Morrison Chief of Police Brian Melton, Attorney Colleen Buckwalter, center, and Assistant States Attorney Jennifer Kelly, right, socialized before musical entertainment, during the Friends of April House fundraiser, held Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Cross Creek Golf Course 15523 Henry Road, Morrison, IL.
One hundred-forty seats were sold in support of April House–the Whiteside County Children’s Advocacy Center, based at 503 N. Madison Street, Morrison, IL.
Inside this recently-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.
Whiteside County Sheriff Kelly Wilhelmi would state on Monday, March 23, “We cleared close to $10,000 for the event.”
Additionally, these supporters helped turn the event into a resounding success: Candlelight Inn (Sterling, and Rock Falls, IL, and Clinton, IA); Loescher Heating and Cooling, Inc.; Sterling Chevrolet; John Booker; Miller, Lancaster, and Walker, P.C.; Attorney Amy Huffman; Whiteside County State’s Attorney Trish Joyce; Imprintable Memories, Inc.; Williams Auto Body Shop; Wilco Rental, Inc.; Jeff Bright RV Center; Pete Harkness Auto Group; Turnroth Sign Company, Inc.; Sauk Valley Bank; Moore Tire, Inc.; Thomas Senneff; Terry and Sue Costello (Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk); County Board members Sue Britt, Paul Cunniff and family, Karen Nelson, and Howard “Bud” Thompson; Roger and Sue Drey; Matt Cunniff family; Illinois State Representative Mike Smiddy.
Special thanks go to Sheila and Jim Gabler, of Verifacts, for donating hotel rooms for Midwest Dueling Pianos performers and to Country Inn and Suites, Rock Falls.
Midwest Dueling Pianos is based in Rochester, MN. With “up to 14 players,” they provide musical entertainment across and outside the Midwest, “from Boston, to Texas, to California,” stated Alesha Brown. Venues include college, corporate, and private house parties; fairs; weddings; fundraisers such as the one benefiting April House. She explained the “duel” involves “going back and forth with songs” with opponent Rusty Northrop. They involve the audience with song requests and rooting for the performers. “All tips are donated back” to the host organization, Brown added.
Before their 7:00 p.m. program Northrop, left, and Brown, right, shared a moment with Dr. Hager. The latter stated from July 2013 to June 2014, she held 85 individual interviews, which is down from the typical 100 cases in the County. However, now cases are “way up,” as reflected in recent figures. From July 2014 through February 2015, she has interviewed 82 abused or neglected children. Those figures of eight months match the previous year’s total.
Even so, Dr. Hager stated, “I love going to work there [at April House]!”
Sheriff Wilhelmi welcomed attendees and explained the importance of their financial support. During FY 2014, the cost of operations for April House was $85,000. Grant money of $50,000 left a need to secure donations of $35,000. This event, with its admission ticket fee and dessert auction, would help offset that gap. The annual April House Golf Scramble will be held in July, rather than September, this year. Donations are needed and welcome throughout the year.
The Sheriff recognized five Outstanding Volunteers who support April House. Their names appear on the plaque held by Donald “Pood” King. At left is recipient Mary Jo Dunagan; Dixie Vegter is at right. Neil Johnson and John Maas were unable to attend.
One table of April House friends enjoyed the evening. Sitting left-to-right are Brandy and Jed Renkes; Heather Bush; Andrea Keegan; Trent Bush; Matt Keegan. The second photo shows City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen and his wife, Tara.
