Smoky Mountain Children’s Home Holds Benefit
Sevierville, TN–The Smoky Mountain Children’s Home Fourth Annual Fall Harvest Benefit Dinner and Auction was held on Tuesday, October 16. The event, which has outgrown the campus’ dining hall, was held this year at the Sevierville Convention Center.
“Without question, this was the best year ever,” stated SMCH Director Walt Mauldin. “The Smoky Mountain Children’s Home has reached a new plateau in its fund-raising efforts. Sevierville’s very own convention site proved to be more than adequate to house the 260 plus items donated by over 150 businesses and individuals from six different states.”
“Someone recently mentioned they enjoyed The Home’s benefit auction more than others they had previously attended because there is ‘something for everyone,’” Mauldin continued. “If one does not have much money to spend, that bidder will find something that is perfect for them. If someone has a little more money to spend, there are things which will match that person’s interests as well.”
Over 250 attended the dinner and auction, with the comedy duo, Bean & Baily, providing entertainment. Bidding on the large number of items took place from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Once everyone was welcomed by Dr. Walt and Tammie Mauldin, newly appointed Executive Administrator for the Church of God Division of Care, Mitch Corder, greeted the audience and prayed the invocation.
Mauldin made the presentation regarding the fund raising project, the Alpha School. SMCH is required by the Department of Children’s Services to provide a school for residents who are either zero tolerance or in need of a high school credit recovery program. Often students come to The Home who are 16 years of age and only have four high school credits. The Alpha School provides a computer-based program called Plato that assists each young person in gaining more credits to ether graduate or take the HiSET exam and attain a GED.
Proceeds from this year’s benefit auction will go toward renovations needed in the Alpha School. Students only have a small cubicle where they complete their work each day. A larger and more pleasant environment is needed to further enhance their education. In addition, computer upgrades are needed immediately.
Those unable to attend the Benefit and Auction, but interested in contributing toward the Alpha School, are invited to call 865.453.4644, email [email protected], or visit the website, smch.org and click on the donate button to make a contribution.
(Submitted by Dr. Pamela Kay Overbey, Executive Assistant/Communications Coordinator)
