Hundreds Walked in the Hometown Heroes Walk for Children

“It was the perfect day for a walk. The weather forecast was for rain, but the dark clouds moved through, and we were blessed with a sunny day,” announced Child Advocacy Center director Sharon De Boer following the Hometown Heroes Walk for Children on Friday, April 28.

Over 250 people were gathered at the Murfreesboro Civic Plaza when the annual event kicked off at 11:30 a.m. Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed welcomed the walkers and gave the opening remarks. Murfreesboro Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors as the national anthem played. Retired District Attorney General Bill Whitesell gave the prayer.

District Attorney General Jennings Jones and Child Advocacy Center Director Sharon De Boer presented the Hometown Heroes Awards. The 2023 award recipients were: Beth Ussery (Child Advocacy Center Board of Directors), Paul Mongold (Murfreesboro Police Department), Jennifer Head (Rutherford County Department of Children’s Services), Jessica Moore (District Attorney’s Office for the 16th Judicial District), Britt Reed (Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and Anahi Castillo (Child Advocacy Center).

You could tell by the look on their faces that most of the Hometown Heroes were surprised to hear their name called. All six of them are humble local heroes who have dedicated their careers to making our community a safer place for children.

Faithful local sponsors make this a free event every year. Child Advocacy Center Development Coordinator Katie Enzor thanked the generous event sponsors, including Design Blasting Services, LLC, Adient, Andy Womack – State Farm, Anonymous, Atoms Energy, Bell Jewelers, Benjamin Sagrera, Bill and Lucy Whitesell, BNI Elite, Bridgestone La Vergne Plant, Caiti Milligan, Carol Ghattas, Chuck and Carol Farrer, Compass Insurance, Courtney Vondenberger, CRF Properties, Dana Womack State Farm, Darnell CPA PLLC, Delon Bradley, Donald and Sharon Porterfield, East Main Title, LLC, J. Mullins Jewelry and Gifts, Joey and Paige Prescott, Josh Hawkins, Judy Knapp, K. Lowe Team, Karen McNaughton, Mark and Kim Eischeid, Michael’s Homes, LLC, Middle Tennessee Electric, Mitchell and Mitchell Law, MMC Pediatrics, Morgan Clemmons, Murfreesboro First Presbyterian Church, Ole South Properties, Ogles Electric Co., LLC, PATCO, Paul and Christine Goco, Rebecca Oldham, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Roy and Sharon Fields, Sharon Darnell, Stanlick Chiropractic, Step Stone Family and Youth, Steve Bell, Steve Fuchar Jobe Hastings, Talos Engineering, Two Sisters Maid to Clean Co., Volunteer Behavioral Health, Volunteer State Bank, and Wilson Bank and Trust.

Enzor announced the event planning committee that worked their hearts out to make this a wonderful event: Elizabeth Benton, Ella Britt, Amy Denton, Katie Enzor, Katrina Farrer, Jennifer Head, Presley Hosford, Albert Miles, Jessica Moore, Amanda Pruitt, Emily Speed, Chelsea Wade, Jessica Wauchek, Tracy Webb, James Wilkinson, and Michael Yates.

Mayor Joe Carr kicked off the walk by announcing, “ready, set, GO!” and thanked all the participants for coming out to support child abuse victims and their families.

The enthusiastic walkers walked from Murfreesboro Civic Plaza to Oakland’s Pavilion where a delicious BBQ lunch was provided by KFT BBQ and Catering. Dessert was provided by DoubleTree by Hilton and bottled water was provided by Dana Womack State Farm, Ella Britt Volunteer Behavioral Health, and Lori Yates Intero Tennessee Real Estate. Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) greeted walkers at Oaklands Pavilion during lunch to show their support and appreciation for child abuse prevention.

Mid-Cumberland Head Start won the coveted Golden Sneakers Award for bringing the most walkers to the event – a staggering 73 children along with their parents participated!

“Katie and the Hometown Heroes Walk for Children Committee did an amazing job planning this event! They have already started making plans for next year,” concluded De Boer. “If you want to get involved contact Katie Enzor at 615-867-9000 or [email protected].”

For more information on the Child Advocacy Center and the Child Protective Investigative Team that works child abuse, child sexual abuse, and drug endangered children’s cases, or if your family needs help contact the Child Advocacy Center at 615-867-9000.