Youths in crisis

Dear editor:

The youths in crisis who come to Ouachita Children's Center (OCC) bring with them extraordinary needs, but they also bring extraordinary potential that requires the investment of a caring community. That is exactly what we witnessed on Jan. 6 at our Harry Potter Yule Ball fundraising gala -- a caring, and yes, magical community arrived ready to support youths who have experienced trauma and setbacks that few can imagine.

The Yule Ball was an amazing success on every level, but that didn't happen by accident. Our presenting sponsor -- The Morris Foundation -- and our gracious host -- St. Luke's Episcopal Church -- helped make our gala a night to remember. They, along with major sponsors US Stations; KYE-YAC; Morgan Stanley; First Security Bank; Prince & Tuohey CPA; Howard and Carol Freeland; CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs; Hall & Koppel Orthodontics; Citizens Bank; Linda Ragsdale; West Gate Security Storage; Superior Bathhouse Brewery; Garland County Title Co.; Alan and Pati Tripple; Jordon, Woosley, Crone & Keaton; The Wine Rack; Books-a-Million; Mountain Harbor Resort; Lara's Jewelry; The Arkansas Travelers; Maxwell Blade Theater of Magic; Mid-America Science Museum; Teen Challenge of Arkansas; Luna Bella; Froggy's; Garvan Woodland Gardens and many others helped us raise much needed support to care for youths in crisis.

We were treated to the talents of Justin Time Juggling and Balloon artist, Marque Haupert and her Magical String Ensemble, DJ Courier, Nan Cameron, and the culinary charm of Special Touch Catering. Our guests showed up dressed as muggles and magic folk, and more than that, they showed up to support the youths that need OCC's help and services.

In order to meet the overwhelming needs of the youths in crisis in our community, we will have to find new and creative ways to provide the necessary interventions to help. To be supported by such a generous community has encouraged us to press forward because we know that this village is ready, willing and able to help our kids discover their full potential -- just like Harry Potter did when he found Hogwarts!

Thank you, Hot Springs, for allowing us to be part of this wonderful community. Together, we work for a more positive future for our youths and their families.

Mark Howard

Executive director

Ouachita Children's Center

Editorial on 01/15/2018

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