In a partnership with the Pennyrile Children’s Advocacy Center, Jennie Stuart Health has decided to sponsor the first-ever Hopkinsville Teddy Bear Toss — providing stuffed animals for youths at their most desperate hour.
Local and regional basketball fans, as well as other supporters, are encouraged to attend Saturday’s heavily-anticipated Eighth District boys matchup between Hopkinsville and Christian County — which is scheduled for a 7:30 PM tip at Lyle Dunbar Gymnasium on 220 Glass Avenue.
During halftime of the game, attendees will be prompted to toss their new teddy bear, or other stuffed animal, onto the court — where it will be whisked away, and eventually placed into the arms of a child.
The PCAC is a local organization that assists and advocates for youth who have suffered abuse. Those wishing to attend Saturday’s special affair can purchase tickets by visiting GoFan.com, and searching for “Christian County.”
For those unable to attend the game or stay until halftime, stuffed animals can be dropped off at the WHOP Radio studio between 7 AM and 4 PM the rest of this week. It’s located at 220 Dink Embry’s Buttermilk Road in Hopkinsville.
Chris Jung, Jennie Stuart Health’s director of marketing and community relations, noted this is a “unique opportunity” to support local student-athletes and coaches, while embracing a worthy and emotional cause.
Before, during and after forensic interviews, medical examinations and/or mental health treatments, children at the PCAC facility are able to select a stuffed animal — in order to ease the tension for the situation.
PCAC officials serve hundreds of local and regional youths annually, its long-time Executive Director Candra Barnett states that studies have confirmed that receiving a stuffed animal during these processes can be “extremely helpful” to the child and their family — especially during trauma-laden situations.
The intent is for this to become an annual event.
For more information on the PCAC and its efforts, visit PennyrileCAC.org online, or call (270) 881-1111.
