It’s an annual event that celebrates a community’s creativity as it strives to make a difference in the lives of children.

Saturday’s Tablescapes Luncheon for the Butler County Children’s Advocacy Center, also known as Safe Harbor, featured 14 decorated tables each with its own theme.  A new addition to the event was a quartet of non-competitive “Simply Spring” tables hostessed by Niki Bennett, Jennifer Meadows, Tammy Gaston and Alex Ryan.

Also for the first time, attendees had the opportunity to roam among the tables in First Baptist Church’s Family Life Center before the luncheon and pick their favorite tablescape for the “People’s Choice” Award.

“We really do read those suggestion cards we give you after each event, and one of the things several people suggested was wanting to get a say in the judging process,” explained Safe Harbor director Kathy Smyth.

A large number of silent auction items, including jewelry, hand-crafted furniture, framed prints, home decor, original artwork, home-baked treats, beauty services and more, also drew the eye and enticed guests to sign on the dotted line. Bates House of Turkey prepared the meal, with hostesses serving Chicken Delight, squash casserole and risotto salad, with peach cobbler for dessert.

“We see the results of your creativity and ingenuity and yes, joy, in what you share with us today,” said Smyth.

People’s Choice Award winner was the exotic “Cast Away” by April Sherling and Daisy Norman, a table also given third place honors by the judges.

Second place was awarded to Cindy Faulk and her charming mermaid-themed “Spirit of the Sea.”

 

Brandi Mosley’s “Unmasking Miracles for Children,” with its vibrant Mardi Gras theme in purple, green and gold, took first place with the judges and also won “The Spirit of Relay” Award.

Anita Halacker, all smiles when her name was drawn, was the winner of the annual raffle featuring Diane Ritchie’s beautiful quilt.

Smyth extended her thanks to event co-chairs Brenda Norman and JoAnn Matthews, kitchen crew chief Deborah Crews and her helpers and Susan Sorrells for her flower arranging skills for the sponsors’ table, along with all the community partners who sponsored the raffle and event.

The funds raised through luncheon ticket sales and its silent auction go in support of Safe Harbor’s mission to assist children in Butler, Crenshaw and Lowndes counties who have witnessed or fallen victim to violence and abuse. It is one part of a multidisciplinary team including the educational system, DHR, law enforcement and the judicial system.