Kids of the Community holds Valentine Gala
Over 60 children danced the night away Saturday at the second annual Kids of the Community Valentine Gala sponsored by McMinnville Noon Exchange.
The event, held at Warren County Middle School, was one of several activities offered throughout the year by Kids of the Community, an organization which seeks to help at-risk and delinquent children.
“It gives them a chance to socialize in a good environment,” said Kids of the Community director Jason Crawford of events such as the Valentine gala. “It also gives our volunteers chances to talk and interact with the children on a regular basis.”
Kids of the Community was formed a few years ago in hopes of heading off delinquency by offering outlets for the children and positive role models. The organization now helps hundreds of children and offers a wide variety of activities, ranging from recreational to school tutoring.
Saturday night’s function, however, was completely recreational as the children, along with many chaperones, danced to music spun by Duane Doud of Mobile Music Unlimited, who donated his services for a second year.
“I really enjoy doing this and seeing the kids have such a great time,” Doud said from his DJ booth during the dance.
According to Noon Exchange member Sherry Clendenon, who coordinated the event, the gala is something club members look forward to each year.
“We really wanted to do this again this year because we know how much the children enjoy it,” Clendenon said. “We had a much bigger turnout this year so I think it’s really catching on.”