If your kid one of Wayne County's cutest?
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on June 26, 2012 1:46 PM
Think your little one is the poster child for all things adorable?
Then enter the Cute Kids of Wayne County calendar contest, currently being sponsored by Partnership for Children of Wayne County.
The effort is part of a fundraiser for the non-profit agency, which serves children ages birth to 5 and their families, said Whitney Jansta, community services coordinator.
"We are really trying to do as much of our fundraising as we possibly can and continue to get the message about our programs out into the community," she said. "We thought this would be a project that's applicable for our age group."
With the economic decline and funding sources being so precarious, it seemed like a good idea to come up with ways to generate additional support, she said.
"We are grant-funded by the United Way, and we do receive some state funds, but we are doing everything we can to be as self-sustaining as we can to continue to provide the programs and services that we do," she said.
The calendar concept was used successfully in another county, prompting the decision to try the fundraiser in Wayne County, Mrs. Jansta said.
Funds raised will stay in the area, to provide services in early care, education and family support, she added.
To participate, submit a photo of a child between the ages of birth and 5 years old who resides in Wayne County.
Entry is free and all photos submitted will be featured in the calendar, Mrs. Jansta said.
Then it's just a matter of voting online for the winners. To submit a picture, vote or read a complete listing of contest rules, visit www.pfcw.org/cutekids. There is no limit to the number of times someone can vote, at $1 each vote, but a five-vote minimum is requested.
"We suggested a five-vote minimum because we pay a transaction fee through the website, to offset the costs, but you certainly don't have to (vote five times)," Mrs. Jansta said.
As of Wednesday, they have received 40 contestants, she added. Deadline for entries is July 31.
Winners will be announced Aug. 1 at www.pfcw.org/cutekids and facebook/PFC Wayne.
The 12 top vote-getters win a photo shoot with Brenna Wolfe Photography and each of those children's photos will be featured in the upcoming calendar.
Business sponsorships in the publication are being sold and parents can purchase a small $25 ad to include next to their child's photo.
The 2013 Cute Kids of Wayne County calendar is expected to be ready by mid-fall. Pre-orders are currently being taken on the Partnership website and once published, will be sold at the Partnership office and other locations around town.