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‘Come Together’ Event to Raise Funds for Inclusion Park Equipment

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HUNTINGDON — Children with limited mobilities are often excluded from participating when it comes to play time. A new local non-profit wants to help solve that problem with a new inclusive park designed for those children.

Carroll County Inclusion Park, a local non-profit, hopes to raise awareness and fundraise to bring a playground to Carroll County that celebrates children of all ages and abilities.

On Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 6 p.m., at the Carroll County Civic Center, the group is hosting a “Come Together” Gala and Inclusion Fashion Show featuring a spring collection of styles from eleven boutiques in and around Carroll County. Collections will be presented by volunteer models from high school Beta Clubs across the county along with other local residents.

The Carroll County Inclusion Park’s 10-member board of volunteers consists of Carroll County residents committed to educating the community on inclusive play while also fundraising for this playground project.

Working with local businesses they are using this event to develop partnerships with corporate sponsors. The evening includes a banquet, fashion show that celebrates children of all ages and abilities, a silent auction featuring several unique items and experiences including AirBnB get-away packages, and the revealing of the new playground design - to be located in Huntingdon.

Special guest speaker Rachel McAuley, mother and advocate for Mary’s Magical Place in Hendersonville, an inclusion park built in memory of her daughter, will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about the impact inclusion playground equipment has had on the Hendersonville community. The masters of ceremonies are Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler and Natalie Porter, Carroll County Register of Deeds.

“This is a wonderful project for Carroll County. A well-designed inclusive playground encourage friendships between different groups of children, which promotes awareness and acceptance of diversity throughout the community. I can’t thank our sponsors enough for recognizing the need and stepping up and showing their support,” said Lori Dillahunty, chairperson of CCIP.

The event is primarily financed by the BlueCross BlueShield Community Grant that was awarded to the organization in January 2023.

Although the pre-fashion show dinner tickets are already completely sold out, those interested in attending the fashion show and participating in the silent auction may purchase a balcony seat for $10 at the door.

For more information about the Carroll County Inclusion Park “Come Together” Gala and Inclusion Fashion Show, visit the website www.Carrollcountyinclusionpark.org.