Fundraisers help group protect children

The Oyster Roast and Toast and Cookin' for Kids are more than fun to Child Enrichment Inc.

The annual fundraisers provide the fuel the organization needs to keep its lifelines going to the area's abused, abandoned and neglected children.

"Raising money, whether through fundraisers or private donors, is critical for us," said Dan Hillman, the executive director. "It allows us to work with the children and provide services. That's very important. There is nothing better than saving the life of a child and getting them out of an abusive situation."

Last year, the organization raised $36,000 from the spring events, which make up the Cookin' for Kids weekend.

The organization also holds Art of Chocolate in the fall, Hillman said.

The Oyster Roast and Toast will be March 26, and Cookin' for Kids, March 27. Both will take place at Daniel Field airport.

Friday's activities will include entertainment by The Toasters and an auction for hunting items and trip and party packages.

"It's a wonderful way to kick off the weekend," Hillman said. "A lot of fun."

The Oyster Roast and Toast is geared toward adults, but Cookin' for Kids is for the entire family, Hillman said.

It will feature inflatables; LadyBug the Clown; the wildlife and raptor program from Georgia Southern University, which will also give flight shows; karaoke; arts and craft activities; and the annual cook-off.

The cook-off teams compete in four categories: barbecue, large wild game, small wild game and fish, Hillman said.

"For the last several years, every winner has donated their cash prizes back to Child Enrichment," he said. "I think that's astounding, and wonderful."

The Cookin' for Kids weekend is organized by Child Enrichment and the Exchange Club of Richmond County.

For more information about Child Enrichment, visit www.childenrichment.org or call (706) 737-4631.