Published: September 11, 2008 09:29 am      

Safari held to benefit women, children

Danie M. Huffman

wdreporter2@yahoo.com

Giraffes, lions, tigers and jaguars will be seen this Saturday lurking in the jungle setting of Chandor Gardens.

The seventh annual Garden Safari will begin at 6:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Standing Tall Against Violence.”

Loretta Benham is this event chairperson and coordinator and said the Safari has been a main source of revenue for Freedom House each year.

“We’ve had a lot of business owners donate items and time for the event,” Benham said. “The community has always been great at supporting Freedom House.”

Proceeds raised from the event benefit Parker County women and children clients of Freedom House.

The goal of coordinators is to raise enough funds to build a facility to provide counseling and services to victims of family and sexual violence.

Freedom House has been providing shelter, therapy, crisis intervention and support to victims for more than a decade.

Last year alone, Freedom House provided for 188 individuals, gave assistance through outreach services to 319 new family violence survivors and 209 victims of sexual violence.

Last year’s event allowed Freedom House to become debt-free.

Catherine Tietjen, Freedom House executive director, said the next step is to provide adequate space for prevention and services.

Amy and George Mercer donated land to Freedom House for the new building.

More than 40 businesses and individuals joined as sponsors for the event.

First National Bank, Meridian Associates, Mercers Companies and Glen and Wanda Wilson made donations, becoming the top sponsors of the event.

The organization needs $1.1 million to complete the building.

“Each year, the Safari does so much for Freedom House and everyone has such a fun time in the process,” Tietjen said.

Live music will be provided by Southern Heritage Band, while Amanda’s Creative Catering will be serving edible delights.

A drawing will be held for a LCD Flat Screen TV, two $500 gas cards, and a silent auction will be held including more than 90 various items.

Tickets are $60 in advance or $70 at the door. Tickets are available at Maverick Computer Services on South Main Street or by calling Freedom House at (817) 596-7543

If you or someone you know are in need of help, call Freedom House’s 24-hour hotline at (817) 596-8922.

“If weather is a problem, we’ll just make it a hurricane watch party,” Benham said. “If that happens, we’ll just move everyone indoors. We’ll have the Safari come rain or shine.”