Ellon Cockrill was honored as a Hero of Hope on Jan. 28 at Evolve, a fundraiser for The Centers for Youth and Families, held at the Statehouse Convention Center. Master of ceremonies Dawn Scott of KTHV noted that the honoree, a longtime volunteer with the nonprofit, was always "one of the first to show up and the last to leave."
Three longtime friends also lauded the honoree. Reni Rule told Cockrill she was a Hero of Hope "because of the work you've done and the lives you are changing." Rick Fleetwood said that she had always been his hero, and chairman of the foundation board Greg Hatcher noted that the honoree is a model for any volunteer.
Also during the evening, Cockrill's grandchildren presented a $25,000 check for a special fund that will include a complete remodeling and upgrades to classroom technology for the newly named Ellon Cockrill Education Center.
The Centers for Youth and Families is the oldest continuously operating nonprofit in the state. The theme for the evening was Rooted in the South. Decorations throughout the mezzanine and ballroom evoked a Southern evening with decorations including large wooden lanterns, magnolia blossoms and leaves, hydrangeas and orange trees. Dinner included root beer-braised short ribs served over macaroni and cheese and banana pudding and chocolate pie served in Mason jars.
More than 700 guests attended the event, which raised nearly $300,000 for the Centers. Eddie Bailey was chairman, and Sarah Rector was co-chairman.
The Centers for Youth and Families provides services to emotionally and behaviorally disturbed youths, at-risk youths and provides parenting resources for families.
High Profile on 02/05/2017