Washtenaw Area Council for Children’s “Gathering for Good” will celebrate outstanding commitment to protecting children
The Washtenaw Area Council for Children (WACC) has announced this year’s “Gathering for Good,” where the community is invited to come together to help end child abuse and neglect and to honor our local heroes for their outstanding commitment to protecting children and ensuring their safety throughout Washtenaw County.
The event will be held on October 4, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Lake Forest Golf Club in Ann Arbor.
The “Community Hero Award” will be given to Ann Arbor Skyline High School teacher Anne Bezeau for her proactive advocacy in bringing WACC’s Cyber Safety and Wellness & Resilience training to her students. For over a decade, she has been at the forefront of championing these important lessons on how to safely navigate today’s digital world for her students.
“I’m very honored by this recognition, especially since I’m just doing what I’m supposed to be doing,” says Bezeau. “Helping to educate our young adults in high school about awareness and prevention in regards to the use of technology. It is something we all use, so knowing how we can best protect ourselves.”
The “Safe Kids Award” will be presented this year to Milan’s Paddock Elementary School for their efforts to partner on the delivery of Body Safety Training and ensure over 350 of their students are equipped with information to keep themselves safe from harm.
The “Champion Salute Award” will be presented to local couple Mike and Suzi Coghlan, local business owners dedicated to ensuring the safety of local children through their philanthropic and volunteer efforts.
“We are incredibly honored to acknowledge our 2024 Award winners for their exceptional contributions to our community’s children,” says Tim Richey, WACC’s Executive Director. “Their remarkable dedication and advocacy have not only improved the lives of Washtenaw County’s children and families but have also set an exemplary standard for all of us.”
The Gathering for Good is sponsored by Bank of Ann Arbor, Ellie Mental Health, Katherine A. Kelly Orthodontics, Oxford Bank, Retirement Income Solutions, Stricklen Construction, and more.
Local comedian Brandi Alexander will kick off the evening with the humorous and sometimes unpredictable side of family life and raising children.
Members of the media, community leaders, and residents are all invited. Proceeds from ticket sales will fund essential programs like Body Safety Training, which teaches young children general safety principles as well as how to recognize, respond to, and report inappropriate behavior directed toward them. Corporate sponsorship opportunities that include tickets for groups are also available.
For tickets and more information about Gathering for Good, visit washtenaw children.org.
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