COVINGTON, Ind. — Since September 2004 Fountain County Mentoring Inc. has made a difference in the lives of nearly 60 at-risk kids who otherwise would’ve had few positive role models.

On Dec. 5 the organization will hold its fourth annual Holiday Gala to raise much-needed funds to keep the program going.

“The gala is very, very important to us. We’re at a crossroads for funding right now,” said Julee Paddock, director of Fountain County Mentoring.

The gala is open to everybody and costs $35 per person. The price includes a dinner and dance at the Beef House Banquet Hall. Guests will bid on items in a silent auction featuring goods and services donated by local businesses. Another highlight is the traditional Christmas tree auction, and this year 12 artificial trees that have been decorated by talented locals will be auctioned away. The tree auction is an important money-maker for the mentoring program; last year, a tree decorated by interior decorator Rick Randles sold for $475.

But, Paddock, pointed out, “It’s not only a fundraiser, it’s a lot of fun. The gala gives people a chance to come out and have a good time and a good dinner.”

Randles has lent his tree-decorating skills to the gala since the start four years ago.

“All the artists have a feel for this program, otherwise they wouldn’t participate,” he said. “It’s a wonderful cause, and I really enjoy the creative part of it. Every year it’s a challenge; it’s not a competition but everybody wants to make the tree that brings in the most money.”

Right now Fountain County Mentoring has about 25 active mentors who meet with their children about once a week. The idea is to get the kids out of their home environment for a few hours and for the mentors to be a positive influence on the kids’ lives.

“The mentors spend time with the kids and take them to places like the library, the park, a restaurant or the museum. Some of them might go fishing or play basketball together,” Paddock said. “They (the kids) get to experience things that they probably wouldn’t experience if it weren’t for this program. It makes them feel important and helps them build self-esteem.”

It takes about $55,000 per year to run the mentoring program and the single biggest expense is for liability insurance, which costs about $10,000 per year. The organization also pays a small stipend to the mentors to defray some of the expenses they incur while seeing the kids. The gala is the main fundraiser for the mentoring program and Paddock is hoping for a good turnout.

“We had close to a hundred people last year and we’d like to have at least that many this year. Hopefully even more.”

Aside fromk Randles, other artists who will decorate Christmas trees for this year’s gala are Lisa Haley, Joann Orr, Debi Rennick, Laura Mason, Dennis Kovar, Kathy Poston, Pam Mascal, Kenna Reynolds, Nancy Wagner and Wabash Valley Flower Shop.

“It’s a great night out and the food is fabulous,” Randles said. “People should come out and view all the beautiful trees that are up for auction. It’ll put them in the Christmas spirit.”

IF YOU GO

Fountain County Mentoring Inc., will hold its fourth annual Holiday Gala at the Beef House at 6 p.m. EST Dec. 5. For more information and to receive an invitation to the event, call Julee Paddock at (765) 230-1728. Reservations are due Tuesday.