Chalk Bash raises cash for Community in Schools of Cleveland County

Special to The Star
·2 min read
Alicia Doornewerd works on her design at Shiloh Baptist Church’s Chalk It Up Bash on Oct. 15.
Alicia Doornewerd works on her design at Shiloh Baptist Church’s Chalk It Up Bash on Oct. 15.

The congregation of Shiloh Baptist Church hosted the first Chalk It Up Bash last month on the church campus with proceeds benefitting Communities in Schools of Cleveland County.

The church’s parking lot was recently resealed and restriped.

Church trustee Latosha Lawrence came up with the idea to both show off the new parking lot and benefit the community.

“Church and school are two places that help shape the foundation of a child’s life. The mission of CIS is as a liaison, mitigating barriers that sometimes begin even in students’ homes,” she said. “Hopefully, this fun-filled event highlighted the need of youth in our community as well as assisted CIS financially in continuing their critical work.”

Children work on their art skills at Shiloh Baptist Church’s first Chalk It Up Bash benefitting Communities In Schools of Cleveland County.
Children work on their art skills at Shiloh Baptist Church’s first Chalk It Up Bash benefitting Communities In Schools of Cleveland County.

Event participants reserved a parking space on which they showcased their art skills using sidewalk chalk.

Church members turned out in numbers to volunteer, including a special coordinator, Angie Bell.

Local businesses, such as Arnold’s Jewelry, Newgrass Brewing Co., and Wayne Wilson Plumbing, donated to the cause.

The top three winners, as judged and selected by Communities in Schools of Cleveland County students, received trophies and gift cards.

Shiloh Baptist Church leaders present a check to Communities In Schools of Cleveland County. Pictured (from left) are Angie Bell, Joseph Finney, Latosha Lawrence, Jerry Mitchell, Fred Mitchell, Pastor Jamaal Edwards, Heather Bridges Moore and Wayne Howell.
Shiloh Baptist Church leaders present a check to Communities In Schools of Cleveland County. Pictured (from left) are Angie Bell, Joseph Finney, Latosha Lawrence, Jerry Mitchell, Fred Mitchell, Pastor Jamaal Edwards, Heather Bridges Moore and Wayne Howell.

Taking first place was Alicia Doornewerd, followed by William Farquharson in second and Tyler Tessener in third.

The event raised over $1,500, which will go directly to supporting local students by removing barriers that keep them from succeeding in school and in life.

Communities in Schools of Cleveland County was grateful to have been selected as the beneficiary of the funds, and to share a message.

“Operating in Cleveland County since 1991, Communities in Schools is still largely unknown but our mission is critical to student success,” said Heather Bridges Moore, president and chief executive officer of Communities in Schools. “We so appreciate any opportunity to share with our community about how a small contribution can make a life-altering impact on vulnerable youth who lack adequate support systems. We are immensely grateful to Shiloh Baptist Church for helping us to illuminate that mission.”

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Shiloh Baptist Chalk Bash raises cash for Community in Schools