Natchez Children’s Services is 200 years old! That represents thousands of children and families, huge amounts of food, clothing, shoes, school supplies, hugs, Christmas presents, counseling sessions, doctor visits, electric bills, maintenance issues, vehicle service, staff time, and second chances and better choices for abused, neglected, and at-risk youngsters.

Although NCS addresses the complex issues of child abuse every day, April is designated national Child Abuse Prevention Month. In recognition of our bicentennial and in honor of Child Abuse Prevention, local author Greg Iles is opening Edelweiss, his town home at 209 Broadway St. for a Sunset Serenade from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 15.

Greg, and his wife, Caroline, have recently renovated Edelweiss and are opening it for the first time to the public. Guests will be able to tour the home and enjoy tantalizing food by Yolanda Morgan of Morgan Catering.

Cocktails will be available as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Gay Austin of McComb, the upcoming 2017 National Garden Club president, will add her floral expertise, and Jason Swanson (jasonswanson.com), national songwriter and performer, will serenade with his dueling guitars.

Walt Grayson , well-known television personality with WLBT in Jackson, and a great fan of Natchez, will also be joining the fun.

Individual tickets are $50 each and are tax deductible. They may be purchased online at ntzchs.org, by calling Betsy Hungerford Iles at 601-597-2219, or Natchez Children’s Services at 601-442-6858.

Sponsorships are also available, tax deductible and receive special recognition. Platinum sponsors are $2,000 and receive 20 tickets; Gold is $1,000 for 10 tickets; Silver is $500 for four tickets; and Bronze is $250 for two tickets. Checks should be made payable to Natchez Children’s Services.

Valet parking will be available.

In 1816, when the Female Charitable Society was established, the ladies of Natchez raised $1,200 to begin what is now Natchez Children’s Services. This historic organization has changed with the times over 200 years, and is devoted to the premise that helping build strong children is far less costly to our community than fixing broken adults. Your gifts continue to support children in southwest Mississippi but it is a much more expensive proposition than in 1816!

Today, financial support offers help to children and families fraught with substance abuse, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse and broken families and poverty.

Be part of the solution to child abuse prevention and Natchez Children’s Services by attending Sunset Serenade at Edelweiss. Meet friends, visit with Greg and Walt, listen to the music, tour Edelweiss and watch the sun set over the mighty Mississippi. It promises to be a spectacular and memorable evening.

 

Janet Sullivan-Vines is president of the NCS Board