VALDOSTA — An event that has brought necessary funds and attention to the Children’s Advocacy Center is gearing up for its third year.

The CAC Celebrity Waiter Event started as a service project by a group of 2014 Leadership Lowndes members. These members included Lee Beth Smith, Danny Knight, Jonathan Miller, Kerry Morris and Ashleigh Kenny.

“After realizing the significant, positive impact a single night had on the CAC, we knew it was something we needed to continue,” Kenny said.

In the event’s first year, $14,000 was raised and more than $20,000 the following year.

“The reason this event has experienced this level of success is due to the people who give so generously from their hearts. They recognize how vital the CAC is to the heartbeat of our community, and they truly want to ensure it continues operating so that our children who suffer from the trauma of child abuse have the opportunity to receive the help they need,” Kenny said.

The 2016 celebrity waiters include Georgia Department of Public Health Housing Coordinator Terri Ball, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for US Press Chris Buescher, Lowndes County Solicitor General Justin Cabral, Stifel Senior Vice President/Investments Dick Campbell, Valdosta State University Head Basketball Coach Mike Helfer, Valdosta Medical Clinic physician Dr. Tommy Hobby, Christy Howell Medical Aesthetics owner and medical aesthetician Christy Howell, Blackcrow Media Event and Public Relations Director Beth Peagler, Wes Sewell Photography owner and photographer Wes Sewell, owner of Shaw Insurance Services and State Rep. Jason Shaw and Valdosta City Schools Director of Public Relations Jennifer Steedley.

“This year, we are hoping for even greater success because the need for funding has never been more. I am confident this year’s awesome group of waiters coupled with our community’s generosity will make that happen,” Kenny said.

The event will be hosted at Birdie’s Market, located in Downtown Valdosta, Sept. 12. Cocktail hour will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner lasting from 6-8 p.m. Individual tickets are $100, tables of eight are $800 and tables of four are $400.

More information: E-mail Ashleigh Kenny at ashleighkenny@lowndes.k12.ga.us. 

Desiree Carver is Lifestyles Editor at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229) 375-5777.