Although I have photographed and blogged about many nonprofits since moving to Longview, Texas, the Martin House CAC, is the one that is nearest and dearest to me. Harlen Lobley, chairman of the board, said it best at the Bags, Boots, and Bingo fundraiser. CASA provides safe places for children to become a family, while a CAC protects children who are in a difficult situation in the homes they're already in. The Martin House is completely funded by grants and the giving people in the community who participate and invest in the events they host each year. Every donor is greatly appreciated as the funds provided care for children in three counties in east Texas.
Yesterday I was able to photograph this years Bags, Boots, and Bingo event. Having never attended previously, I wasn't sure what to expect. The only thing I was for sure about was that board members would be dressed as super heroes walking through the crowd presenting the bags and boots that would be given to winners of each Bingo game. Those poor guys were dressed from head to toe and ready much sooner than the event actually started. They must have been sweating to death. Of course, there was one gentleman who got an "Awwww!" from the crowd as soon as his little Batman was seen walking through the door. One of his arms was wrapped around his Daddy's neck and the other proudly lifted a midnight blue handbag.
Adam Tompkins took over decorating for the event this year. He spent hours the day before and the morning of, with the help of some of The Martin House staff, board, and volunteers, making sure everything was in place. He also provided a photo booth that everyone was encouraged to step into to have a portrait taken as a memento of the fundraiser. Each table had a Martin house on it and some also had a black boot to fit the theme. Snacks also covered the tables and were readily available with beverages at another side table. The colorful tablecloths were provided to protect the cloth from being stained by the Bingo ink. Each guests setting provided several sheets of Bingo as well as their own dobber of ink.
No time was wasted after the presentation of the prizes. Harlen emceed the event as only he could do. Interspersed throughout the Bingo games he would give details about the history of Bingo and statistics about physical and sexual abuse, as well as children who've witnessed domestic violence. It's shocking to know that
1 in 10 children will be a victim of abuse before the age of 18.
Worse than that, 90% of the time it happens to them by someone they know. Please listen to your children and watch for signs of abuse. To learn more about how you can prevent child abuse, please click here. One of the resources on that pages is Darkness to Light, an organization that Aly Reisman helps with. The biggest mistake we can make is to think it won't happen to our child, niece, nephew, or grandchild.
From the time my children were very young, I made a point to protect them. The Sly Fox and the Chicks by Carl Sommer is one of the best books to teach children that they have the right to tell an adult "no" and that secrets from parents or caregivers are not okay. Often times the abuser will groom the child. It's sad, but even family members can be abusers. I encourage you to take the time to help your child know that you are willing to listen if they have something to say.
I'm so proud to be a volunteer for The Martin House. Shooting this fundraiser was something I was happy to take time to do. It was fun seeing people get excited about their prizes, but if just one person became better informed and was able to protect a child because of the information they were given today, that made it worth every minute.
To those of you, individuals and businesses that had a table or donated prizes, know that you've given to children who may not even know who you are, but are benefitting from your good heart. Thank you so much to each and every one of you. I would be amiss to name them all, but their were people and businesses in Longview, Hallsville, and Marshall that participated.
Also, congratulations to all of you who attended. Whether or not you won something, you showed your support by being there. I'm looking forward to seeing you all again next year.
These are just a few of the many images I took. Maybe The Martin House will post more to their Facebook page after they receive them.
Did you attend the Bags, Boots, and Bingo or would you like to learn more about it? Please drop me a comment below.
Needing a photographer at your next event? Reach out to me!
#themartinhouse #cac #bagsbootsandbingo #longviewtx #greggcounty #marshalltx #harrisoncounty #marioncounty #zoemartinphotography #eventphotography #eventphotographer
0 Comments