By Susan Shinn Turner
For the Salisbury Post

The third-annual Toss for Tots is coming up Oct. 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the F&M Trolley Barn. The event benefits the children served by Prevent Child Abuse Rowan, and the Terrie Hess House Child Advocacy Center.

Cost is $60 per person, or $100 per couple. The Smoke Pit, located just around the corner from the Trolley Barn, will provide a buffet dinner of chicken and barbecue with all the fixin’s, plus banana pudding and peach cobbler for dessert. The 21-and-up event features beer and wine along with a signature drink, the Mason Dixon, served in a Mason jar.

The centerpiece of the fundraiser continues to be the corn hole tournament, although this year, it’s open only to local, amateur teams who will play strictly for bragging rights, says Beth Moore McKeithan, Prevent Child Abuse Rowan’s executive director. “We want this to be just a fun evening for all participants.”

The local band Livehouse — a huge hit last year — returns for a full evening of dance tunes, along with their wide-ranging repertoire of jazz, country and rock hits.

F&M’s Steve Fisher is thrilled he can leave his suit and tie at home.

“Robin and I appreciate what the staff of Prevent Child Abuse Rowan does for the children and families in our community, and we very much enjoy the casual vibe of the Toss for Tots event,” he says. “Any time I can put on my jeans for such a terrific cause, I’m there!”

Virginia Robertson, a longtime PCAR supporter and member of the fundraising committee, agrees. “It is a fun and casual fundraiser, and we are pleased to feature the delicious food from the Smoke Pit.”

“This year is going to be a lot of fun,” McKeithan promises. “We’ve got great food, great music, and it’s all for a wonderful cause.”

Specifically, this year’s event will raise funds to hire a full-time therapist at the center.

“There is a major shortage of trauma-focused specialists for children,” McKeithan notes. “We hope to bring someone in to serve these children, regardless of their financial standing. That is our greatest need to get these children on the road to healing.”

The first event purchased medical equipment and the second paid for outsourcing these counseling services.

“Our case load continues to increase,” McKeithan says, in citing the need for the position. “We will keep reaching out and applying for local grants to make up the difference in funding this position.”

“We anticipate a successful night in reaching our goal of hiring the therapist, and raising awareness for Prevent Child Abuse Rowan,” Robertson adds. “This organization provides an important service to the community in healing, hope and education for children.”

To purchase tickets for Toss for Tots, purchase at the Terrie Hess House or online at preventchildabuserowan.org.