(MURFREESBORO)   “We were very grateful to be blessed with a beautiful warm sunny day for the 6th Annual Hometown Heroes Walk for Children,” said Child Advocacy Center director Sharon De Boer.  

The event concluded Child Abuse Prevention Month and highlighted the important work that every day heroes do to help child abuse and child sexual abuse victims.  “The Child Advocacy Center is grateful to all the Hometown Heroes on the Child Protective Investigative Team that make a difference every day in children’s lives,” continued De Boer.

The Walk is hosted annually by the Rutherford County Child Protective Investigative Team.  The Team works together to respond to child physical abuse, child sexual abuse, and drug endangered children cases.  In the last 21 years, 10.8% of the population of Rutherford and Cannon Counties has been assisted by the Child Protective Investigative Teams.  The Teams have investigated and aggressively prosecuted 16,588 child abuse cases, helped over 25,243 individuals, and trained 12,191 adults how to protect children from child sexual abuse.  The proceeds from the event benefit the children and families that are served.

Over 160 people gathered at the Murfreesboro Civic Plaza.  DJ Richard Cook provided the music as Child Advocacy Center Development Coordinator Katie Enzor recognized the event sponsors.  Retired District Attorney General William C. Whitesell welcomed the walkers to the event. 

The 2.5 mile walk concluded at the Child Advocacy Center with a picnic lunch provided by Fat Guy’s BBQ, with Double Tree cookies for dessert, and music courtesy of DJ Michael “Rowdy” Yates.  

Child Advocacy Center Accountant Jessica Wauchek announced, “Never underestimate the power of the women and men who protect children.  The 2021 ‘Golden Sneakers’ award went to the Rutherford County Department of Children’s Services.  They came out in full force, with 32 walkers wearing comfy tennis shoes, and won the coveted ‘Golden Sneakers’ award and most important--bragging rights.”  The runner ups for the “Golden Sneaker” award was the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office with 20 walkers and Murfreesboro Police Department with 18 walkers.

Local Hometown Hero Los Angeles Dodger pitcher David Price was the event's presenting sponsor. Project One Four A David Price Foundation and other faithful event sponsors have made a difference in the lives of many Rutherford County children through their faithful support of the Child Advocacy Center. 

Other event sponsors included:  WGNS Radio, Josh Hawkins, Adient (Sydney McNinch), CRF Properties, Drs. Russ and Sherry Galloway, Middle Tennessee Electric, Middle Tennessee Realtors Association, Ole South Properties, Inc. (John H. Floyd), Redstone Federal Credit Union, Smyrna Ready Mix,  State Farm (Michael Busey), Seasons of Renewal (Holly Horton), Ascend Federal Credit Union,  Bridgestone LaVergne Plant, First Bank, Dr. Michael and Katie Jordan, Talos Engineering Company, Michael and Beth Ussery, Wal-Mart DC 6062, The Watchman Group Investigations, Inc., Bill and Lucy Whitesell, Wilson Bank and Trust, Joey and Julie Allison, Terry and Vicki Fann, Chuck and Carol Farrer, Roy and Sharon Fields, Donald and Ronda Hawkins, General Jennings and Tanya Jones,  Bob and Betsy Murfree, State Farm Insurance (Andy Womack), State Farm Insurance (Dana Womack), Woodfin Funeral Chapel (Shannon Parsons), Judge Steven and Lara Daniel, David and Vicki VanLiere, Samuel and Darlene Baker, Domino’s Pizza (Middle Tennessee Pizza), Judge Lisa Eischeid, Family and Cosmetic Dentistry of Smyrna, Beth Hall,  Glen and Patricia Hutchinson, Sgt. Paul Mongold, Donald and Sharon Porterfield, David and Linda Puckett, Jill Spry, Catherine Post, and Deirdre Lackey.

“This event would not have been possible without the many individuals and groups who donated their time and talents,” said Development Coordinator Katie Enzor.  “We are grateful for each and every one of them.”

The event was chaired by Sgt. Amy Denton (Murfreesboro Police Department) and Sgt. Sheree Robertson (LaVergne Police Department).  Hometown Heroes committee members included:  Taminko Amuzu (Department of Children’s Services), Katie Enzor (Child Advocacy Center), Det. Kelvin Jones (Murfreesboro Police Department), Sgt. Paul Mongold (Murfreesboro Police Department), Jessica Moore (District Attorney’s Office), Det. Patty Oeser (Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office), Catherine Post (CAC Board), Tracy Sheppard (CAC Board), Jessica Wauchek (Child Advocacy Center), and Det. Michael Yates (Murfreesboro Police Department).

“The Child Advocacy Center had an outstanding Hometown Heroes Walk Committee,” said De Boer.   “We have hosted 12 walks starting with Andrea Walks for Tennessee’s Children in 2004.  This committee worked their hearts out to make this a safe in-person event during the pandemic!”  

A limited number of event t-shirts size large may be purchased by calling Katie Enzor at the CAC at call 615-867-9000.  You may view event photos at www.cacrutherford.org.