By Jessica Dillon
Just Call Granny raised more than $3,500 for its summer camp scholarship fund during a two-day event held March 20-21.
The organization hosted a fundraiser in honor of Kenneth Guzman on March 20, followed by a summer resource fair on March 21. About 50 people attended the fundraiser, and the resource fair connected families with information about programs and services available during the summer months when school is out.
A free community meal was provided during the fundraiser, with donations encouraged to support the scholarship fund. An auction also helped raise money, and organizers said additional donations are still coming in.
The scholarship program helps families send children to summer camp, with assistance available for multiple children per household.
“Last year, our scholarship fund came from a grant we were able to give families anywhere from $100 to $300,” said Cindy Edwards, who noted the fundraiser was also meant to honor Guzman.
“He was in the process of starting vital communities in the Martinsville, Henry County area,” she said.
“We were just so excited to have him as a member of the Just Call Granny Board; he had such great ideas,” Edwards added.
She also highlighted “Conversation and Coffee,” a monthly event where families can meet with the organization in an informal setting.
“It went great. We still have funds coming in, so it turned out very well. I myself talked about the beginning of Just Call Granny,” said Kenlee Hilton, who also spoke about summer activity options during the resource fair.
Parents shared how the scholarships have helped their families.
“We had a 14-year-old named Kennedy who went to 4-H camp, and what it meant to her to be able to go,” Hilton said. A parent named Britney also spoke about receiving a voucher during a difficult time.
“That was the first time they ever had any difficulties like that,” Hilton said.
“She was very, very grateful to see how much that meant to them.”
Organizers said they hope to raise as much as $5,000 for the fund.
“I would love that,” Hilton said.
Donations are still being accepted. Checks payable to Just Call Granny should note the Kenneth Guzman Scholarship Fund and can be dropped off at Smith Memorial United Methodist Church, 2703 Daniels Creek Road in Collinsville, or mailed. Donations can also be made through the church’s website by selecting the Just Call Granny option.
