Annual fundraiser helps Children's Center provide needed services
The Children's Center Annual Mouse Race Fundraiser was held Saturday, Feb. 19. The event included live mouse races, a live auction, silent auction, and a 50/50 drawing. According to Jeani Longstreth, even though attendance was down this year, there was a good turnout. Longstreth noted that the live auction, alone, raised $28,000. The total amount of funds raised was not available at press time. The Grand Champion of the Mouse Race was Curtis and Sons with their mouse, House Mouse. The 50/50 drawing was won by Monte Smith who then donated his half back to the Children's Center. Money raised from the fundraiser goes to support facility maintenance and follow-up services. The Children's Center is a not-for-profit child advocacy center that works in partnership with Children's Division and local law enforcement providing a safe, child-friendly setting for the investigation of child abuse. The center serves children in Vernon, Bates, Cedar, and Dade counties.