CACTX - Advocacy Center looks to 'big kids'

SEGUIN - Go-kart races, video games and amusement park rides are typically adventures for children.

A local non-profit hopes area residents will recapture that childhood magic while supporting a group that helps area children.

The Guadalupe County Children's Advocacy Center is hosting the ‽Act Like A Child: Adult Night” fundraiser at ZDT's Amusement Park on Thursday, April 29 from 6-9 p.m.

"It is adult night at ZDT and you can act like a child,” said CAC executive director Paul Marsh. ‽We wanted to open the park that's generally open to the kids, for adults specifically. We were trying to find something unique for Guadalupe County that folks will enjoy doing and also bring in new faces to our fundraiser.”

Keeping thrill seekers on their toes, there will be unlimited access to many adventure-laden rides like the Dizzy Toucan - a ride that spins its passengers as it swings back and forth, Marsh said.

Guests will also get the chance to climb their way to the top with the Silo Climbs while listening to a local band, Marsh said.

"That is essentially a rock climb up the silos on the corner of the property,” he said. "We are also going to feature the Tom Teboe Band who will be playing in the parking lot from 6-9 p.m., weather permitting.”

Visitors that night will have the opportunity to take on the two top area law enforcement officials - Sheriff Arnold Zwicke and Police Chief Kevin Kelso - in a go-kart challenge, Marsh said.

"If someone would like to contribute a little bit extra Chief Kelso or Sheriff Zwicke have promised they will sell races,” he said.

While the night offers a chance to have a little fun, it also gives the community an opportunity to learn a little more about the CAC, Marsh said.

"It is also for friend-raising as well,” he said. ‽It will give us a chance to share stories with people who may not know what we do or what we are doing.”

The Guadalupe County Children's Advocacy Center is designed to help children who are victims of crimes, mainly physical and sexual abuse, Marsh said.

"The idea is that children who come here are interviewed once about the abuse and that interview is recorded and then given to investigating agencies who are here so that the child does not have to tell their story more than once,” Marsh said. "The whole idea is to avoid re-traumatizing the child through the investigation. We work mostly with law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical and mental health professionals.”

All of the funds raised will go toward the cost of day-to-day operations so the group can continue to provide a valuable service to the children of the community, Marsh said.

"This is a new fundraiser for us and we are excited,” he said. "It should be a lot of fun. We just want everybody to come on out and have a lot of fun.”

Tickets for the event are $25.

Marsh said they are still looking for businesses, groups or individuals who would like to buy a sponsorship of either $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 which includes additional tickets, mentions in advertisements, thanks at the event and in flyers at the event.