Championing the children

Stopping child abuse is a community effort.  August 26, 2006 was a prime example of that, when the Red Dragon Martial Arts Center’s staff and students conducted their Tournament of Champions.  $10.00 of each entry fee was donated to the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center of Tennessee’s Fourth Judicial District to help child-victims of severe abuse and neglect, including child sexual abuse. “We are very grateful to Mr. Whitworth, as well as his staff and students at Red Dragon Martial Arts for their support on August 26th”, said Barry Fain, a charter member and president of Safe Harbor’s board of directors.  “Red Dragon’s students turned out in force, not only to compete in this tournament, but to support other youth that have been fallen victim to sexual abuse, severe physical abuse and neglect.  That makes for true champions in my book.” Students competed in a host of categories, with everyone taking home a medal.  But, the real winners of the day’s events are the substantial number of children throughout the Fourth Judicial District (Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson & Sevier counties) that have fallen and continue to fall victim to severe abuse and/or neglect. “We hope to see even more businesses throughout the district step up and help Safe Harbor raise awareness of the crisis of abuse facing our children.  The more we keep the issues of severe abuse and neglect in the public’s consciousness, the more responsive we will become and the better we will be able to serve these child-victims”, adds Donna Koester, Safe Harbor’s executive director.  Safe Harbor currently has other events in the planning stages with businesses and organizations in the judicial district.  Keep an eye out for future events that you may attend and support Safe Harbor and their volunteer efforts to help child-victims of severe abuse and neglect.  The Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to serve child-victims of severe abuse and neglect, ages birth through 17 years of age, in the four counties that comprise Tennessee’s Fourth Judicial District.  Safe Harbor is continually looking for volunteers to help fulfill their mission.  Everyone has a gift or talent that can help the children of the Fourth Judicial District.  To learn more, contact Donna Koester by phone at (865) 453-2638 or e-mail at DonnaKoester@charter.net.  You may also visit Safe Harbor’s website at www.SafeHarborCAC.com.