Monday, May 12, 2008

The Meck Report: Huckabee teams with Schmitz to help children - The Dothan Progress - May 1, 2008

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THE DOTHAN PROGRESS - Thursday - May 1, 2008
Huckabee teams with Schmitz to help children
By Elaine Brackin / Progress Managing Editor

It’s all about the children.

That could easily be the marching orders for tonight’s gathering, headlined by former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckbee, to benefit the Wiregrass Children’s Home.

Huckabee, who served as governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007, will bring his message of hope and inspiration to the Dothan Convention Center for “An Evening with Mike Huckabee.” He’s coming at the invitation of Mike Schmitz, owner of the Mike Schmitz Automotive Group, which is underwriting Huckabee’s appearance. The two were introduced by mutual friend, David Meckley, who has known Huckabee for more than 30 years. Their friendship dates back to their days as team members in the James Robison Ministry. Meckley used Huckabee’s appearance in Montgomery earlier this year to unite his two friends. The seed for tonight’s event was planted during that meeting.

“We’re blessed to have someone on the national stage come for this event,” Schmitz said as he explained how tonight’s fund-raising event took shape. “This event is not about politics. It’s about the children.”

Schmitz added Huckabee, a native of Hope, Ark., had an outstanding record on children’s issues while he was governor of Arkansas. That, says Schmitz, makes his appearance in support of the Wiregrass Children’s Home even more special to him.

“He did many outstanding things in Arkansas for children,” said Schmitz. “He did a lot to improve the education system in that state.”

Schmitz says tonight’s benefit program serves two purposes.

“First, it’s about raising money for the Wiregrass Children’s Home,” Schmitz said. “We also want to raise (community) awareness about the home, which has been in existence for 17 years. During that time, the home has served the needs of close to 700 children.

“We will use this event to tell our story. Eighty-five percent of the funding for the Wiregrass Children’s Home comes from this community.”

“We want to take this opportunity to tell our community thank you for supporting this home.”

Reflecting on his own background of dealing with separation from his family as a young person, Schmitz says the Wire-grass Children’s Home is more than just a community cause for him

“It’s personal,” Schmitz said of his involvement with the Wiregrass Children’s Home. “I know what these kids go through. Fortunately, I was adopted into the right family.”

While the facility is not “home” in the truest sense of the word, Schmitz says the Wiregrass Children’s Home provides a safe, loving environment for children who have faced a traumatic upheaval in their young lives.

“It’s a Christian facility,” Schmitz said. “It affords the children the opportunity feel secure. They know they are prayed over to be put in the right place.

“This facility is a blessing. And, through the wonderful attitude and commitment of our community, we will stay open.”

The event begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased at Impact Fitness, Toyota of Dothan and Mike Schmitz Automotive Group.

The VIP Reception will be held from 5:15 p.m.-6:45 p.m. The cost is $250 per person and will include a photo made with Mike Huckabee plus a signed copy of his latest book, “From Hope to Higher Ground.”

For more information or tickets, call 334 794-6716.
All ticket sales are donated to Wiregrass Children’s Home.
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Courtesy: The Dothan Progress

Posted by The Meck / The Meck Report
www.TheMeck.com

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