Just For Kids hosts annual Champions of Children Awards Gala

BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Just For Kids Child Advocacy Center hosted its annual Champions of Children Gala at the Tamarack Conference Center on Friday.

Each year in April, in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Just for Kids Inc. hosts Champions of Children to recognize partners, team members, donors community groups, and individual supporters from throughout the community for their support for children and families.

Several individuals and groups were recognized during the event, including the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which was recognized in the “Partner Agency” category.

Accepting the award on behalf of the office, Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield spoke to the intensive nature of the work done by office members in the interest of achieving justice for children and other community members.

“It’s not a 9:00-5:00; it’s not an 8:30-4:30 at our office. It’s a calling,” said Hatfield while accepting the award. “It’s purpose-driven, and it’s the passion with which we approach it each and every day.”

All members of the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office were asked by Hatfield to stand to receive an ovation for their tireless efforts.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department was honored as well in the “Partner Agency” category, while West Virginia State Police Corporal, Christopher Dunn of Troop 6 of the WVSP Beckley Detachment was recognized in the “MDIT Team Member” category.

Cynthia Hedrick of the Fayette County Board of Education was recognized in the “JFK Donor” category, along with donors Mark and Kristina Serbinski.

The Fayette County Commission was recognized as a distinguished Community Group/Individual Supporter, as was the Just for Kids Golf Committee at Glade Springs.

Special Recognition was extended to Anita Barker of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department Detectives Bureau, as well as Brooke Lyons of the Oak Hill Police Department, and AWAY (Advocating a Way for Adults and Youth).

Just For Kids Executive Director, Dr. Deanee’ Johnson addressed those in attendance a number of time, detailing her own history and the events which brought her to the Beckley area as the newest Executive Director of Just For Kids.

For more information about Just For Kids, c reach out at 304-255-4834 or visit our website at www.jfkwv.com.