Tips for Tots returning to aid county’s vulnerable children

After a year’s absence due to the pandemic, “Tips for Tots” will return Aug. 2. The major fundraiser for the Wood County Child Protection Board (WCCPB) is alive and well.

The sixth annual event has been moved to Quitman’s Carroll Greene Civic Center at 602 McAllister St. just southwest of Jim Hogg City Park. The cost is $20 for the meal (plus tips) in advance or $25 (plus tips) at the door. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and end at 8. Advance meal and raffle tickets are available at Tips4Tots.org. The meal is an all you can eat catfish buffet.

Proceeds from Tips-for-Tots provide a substantial portion of the operating budget to support Wood County children who are under the supervision and care of Child Protective Services (CPS). All proceeds from “Tips for Tots” are used to support foster children in Wood County. Those proceeds include not only the tips to the waiters, but funds are raised from a live auction, raffle and bake sale during the event.

In the past, the event was held at AJ’s Fish House at Lake Fork, but the restaurant has been closed since the pandemic last year. The good news is that the award-winning AJ’s owners still cook up some great catfish and they will be catering the event. The popular event this year will have local pastors as the celebrity waiters.

The WCCPB adds additional financial support not covered by state foster care funding. The board gives each child a personal monthly allowance along with birthday gift cards, clothing allotments, fees for extracurricular activities and school supplies. The board also stocks and maintains the Wood County Rainbow Room which provides new clothing and necessities to children.

Included in the support for Wood County foster children are initial clothing allowances of $150-$200 for each child removed from their homes to help get necessary clothing until the foster system begins funding; back to school money at $250 per school-age child in CPS care to help with back to school clothing and school supplies: an average of $200 per child in foster care for the top items on the Christmas wish list as well as a party with Santa to deliver the gifts; an age appropriate allowance ($10 to $40) for each child to spend as they wish; birthday money of $25 to $35 per child, depending on age, given on their birthday to be spent as they wish; 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 these children; and funds go to the Rainbow Room for maintenance of the 24/7 CPS emergency clothing facility as well as supplementing important items that have not been donated.

Area businesses have always come through with local sponsorships for the event. A Gold Level sponsor costs $500 and includes a reserved table for up to eight diners and four buffet tickets. Sponsors will also get top billing in media and print material along with continuous recognition during the event. They may also display the company’s promotional materials at the event.

A Silver Level sponsorship is a $300 contribution and includes the company logo displayed prominently during the event and three buffet tickets along with being recognized in media and print materials and display of promotional items.

A Bronze level sponsor is $200 and includes two buffet tickets, recognition in the event’s media and print materials and display of promotional materials.

WCCPB President Sally Attaway said, “We are excited about the Sixth Annual Tips for Tots and hope you will consider joining us as we work to raise the $60,000 that is required annually to fund our support of Wood County’s foster children. As a board, we are passionate in our efforts to provide as much normalcy for these children as possible. From your past generosity to the Rainbow Room and the Child Protection Board, we know that you are too.”

WCCPB’s Board of Directors include Sally Attaway, Bob Kraemer, Karyn Margos, JoAnn McMillan, Sandy Narkiewicz, Lindsey Peterson, Susan Resnik, Marilyn Robertson, Lisa Rockhill, Sam Scroggins, Sharon Brooks, Sandra Endsley, Suzy Bain, Ange Everett and Kathy Gilbreath.

For information contact Attaway at 903-638-1542.