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By Carey Reeder/ Special to the Advertiser

Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center will host its biggest and longest running fundraiser, Flutter, on Feb. 3.

The event has become a permanent fixture on the first Thursday of February for the nonprofit organization, and will welcome the community to help raise money for children in Chilton County affected by trauma and abuse.

Butterfly Bridge, which is celebrating 10 years of advocacy in 2022, works closely with county law enforcement, child protective services and non-offending parents in assisting children during the investigative process by conducting interviews and offering trauma focused therapy. In 2021, the organization interviewed 144 children with new cases. The group also remains involved with every child they meet throughout their court process and offers services to them beyond a verdict, if needed.

“We’re that neutral agency that just provides that ongoing support in a time that’s very hard for these families and kids going through some very dark days,” Jana Zuelzke, executive director of Butterfly Bridge, said. “Our goal is to make things better for them and help them heal so their life is not further defined by the abuse they’ve experienced.”

In order to keep up the extensive work, it takes events such as Flutter that reach out to the community to help raise money to fund the organization. Flutter was a virtual event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but returns this year with the theme of “Wings of Many Colors.” The event will include live entertainment by CashBack, a Johnny Cash tribute band, heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by the Jemison High School culinary arts program, beverages and a live and silent auction. Flutter begins at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 3 at the Sixth Street Warehouse in Clanton.

“We’ve always had great success from the support of the community since the beginning of this event,” Brittani Ellison, the events and development coordinator, said. “It’s just a fun social event where people can come and have a good time while also supporting our organization whether that’s through donations, sponsors or the auctions.”

Guests can expect a wide variety of items to bid on during the auctions such as handmade items, jewelry, vacations, artwork and much more. Butterfly Bridge has generated around 20 sponsors for Flutter and expects that number to double as the event date approaches. Sponsorship opportunities range from $100 to $2,500, and all proceeds go directly to help fund forensic interviews and therapy sessions for children.

“No matter your budget or taste, there will be something there for everybody,” Ellison said.

While Flutter is the signature event for Butterfly Bridge, the rest of 2022 will be filled with events tying in the organization’s 10th anniversary. An open house at its new location will be held later in February followed by Child Abuse Awareness month in April which the advocacy group participates in heavily. Phase two of the expansion of the new facility will begin over the spring as well.

“It’s just wonderful to see when the staff works with these children and the community steps up to see what you can do directly everyday,” Zuelzke said. “It’s been neat to see in all these years when we’ve had a need the community has always stepped up and these kids are getting better when there is that community support.”

Those interested in purchasing tickets, making a donation, donating auction items or becoming a sponsor for Flutter can do so online at flutter.swell.gives.