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Child Protection Network Seeking Partnership With DeWitt County Businesses For Seasonal Drive

One local non-profit agency is seeking DeWitt County businesses to step up this holiday season and support their cause in a non-financial way.

 width=The Children's Advocacy Center serves DeWitt, McLean, and Livingston Counties' sexually abused children. Through the Christmas season they ask businesses in their service areas to put up what they call their "Blue Kids Trees". Jake Walters with the Advocacy Network explains their "Blue Kids Trees" can be placed in area businesses, free of charge, and they have cardboard blue kids on them with a short message, and a short list of items they are in need of.

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Along with the "Blue Kids Trees" that they do during the holiday season, there is also a benefit that takes place in February, which serves as a fundraiser, that provides the Advocacy Center with a large chunk of their yearly budget. Walters says, over the years, the event has gone from local celebrities trying to solicite money from people to a nice evening with dinner and several items auctioned off.

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Things auctioned off through the course of the night include trips to Africa, Ireland, and stateside trips. Walters explains there is a portion of the night where they explain to those in attendance an item they have a goal of obtaining, and they basically ask for donations to acquire that. Last year, their goal was new recording equipment for their interview room. They were successful in obtaining that and have since installed and been able to use it.

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The event this year is February 16th at the Uptown Marriott in Normal. Tickets are $65/person and include admission to the event and dinner. Contact 309-888-5656 to make a reservation or receive more information.

For more information about receiving a Blue Kids Tree in your business, you can also contact the Advocacy Center at 309-888-5656. The Blue Kids Trees go out the week after Thanksgiving and will remain up until the end of December.

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