The 11th annual Help-A-Child Benefit is taking place inside the Civic Center Arena Saturday, October 20th. The Chili & Brisket Contest, Tractor Pull, and Auction with other activities will all benefit various charities. Locally, the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center is a beneficiary, as well as Dallas’ Scottish Rite Hospital and Southern Christian Home in Arkansas.
Wade Bartley, along with family and friends, has enjoyed continued success in hosting this benefit for last ten years. Mr. Bartley said, “I am humbled by the amount of money we are able to give to these charities, year after year, with the continued support of individuals and businesses from our community.”
Normally, most of the activities would be held on the Civic Center grounds, but due to the recent rain, most everything will be moved under cover inside the Civic Center arena, or under the attached sheds. The auction for the student Ag projects is always a big hit, and should remain very popular again this year. In addition, a raffle is being held for a Lincoln 250 welder, trailer and work box (filled with tools). Tickets for this raffle are $20 each, or 6 for $100, and can be purchased on Saturday. Winner does not need to be present to win.
A special “date night” event was held at the Backstory Brewery on Thursday night, with entertainment provided by Jason Waldon and the Alibis. Also, for those attending, a taco bar was provided by Lefty’s Catering. Special presentations were also made by representatives of the charities that are recipients of the proceeds of the benefit. These powerful presentations showed how the much needed donations can change a child’s life.
Cowboy Chef Newton, who made an appearance on the reality television show, MasterChef, also made an appearance Thursday night and offered up an in-home dinner for 10 and cooking presentation for the Charity to auction to the highest bidder. After some spirited bidding, two bidders remained, and the Cowboy Chef stepped in and offered to donate two dinners if both bidders would accept the current high bid. The bidders agreed, and the Help-A-Child charity became the recipient of the gracious offer of all those involved.
It’s not too late to do your part. Show up Saturday, make a donation to watch the Tractor Pull, have a bowl of chili, or buy a raffle ticket. In doing so, you too can Help-A-Child.
