Tips for Tots was a resounding success Monday night.

The well-marketed event, which was in its 9th year, was held at the Winnsboro Civic Center. Tips for Tots is put on by the Wood County Child Protection Board, which works tirelessly in support of Wood County’s foster children. They provide foster kids with monthly allowances, Christmas gifts (not chosen randomly, but hand-purchased uniquely for each child) and a Christmas party, back-to-school allowances, birthday money, an end-of-school party and much more.

“We do lots of things,” said Denea Hudman, the vice president of the WCCPB. “Because of this event, and other generous donations, we’re able to fill some serious needs.”

All manner of items were auctioned in support of the board’s good cause, including flowers, cheesecake, lawn ornaments, oil changes, gift cards and golf passes. While final numbers are not yet calculated as of the writing of this article, early estimates are at least $30,000 raised “for the kids.”

Not only was the Tips for Tots event for a wonderful cause, but it was great fun for attendees as well. Organizers and attendees managed to put a homey feel in the air, which was punctuated by some good, old-fashioned, friendly ribbing as well as sincere and sometimes emotional thanks from WCCPB board members.

“I thank you. Like, when I say thank you, I really mean, ‘thank you,’ because you do fulfill needs,” said Hudman tearfully. “We really, really, really appreciate your help.”

Many community members pitched in to make the event happen. Several organizations gave financial sponsorship in the amount of $1,000 or more, and some interested community members signed up as volunteers. Many local pastors also gave their time to come serve as unpaid waiters for the evening. Though the pastors were unpaid, they gathered “tips” from attendees to go toward the foster kids. Those bidding on the auctions gave selflessly, some even topping their own bids simply to give more toward the cause. Nearly 100 people stayed afterward the event to help clean up.