheduled for Saturday,
October 3 at 7 p.m. at Highland Country
Club in Fayetteville. Not your ordinary "ball,"
the Blue Jean Ball is a fun multi-generational
evening for parents and grandparents to enjoy
with their children. Proceeds from the event
benefi t the Child Advocacy Center's child
abuse prevention and outreach efforts.
The grown-up ball will feature a silent
auction and hors d'oeuvres in the lounge and
on the terrace of Highland Country Club. The
silent auction will include children's chairs and
other items hand-painted by local artists, gift
certifi cates, art, jewelry, sports packages and
fi ne wine.
"The chairs are really the highlight of
the auction. These are chairs that local artists
have decorated, painted — all types of artistic
endeavors really. And, the artists purchase the
chairs and donate their time. They are very
creative in the way they are decorated," said
Jean Harrison, the development coordinator
for the Child Advocacy Center. "And, there
are lots of other items donated by generous
businesses in the community — beautiful
jewelry donated by Hinkamp Jewelers, spa
packages, summer camp packages, lots of
great things."
While the adults enjoy their ball, the kids will have their own party, complete
with food, a DJ, game shows and dancing in the ballroom. The youth planning
committee is made up of 23 area students ranging in age from
9 to 14 year old. They planned all aspects of the party including
the music, food, decoration and activities. This year's youth
committee is also planning a service project.
The Blue Jean Ball is organized by a volunteer committee
of 18 individuals who work very hard to make the evening
a successful fundraiser. The 2009 event is co-chaired by
Carolyn Zahran and Martha Spires. The 2008 Blue Jean Ball
was a huge success raising more than $40,000 for the Child
Advocacy Center. More than 300 adults and children attended
last year.
"The wonderful thing about our fundraising events is that
we can use these for unrestricted funds which helps with out
operating support," said Harrison, explaining that much of the
other funding the center receives comes from grants which are
reserved for specifi c projects and not for operating support.
The primary mission of the Child Advocacy Center is to
provide a safe and child-friendly place where 19 community
agencies come together to interview, investigate and provide
support for abused children.
During 2008, the center served 497 children and their
families. In addition, the center provides education and
activities for the community on child abuse prevention.
The Child Advocacy Center works on a community
problem and depends on community support. Tickets for
adults are $50 and $25 for children and can be purchased by
calling the Child Advocacy Center at 910-486-9700 or visit
www. childadvocacycenter.com.
Denim Is In At the Blue Jean Ball
by Joy Kirkpatrick
Joy Kirkpatrick,
Associate Publisher
COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or e-
mail at editor@upandcomingweekly.com.
