Conover, NC – The Children’s Advocacy & Protection Center will hold their annual Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser on April 6th at Heritage Barn in Conover. The evening is a fun filled night with pig picking, barbecue chicken, and all the fixings. There will be door prizes, raffle items, and silent auctions. The entertainment for the evening will be Rebecca Hart and her band. This is their biggest fundraiser of the year to support the services provided to children who have been sexually and/or physically abused. Come out and support a great cause. Tickets are on sale at www.catawbacountycapc.org or you can purchase them at the door.

A highlight of the silent auction is a stunning handmade table made by Eddie Hamrick. It is a live edge slab table with a 2” thick big leaf curly maple burl top inlaid with turquoise. The base is quarter sawn white oak forming a trestle base reminiscent of railroad trestles in western North Carolina. The table measures 66” long by 24” wide and stands 34” tall. It has an oil based waterproof finish that can be used inside only as a buffet table, a serving table, or a hall table. The materials for the table were generously donated by Pam Corder. Pam along with Hank Engart assisted Eddie in constructing it.

Eddie’s work and craftsmanship has been honored and recognized nationally and internationally. He has pieces in 20 museums across the world including Paris, Rome, London, Tokyo and Sydney. His work in North Carolina can be seen at the Governor’s office, Grace Chapel at Lenoir-Rhyne University, and in numerous churches and Government offices in the area. Eddie’s story is captured in the video entitled, “Against the Grain” that can be seen on PBS. He has also been featured in “The Catawbans”.

This agency is special to Eddie because he was sexually abused from the age of 5 to 12 by a family member. When asked what it means to give this table for the benefit of the Children’s Advocacy & Protection Center, Eddie said, “Many children that are abused when they are young and helpless, get in their minds that they have no self-esteem and have no pride in their work. They have a feeling of worthlessness, and they are embarrassed to step up – even if they know the answer. But, when they find out that they do have a talent and value in what they do, they become great people. Without places like the Children’s Advocacy & Protection Center that helps them build self-esteem, pride and self-worth, they would not accomplish the things they can by getting the guidance and help that is provided there. That gives them the courage to reach out and accomplish greater things and become successful.”

The Children’s Advocacy & Protection Center is grateful for this generous donation. Information on how to bid on Eddie’s table is on the website – www.catawbacountycapc.org. The auction will conclude at Denim & Diamonds on April 6th at 9:00 pm. The winner will be announced at the event.
Photo: Eddie Hamrick donates hand-made table to silent auction