By Laurel Teel, Development Director

Past presidents of Child Protect’s Board of Directors gathered at our agency on January 26 for a social hosted by fellow past president, Guy Davis, in hopes of garnering support for our building campaign. Some of the attendees included current board president, Les Massey, along with Jo Anne Rousso, Judy Keating, Keith Karst, Lewis Gayden, Jon Killough, and Sandra Lewis. All of these individuals  have had a hand in laying the foundation for Child Protect’s building addition that will allow for an expansion of counseling services.

Guests enjoyed refreshments provided by BB&T, went on tours of the current facility with Child Protect staff, and viewed renderings of the building addition generously donated by Warren Marshall of Marshall Design-Build & Ed Brummal of PWBA Architects. To close the night, everyone watched the building campaign video and received a charge from Guy Davis to commit to securing the remaining donations needed. Guy is confident that the individuals present could and would help Child Protect raise the remainder of the building campaign funds. He encouraged all past presidents to give a minimum of $1,989 in honor of the year the agency was incorporated. “1989 was a great year. I got married, had my first child, and Child Protect was formed!”  Guy exclaimed.

It was a neat experience to see all these influential people gathered together in support of Child Protect's mission. You can see that they all still have a great passion for our organization, and I found myself feeling a renewed commitment to my role at CP.
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To date, Child Protect along with the building campaign committee, led by co-chairs Anita Carter and Kate Vance, has raised almost 70 percent of the total $598,000 goal.

On January 31, 2017, our Junior Executive Board hosted a meetup for our #1989Campaign at a local favorite, La Jolla. The small bar area was the perfect size and atmosphere for mingling with friends old and new. Guests sipped on libations of their choice, with $3 from every drink purchase going directly back to Child Protect. Our board members encouraged individuals to make a pledge toward the #1989Campaign to be entered into a raffle for some awesome prizes donated by The Shoppes at EastChase, MJ Yoga Wellness Studio, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and Blackfinn Ameripub.

The #1989Campaign, led by the Junior Executive Board, kicked off on #GivingTuesday and aims to support the construction of a new multidisciplinary team annex. This addition will provide space for trainings to educate the public on child abuse, a kitchen to implement “kitchen counseling”, offices for law enforcement and the Department of Human Resources, and a playground, among other things. The #1989Campaign, named in honor of the year Child Protect gained their 501©3 status, encourages individuals to give 1989, however they choose. Whether it be $19.89, $1,989, or a pledge of $19.89/month for a year, the Junior Executive Board wants you to have an opportunity to share in our vision.

​To date, the #1989Campaign has raised almost $4,000 in pledges and our team looks forward to raising many more dollars, playing our integral part in Child Protect's future.