Blues event aims to collect suitcases for foster children

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Blues event aims to collect suitcases for foster children
April 12, 2011
By Joy Alise Davis
The Oxford Press

OXFORD — Blues music groups are coming together April 30 in Oxford for an event to provide foster children the comfort and dignity of a suitcase.

Many foster children can be forced to move from their homes without much notice – packing their belongings in a garbage bag or other unsuitable cases. Suitcase Full of Blues aims to provide suitcases for those children by asking those who attend the event to donate a new or lightly-used suitcase.

The event is hosted by the Foster Child Enrichment Council, a volunteer group with a mission to provide positive experiences that enhance the quality of life for foster children.

“Children Services cannot pay for senior pictures, camps, prom dresses, uniforms for sports teams or any extra activities like that. We try to provide things for foster children that other kids have,” said Brenda Gabbard, from the council.

Proposed by Jimmy D. Rogers of the Jim Jackson (Band Men on a Mission), the event combines live entertainment from four well-known blues band in the Ohio-Nashville area while supporting Butler County foster children. Also slated to play are: Brown St. Breakdown, Ellie Lee and Bluesgury, and The Blubirdz.

“All we ask is that everyone brings a new or lightly-used suitcase to this event. We will also be collecting clothing, shoes and non-perishable gifts,” Gabbard said.

The Suitcase Full of Blues event will have live portraitures, face painting, clowns and tons of raffles from local businesses.

“The council provides services for foster children in the Butler County area. For example, we have nine graduating seniors in independent living that we would like to help. Our only main goal is to help the children. They can’t get everything through state funding,” said Gabbard

The event is from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Park Uptown.

For more information about The Foster Child Enrichment Council, go online to helpfosterchildren.org.

For more information about the Suitcase Full of Blues and volunteering at the event, contact Gabbard at (513) 720-3074