Yesterday, during the regular meeting of the Williamson County Board of Commissioners, Williamson County Child Advocacy Center and Case Appointed Special Advocates were awarded.
The total amount was made from gambling activities throughout the state. The aim of these awards is helping the programming activities of these two organisations for the next Christmas.
Ron Ellis, a Chairman of the Board, commented that they wanted to do something nice and memorable for both organisations because all their efforts, focused on making kids better people, are praiseworthy.
$50, 000 was the amount, given to Williamson County, and Ron Ellis commented that a great part of the sum will be set aside for ensuring different facilities for the children rather than for managing the county. He also added that both groups work in collaboration with the aim of providing the children with everything they need. Sadly, despite all their efforts, that’s not always possible.
Brent Gentry, a member of the Board said that he is not against the gambling activities as a form of entertainment provided that they enable the Board ensure the good standard of living for the children.
Leah Brown said that the initiative is a huge help, bearing in mind that the organization gets money from different sponsor companies and people who donate small amounts. Having said that, the authorities can not rely on a stable monthly income.
Brown also said that the money, raised from gambling activities in the country, are an excellent opportunity for providing the children with new clothes, Christmas presents and school items. The lack of money is the main reason for the shortage of these three but now, kids will have everything they need. As Brown said “This money is truly a blessing and we appreciate that.”
Jayme Frey Figueroa also expressed her gratitude towards the fundraisers and said that the funds will enable the CASA managers continue working on the playhouse project that takes place every year.
County Child Advocacy Group works closely with the police and the other authorities who fight against the child abuse in any form. For the time being, there are over 300 children who live in the counties because their parents are unable to take care of them.
CASA protects the abused children and advocates for them during the court hearings while collaborating with various communities that work towards solving children abuse matters with the same passion and dedication.
According to the laws of Illinois, every venue that offers alcoholic beverages and provides the visitors with an opportunity to take part in gambling activities, should pay taxes, the amount of which is equally distributed among the local counties and cities.
Ellis said that the interesting thing here is the fact that those who need the funds most are those who can not afford it to make bets. He considers the initiative to be a chance for turning the interest some people have in gambling, into something positive and rewarding.
