CPC opens doors to community

When guests walked into the Child Protection Center Thursday evening for an open house the first thing they noticed was the Pillar of Hope.

The clear pillar holds a colorful double-helix that climbs up to a sky light. Gathered at the base of the pillar are hundreds of blue marbles that represent the children who have come to the CPC and received help to overcome the effects of child abuse. 

The event also titled Pillar of Hope welcomed members of the community to add marbles of their own with donations.  Guests were greeted by executive director Doug Staley before taking a tour of the facility. During the event with each donation made donors were able to drop down a different color marble that correlates with the amount given. 

"Right now I have happy goosebumps hearing the marbles drop," Staley said. "But during the daytime it's sad when you hear the marble drop because it's a child. A kid's disposition has changed when they add a marble to the pillar."

After a tour guests were able to enjoy music and tastings from local restaurants outside of the building.