Gold sponsors include: • Tony Poole and Alice Moore of the United Steelworkers; • Marilyn Bobo and Johnny Clement of FirstBank; • John Habisreitinger of Norandal; • Jason Compton of West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx; • Bob and Nylene Riley of West Carroll Pharmacy, • Mike Cary of Carroll Bank and Trust.

HUNTINGDON (March 29)  — The fourth annual Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse dinner and auction in Carroll County generated in excess of $16,000. The event was a great success with approximately 300 persons attending.

The theme was “Team Up Against Child Abuse” and featured a décor of sports items and memorabilia throughout the Civic Center.

Guest speakers for the evening were Hollow Rock-Bruceton coach Chris Finley and Bethel football coach Dino Kaklis.

Finley spoke of the “I’ll never forget moments” that he and his wife, Julie have shared as foster parents. The Finleys participated in foster parenting classes in Paris and never realized how that fateful decision would impact their lives. The couple was foster parents to the Willis children. Patrick was successful in his college football career and advanced to the 49’ers. Orey completed college and is now working at Palmer Tools.

Finley said the Carl Perkins Center is making a difference. He urged the attendees to get involved to also make a difference. Finley also praised the staff of the Department of Children’s Services for their help in the foster program.

Kaklis and wife, Nicole, recently had a newborn, Isabella. He provided some statistics concerning child abuse. Four children die each day because of abuse. A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds. Of the reported rapes of children under age 12, 90 percent of the victims know the perpetrator. One in for four girls will be sexually abused. One out of every six boys will be sexually abused. One third of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children.

Gold medal sponsors were awarded a plaque for their contribution to the Carl Perkins Dinner and Auction. Sponsors included: United Steel Workers Local 8915, West Carroll Pharmacy, Carroll Bank and Trust, West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx, Norandal USA, and First Bank.

Kelly Green served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Chad Taylor served as auctioneer. The largest single item was an NFL Pro Bowl football signed by the players. Patrick Willis, who played in the Bowl, donated the ball. Kelly Colvett was the successful bidder at $650.00. He said he plans to put the ball away for his three boys – Burton, Ben, and Jacob.

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