July 29, 2009
COUNTRY FAIR WILDLY SUCCESSFUL
On Sunday, July 19th, Friends for Families First had its annual family fundraising event, Country Fair Roams Wild, at The Wildlife Experience. Guests had private access to all the exciting exhibits including the recently opened, Globeology. The outdoor courtyard bustled with a family BBQ, live music, a silent auction plus many games and activities for kids of all ages! Over $60,000 was raised to support Families First’s efforts to prevent child abuse and treat young abused children.Attendees came to the Country Fair Roams Wild event to turn in change they had been collecting in their adopted Families First piggy banks (a part of the Drive for Community $Change$). Over 32 pigs were “weighed in” this year, which totaled 125 pounds and $4,255 in $change$.
The piggy bank fundraising program, Drive for Community $Change$, has become quite well-known among Families First supporters. The objective of this program is to “change” societies’ priorities to focus on preventing child abuse through support and education programs for families, and the darling piggy banks remind children and adults to contribute their daily “change” to Families First. In addition to the piggy banks that are adopted each year at the Country Fair, individuals may go the The Crazy Merchant, proud sponsor of Country Fair Roams Wild, (1700 West Belleview Ave, Littleton) at any time to “adopt” a pig for their home or business.
Country Fair Roams Wild Co-Chairs were Carol Brewka and Kristin Stonebarger. Committee Members included Raeann Belknapp, Marjean Drost, Connie Genova, Sally Newcomb and Daphyne Reiff. A special thank you to Deb and Bill MacMillan for their generous contributions to the success of this event.
Presenting Sponsor: The Crazy Merchant, Inc. Food & Beverage Sponsor: Jeff Baldwin, Debra Perry and the boys. Games Sponsor: Kaiser Permanente. Pigs on Pedestals Sponsors: Aaron Bell, International, BCT Printing, Champion Bank, Del Frisco’s Steakhouse, DEX Media, Families First Governing Board, First Bank of Cherry Creek, Friends for Families First, Great Northern, Cammy MacMillan, Kiki MacMillan, Edie & Mort Marks Family, Morton’s, the Steakhouse DTC, Newberry Brothers Greenhouse and Florist, Occasions by Sandy, PBJ Reece Family, The Pippin Family, The South Restaurant, Wells Fargo.
In Colorado, a child is abused or neglected every hour of every day. Families First is a local organization offering parenting classes, a support line and a residential treatment center focused on the prevention and treatment of child abuse. Our mission is to create a community that educates parents, nurtures children and strengthen families. For more information visit, www.FamiliesFirstColorado.org or call 303 745-0327.
