WEIRTON - Jimmy Buffett fans can get an early start to the concert and support the Comfort House on Saturday as the organization, which helps neglected and abused children, hosts the inaugural "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" event at Get Togethers Picnic Grounds.
The event will take place from noon to 10 p.m., with a $5 cover charge.
Tammy Lewis, director of the Brooke-Hancock Child Advocacy Center Comfort House, said for the first time in decades, federal funding is not supporting child advocacy centers dependent on those dollars to help neglected and abused children. So, to continue the services provided locally to these children, she said the organization is holding a fundraiser event this weekend.
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POLICE LODGE DONATES — The Weirton Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 84 is supporting the Comfort House by donating $1,000 to sponsor the “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” fundraiser event being hosted at Get Together’s Picnic Grounds from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. There is a $5 cover charge to get in with live entertainment, a silent auction and other activities. All proceeds will benefit the Comfort House, an organization dedicated to helping abused and neglected children in Brooke and Hancock counties. Pictured from left is FOP President Gerard Spencer, Tammy Lewis of the Comfort House and FOP Vice President Brian Beatty. -- Angelina Dickson
Lewis said there will be a lot of entertainment and fun to be had at the Jimmy Buffett-themed event, which she said is a great kick off to the performer's concert coming to First Niagara Pavilion on Thursday.
"This is going to be a nice event with live entertainment where you can just bring a lawn chair and enjoy the day," she said.
The entertainment lined up for the event includes Awesome Possum, Mercedes, Carlos and Bobby of U.S. Kids, Pat Heiserman, Vanilla Sounded Chocolate and Brett Cain. There will be food and a cash bar as well as a silent auction.
Lewis said some of the items available at the silent auction include hotel packages, Pittsburgh Pirates tickets, Jimmy Buffett tickets and a single four-day ticket to Jamboree in the Hills.
Lewis said the Comfort House works with the prosecution offices in Brooke and Hancock counties as well as law enforcement to interview children about the abuses they face at home and, if necessary, place them in a safe environment. She said evidence gathered during interviews is used to prosecute offenders.
One of the biggest challenges CACs face is getting children to open up, she said. Lewis said some children are manipulated into believing the one abusing them or anyone else in the home that they will lose their home, family or even suffer worse atrocities, even death.
"These children tell us their darkest secrets and the most terrible things that happen to them in their homes from the people who are supposed to love them the most," said Lewis. "How brave these children are, especially the older ones who know what the cost is for telling. They know they are going to be removed from their homes and they open up to us. Where would they be without us?"
The services provided through the Comfort House, according to Lewis, help keep children from falling through the cracks.
(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)
