Benefit slated Saturday for advocacy center

The Hill Country Children's Advocacy Center will hold its fall fund-raiser "Cowboy Up For Kids" Saturday from 6-10 p.m. at the Colbert Ranch near Bertram. Money raised will enable the nonprofit organization to provide services at no cost to physically and sexually abused children and their family members in Blanco, Burnet, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Mills and San Saba counties.

"The Cowboy Up For Kids event is an important fund-raiser for the center, enabling us to continue our mission of providing services in the seven-county area," said Deborah Keith, executive director for HCCAC. The number of child victims continues to increase each year, Ms. Keith said. In 2006, HCCAC provided services to almost 300 children and their family members.

In addition to assisting local law enforcement agencies with abuse investigations and medical exam services, HCCAC provides individual, family and group therapy as well as parenting and self-esteem classes. The center also trains volunteers and promotes public awareness of physical and sexual abuse issues.

Tickets are $100 per person, and include a steak dinner and a full evening of activities.

The Jarrett Schaub Band will provide country and western music, and Diane Tatum of Hempstead will be on hand for guest photo opportunities with her prize Texas longhorn cattle. Guests also can enjoy Colbert Ranch hayrides, miniature horse races and other activities.

Cowboy Up For Kids tickets are available by calling HCCAC at (512) 756-2607 or by sending an e-mail to hccac@tstar.net.

For directions to the Colbert Ranch, located on FM 1174, visit www.ridecolbertranch.com.