Tips for Tots fundraiser returning to home base

By LARRY TUCKER

editor@wood.cm

The seventh annual Tips for Tots” fundraiser held by the Wood County Child Protection Board returns to its original site at A.J.’s Fish House north of Alba on FM 17 just south of FM 515 from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 1.

As in past years, Tips for Tots will feature A.J.’s extensive fish buffet with celebrity waiters serving drinks and earning tips, all of which goes to supporting foster children in Wood County. There will also be a live auction throughout the evening and a raffle. Raffle items this year include $1,000 gift card, Recteg 590 Grill and a Samsung 55” Smart TV.

All funds raised from sponsor donations, waiter tips, live auction and raffle will be used for the ongoing support of Wood County children who are under the care of Child Protective Services (CPS). The Wood County Child Protection board adds additional financial support not covered by foster care funding. 

The support includes $150 to $200 for each child removed from their home to help get necessary clothing until the foster care system begins funding. There is $250 per school age child in CPS care to help with back to school clothing and supplies. An average of $200 per child in foster care is given at Christmas to get top items on their wish list as well as a party with Santa to deliver their gifts.

An age-appropriate monthly allowance for each child is given to spend as they wish. Depending on age, children receive $25 to $35 to spend on their birthday as they wish. There is financial assistance for items such as senior rings, prom activities, summer camp fees, beds, infant equipment and other items to help provide a normal life for the children.

Funds also support the maintenance of the Rainbow Room, a 24/7 CPS emergency clothing facility as well as supplementing important items that have not been donated.

Sponsorship for the event includes these levels: 

Gold Level – A $500 contribution, receive five buffet tickets and five raffle tickets; get top billing in media and print material along with continuous recognition during the evening and may also display promotional materials at the event.  

Silver Level – A $300 contribution, company logo displayed prominently during the event and receive three buffet tickets, will be well-recognized in media and print materials, can display promotional material during the event.

Bronze Level – For a $200 contribution, two buffet tickets and be recognized in the event’s media and print materials, be recognized during the event and display promotional materials at the event.

Board member Sally Attaway said, “We are excited about the Tips for Tots and our return to A.J.’s. We hope everyone will consider joining us as we work to raise the $60,000 plus that is required annually to fund our support of the Wood County foster children. As a board, we are passionate in our efforts to provide as much normalcy for these children as is possible.”

For information, contact Attaway at 903-638-1542.