Logan WECAN fundraiser raises more than $25,000 for children in need
Shana Rundle | WVOW News
LOGAN The Children's Home Society of West Virginia's Logan WECAN Program raised more than $25,000 at its 31st Annual Celebrity Waiter & Waitress Dinner and Auction at the Logan Country Club on Tuesday.
The proceeds will provide Christmas gifts, clothing and other essentials for children in the abuse and neglect system, children considered at risk, and those at the Harless Shelter. Funds will also support a private Christmas party scheduled for December 14.
The volunteer wait staff of Mingo-Logan Kids New View, a peer mentoring program, brought in $13,252 in tips, while the auction and other donations added thousands more.
Ellen Browning, WECAN Program Director for the Children's Home Society of West Virginia, has spent more than 18 years with the program. At last year's event, Browning shared her thoughts on the volunteers who help support WECAN.
"My volunteers are the best volunteers that anybody could ever want. I would put them against any other place that has volunteers," she said. "My people are wonderful, and they have the biggest hearts for these kids."
Among the night's top sellers in the auction were seven paintings created by children attending WECAN Summer Camp.
Two of the paintings were purchased by Dwayne Adkins, Chief Public Defender of Logan County and a WECAN Summer Camp volunteer. One painting was created by a group of boys ages 10 to 13 who Adkins mentored previously at camp. He has purchased that group's painting at auction for the past two years, continuing to support the children long after summer camp ends.
"We love participating in this event because the joy WECAN brings children is undeniable," Adkins said. "We can't wait for the Christmas Party and Summer Camp."
Other high-value auction items included name-brand handbags, home decor, a tool chest, a boar hunting trip, car detailing packages, movie ticket bundles and more. All items up for auction were donated by local businesses and community partners.
Browning expressed her appreciation for the businesses and individuals who help make the annual event possible.
"I have so many wonderful, wonderful partners that help keep this program going. So I am very, very fortunate," she said.
For Browning, the mission comes down to making a difference in the lives of the children WECAN 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," she said.
WECAN is always looking for mentors and volunteers to help support children in the program. To become involved, call 304-792-6261. To learn more or make a donation, visit childhswv.org and note "Logan WECAN" in the memo line.
PHOTOS | Shana Rundle
