Beginning at 6:00 p.m., Friends of April House will hold its fundraiser Saturday, April 2, 2015, at Cross Creek Golf Course 15523 Henry Road, Morrison, IL. The $40 ticket “includes a roaring night of fun,” hors d’ oeuvres, and a fabulous dessert auction. Call 815-772-7966 or 815-772-5240 for tickets or information.
Midwest Dueling Pianos, based in Rochester, MN, returns to entertain. With “up to 14 players,” they provide musical programs across and outside the Midwest, “from Boston, to Texas, to California.” Venues include college, corporate, and private house parties; fairs; weddings; fundraisers such as the one benefiting April House. The “duel” involves “going back and forth with songs” between two performers. They involve the audience with song requests and rooting for the performers. All tips are donated back” to the host organization.
The annual event is in support of April House–the Whiteside County Children’s Advocacy Center, based at 503 N. Madison Street, Morrison, IL. Inside this remodeled, cozy house, “children who are victims of abuse can share their story with a licensed clinician [Forensic Psychologist Dr. Johanna Hager] who specializes in talking with children. The interviews conducted at April House are essential for law enforcement and prosecutors when seeking justice for the child.”
Blue pinwheels have become a National symbol for child abuse prevention. This simple image reminds us that all children deserve a happy, safe childhood.