Saturday evening was a big night for the Children’s Center of Surry.
According to center director Robin Testerman, the center raised more than $23,000 at its annual Heart of a Child fundraiser Saturday at Cross Creek Country Club.
The evening included a dinner, entertainment provided by The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, and live and silent auctions.
More than 250 people attended the event, noted Testerman.
There is a great need for the services the organization provides, Testerman said. The center, which has residential facilities in both Surry and Yadkin counties, has turned away 25 children since the beginning of the year due to a lack of space.
Up to 15 children can be housed between the Surry and Yadkin homes. The center also provides educational programs such as classes for parents.
The center has an annual operating budget of $1.5 million, according to Testerman. Ninety cents of each dollar goes directly to providing services for children and families, and the $23,000 raised on Saturday will help in that endeavor.
“Monies raised will help support the growing needs of the children we serve with food, clothing, utilities, hygiene items, transportation and other necessities,” remarked Testerman.
Dr. Terri Mosley, vice chair of the children’s center board, said much of the center’s funding comes from state monies such as the fees the center receives for housing children. However, the public dollars leave little room for providing the children housed at the center with as normal a kid’s life as possible.
Mosley, who also chairs the Surry County Board of Education, noted much of the money garnered through fundraising goes toward expenditures such as paying fees associated with school field trips or participation in extra-curricular activities.
Monies raised at the Heart of a Child, and other fundraising efforts such as an annual golf tournament, also help provide funding for other necessities. Mosley cited paying for haircuts as one example.
Testerman stated many folks and organizations in the community helped to make Saturday’s Heart of a Child a success in the fundraiser’s ninth year.
Advanced Electronic Services Inc., Phillips-Van Heusen Corp., Dr. Dave and Nancy Dixon and Prism Medical Products were event sponsors for Saturday’s fundraiser, donating at least $2,500 each to the children’s center’s cause, according to Testerman. Many others helped make the event a success in various fashions.
“Without the generous support of our sponsors and auction donors, this event would not have been possible,” remarked Testerman.
