Child Development Resources attracted more than 500 people to its recent Bid ‘n Buy Auction, the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
This annual fundraiser, in its 38th year, took place March 20 at Jamestown High School and brought in $178,000 in total for CDR.
This year’s auction included a silent and live-auction component, as well as a Kid Zone, food court and live music.
In addition to having the chance to bid on everything from furniture to golf rounds to vacation packages, event attendees also had the opportunity to hear first-hand about the importance of the services CDR offers babies and toddlers in the community.
Sarah Vickers took the stage to give a testimonial about the effects CDR has had on her son Gavin’s life. Gavin has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech, a motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for him to say certain sounds, syllables and words. He is currently receiving services for this disorder through CDR.
“CDR has been a blessing to our family,” Vickers said. “When you ask someone, ‘Who does CDR help?’ they will likely tell you that they help infants and children. They do, but more than that, they help the whole family unit.”
Another highlight of the event was the raffling off of an all-inclusive Disney Bahamian cruise for four. The trip was donated by CDR’s board chairman, Eddie Robinson, in honor of the organization’s 50th anniversary this year, and Williamsburg resident Brandee Dineen took home the prize.
“We are really pleased with the community support we received at this year’s auction,” said Paul Scott, CDR’s executive director. “The enthusiasm of our guests and supporters was overwhelming, and the support they showed for babies and toddlers with special needs, developmental delays, or other challenges made it clear that our community values its children, and wants to give them the best possible start in life.”
