Logan WECAN event raises $30,000 to bring Christmas magic to local kids

The Children’s Home Society of West Virginia’s Logan WECAN Program raised more than thirty thousand dollars at its 30th Annual Celebrity Dinner and Auction at the Logan Country Club on Thursday.

The volunteer wait staff of Mingo Logan Kids New View brought in $20,196 in tips, with the auction adding another ten thousand dollars or more.

Program Coordinator Ellen Browning says that those who attended and contributed donations help make this event successful.

“The way that folks are that come to these events — they have the heart for the children that I work with, and they’re just so giving. And so, I’m very proud of how the night went,” Browning said.

All money raised will provide Christmas gifts, clothing, essentials, and a private holiday party for children in the abuse and neglect system, those at risk, and kids at the Harless Shelter.

“It is rewarding for what I do and what I've been doing for the last 18 years. It warms my heart to see children so excited to see these humongous bags full of Christmas gifts, knowing that it's for them," Browning added.

A large painting created by a group of 10- to 13-year-olds who attended WECAN Summer Camp went up for auction.

Three paintings created by WECAN Summer Camp kids became some of the night’s top sellers in the auction.

Dwayne Adkins, Logan County Public Defender and WECAN Summer Camp Volunteer, purchased a painting in the auction to support the kids he led during WECAN Summer Camp.

A large painting created by a group of 10- to 13-year-olds led by Dwayne Adkins, Logan County Public Defender and WECAN Summer Camp Volunteer, sold for $525. The painting was purchased by Adkins and the Logan County Public Defenders in a full-circle moment.

"Logan County Public Defenders was happy to be a small part of the We Can Celebrity Dinner and Auction,” Adkins said. “The wonderful team Ellen Browning put together and the sponsors made for an incredible night of fun and fundraising for our Logan and Mingo County kids in need of our help and support."

Members of the Logan County Public Defenders were also table sponsors during the WECAN Dinner and Auction.

Another large painting sold to a different buyer for $500, and a piece made by the youngest group of campers, kids ages 5 to 8, sold for $200.

Denny Frost, member of the Kiwanis Club of Logan, volunteered his time as the evening’s auctioneer.

Browning credits her volunteers for making the program possible.

“My volunteers are the best volunteers that anybody could ever want. I would put them against any other place that has volunteers," Browning said. "My people are wonderful, and they have the biggest hearts for these kids."

In terms of events like this, Browning said that the mission is to create a lasting impact on the children that the program serves.

“We make a difference one child at a time. And that’s what our motto is for the WECAN program, is we make a difference one child at a time," Browning said.

She also credits partners such as table sponsors for making the event happen each year.

“I have so many wonderful, wonderful partners that help keep this program going. So I am very, very fortunate." Browning added.

Logan Regional Medical Center was one of the table sponsors at this year's event.

This year’s table sponsors included: Logan County Public Defenders, Broken N Cattle; the James H. “Buck” Harless Foundation; White Armature; Melissa Birchfield State Farm; McDonald Land Company; Domino Printing; Southern West Virginia Health Systems; Ramaco Resources; JRW, LLC; Odd Fellows Lodge; Logan Regional Medical Center; Mingo Central Teachers; Town of Gilbert North Pole Adventure; Logan Bank and Trust; and Thornhill SuperStore.

To learn more and donate visit childhswv.org and note “Logan WECAN” in the memo line.

PHOTOS | Shana Nelson