Fannin County, Texas -- New records were set at the 17th Annual “Justice Is Served” fundraiser last Saturday. Very early estimates are that the event raised at least $88,000 for the Fannin County Children’s Center. This amount was a huge increase over the previous best of $67,000 from two years ago. Nearly 500 people attended the event at the Complex.
This year’s event was a Masquerade Ball. Many guests dressed up in elegant outfits and wore masquerade style masks to fit the event theme. Tables at the Complex were decorated with rich colors, feathers, and masquerade masks.
State Representative Reggie Smith, 336th District Judge Lauri Blake, Fannin County Judge Randy Moore, Fannin County Criminal District Attorney Richard Glaser, Fannin County Sheriff Mark Johnson, several police chiefs and other local officials of the justice system served up dinner to the guests.
James Dering led a jazz combo that played upbeat jazz music while guests viewed and bid on about 200 items in the silent auction. Guests also had fun taking turns at the SMP Party photo booth sponsored by Red River Gypsies.
Fannin County Game Warden Randolph McGee was the auctioneer for the evening. The highest winning bid of the night and in the seventeen-year history of this event was $5,300 for the Courage Item donated by the Board of Directors of the Children’s Center. Board Vice-President Faith Rich introduced the mystery item by describing the courage children have when they report abuse and neglect and encouraging the audience to have courage in bidding on the mystery item that would be worth at least $1,500 - $2,000. Bryant and Kimberly Smith won the Courage Item and later learned that they won a trip to Angel Fire, New Mexico.
“I love Justice is Served and have some very special memories over the years,” said Kenneth Karl, Justice of the Peace, Pct 2. “I cannot imagine missing it. Last night though, as the last item was auctioned, I had tears. It just came over me: this is why we, my family, cherish Fannin County and its people. With the value of the unknown Courage item at no more than $2000, the bids went all the way to $5300. The true reason for the event was on full display. We do what we can, we give what we can, we come together, in the hope for a better tomorrow for our children.”
Warrior Tire donated a trip for two to Nashville that sold for $3,600. A custom gate from Jason Garner Custom Welding also sold for $3,600 in the live auction. After the bidding ended, the crew from Jason Garner Custom Welding announced that two more gates would be made available to the next two highest bidders. The additional two gates brought in another $6,500 in all.
First United Bank was the first-ever presenting Diamond Sponsor of the event. Platinum sponsors included Jason Garner Custom Welding, TXB, McCraw Oil and Propane, B&B Service Center/Driver’s Choice, Renlita Custom Opening Solutions, 4R Coatings, LLC and Bonham Chrysler.
Funds raised from the event will help the Children’s Center keep up with the growing demand for their services as well as cover for recent losses in some grant funds. Proceeds will provide counseling, advocacy, forensic interviews and more to help children from hard places heal, grow and thrive. To learn more about the Children’s Center, including volunteer opportunities, go to www.fanninccc.org.
