CULLMAN, Ala. – Hot Rods and Harleys in Dodge City holds an annual car show each fall to raise money for Brooks’ Place in Cullman. This year’s event was scheduled for Oct. 10, but due to inclement weather, it had to be canceled. But a selfless act took place.
Brooks’ Place Board President Carrie Bentley said they have immense gratitude for Scotty and Karen Hooper, Laura Frezza and everyone at Hot Rods and Harleys Museum for their continued commitment to Brooks’ Place.
“As part of this year’s fundraiser, 300 tickets were sold for a chance to win a beautiful, bright red 1947 Ford Deluxe convertible,” Bentley said. “The winning ticket was originally scheduled to be drawn during the museum’s annual car show, but Hurricane Isaias unfortunately forced the cancellation of the event. Despite the change in plans, Sheriff Matt Gentry graciously came out to draw the winning ticket. Mr. Chuck Bothe of Valrico, Florida, was the lucky winner of the beautiful 1947 Ford convertible. After learning more about the important work Brooks’ Place does for children in Cullman County, Mr. Bothe made the incredibly generous decision to donate the car back to the organization in memory of his longtime friend, Gentleman Jim Stidham of Eva. A successful businessman and Vietnam veteran, Mr. Bothe has turned an exciting win into an even greater gift for our community. We are deeply grateful for his kindness, generosity and heartfelt tribute to his friend.”
The car show is an annual tradition and is expected to return next fall, with proceeds benefiting Brooks’ Place.
“We look forward to another wonderful event and are thankful for the continued support of everyone who helps make it possible,” Bentley said. “Their compassion for the children in our community is evident in everything they do, and we are truly thankful for their generosity and support.”
Bentley said Scotty Hooper’s involvement with Brooks’ Place began when he purchased a car at an auction in Texas that benefited a local Child Advocacy Center (CAC).
“Inspired by the experience, he wanted to find a similar organization closer to home where he could make a difference,” Bentley said. “After researching local Child Advocacy Centers, he discovered Brooks’ Place and reached out to see how he could help. What started as a single car purchase has since grown into a meaningful partnership dedicated to supporting children in our community.”
Brooks’ Place Executive Director Gail Swafford said the nonprofit was founded in 1997 and brought the Child Advocacy Center model to the community, creating a multidisciplinary response to reports of child abuse.
“By uniting the agencies involved in these cases, Brooks’ Place works to seek justice while prioritizing the well-being of child victims and their non-offending families,” Swafford said. “We are the only agency in Cullman County that supports child victims from the time they disclose abuse through the legal disposition of their cases, and all services are provided at no charge. A child comes to Brooks’ Place at a time of uncertainty, confusion and pain. They’ve experienced things that no child should ever have to experience or understand. Brooks’ Place provides a safe, child-friendly environment for Cullman County children who have experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse or other forms of victimization. Our office is designed so that a child can tell what happened to them in an environment where they feel safe and heard. In partnership with the District Attorney’s Office, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, Cullman City Police Department, Cullman County Department of Human Resources, Cullman County Juvenile Probation and Crisis Services, we use a coordinated team approach to support children and families from crisis through healing.”
Swafford said children are referred to them by DHR or law enforcement after an allegation of abuse has been made.
“The child is brought to Brooks’ Place to talk about what happened to them,” Swafford said. “When they arrive, the child talks to a forensic interviewer who is specially trained to ask questions in a non-leading way. This prevents the child from being revictimized by repeatedly having to talk about their experience to different people. Afterwards, the child is referred for mental health counseling. Our clinicians are specially trained to provide trauma-focused counseling to child victims and their non-offending caregivers. All children are offered a medical exam on-site to ensure they are healthy and have no unmet medical needs. In addition, our family advocate assists families with finding resources for food, housing and other basic needs.”
Brooks’ Place is a nonprofit agency and its funding consists of fundraisers, grants and individual and corporate donations, Swafford shared.
“Since grant funding has been consistently and significantly reduced over the past several years, we rely on the community even more to help make up the shortfall,” Swafford said. “No donation is too small. We accept monetary contributions, and donations such as paper products, snacks, cleaning supplies, play dough, crayons, etc. Because we are a nonprofit agency, all donations are tax deductible. Our most pressing need is for those in the community to be vigilant about child safety. If you suspect abuse, please call DHR or law enforcement to report your concern. You must only suspect abuse to report it. Remember: If you see something, say something.”
Bentley said they are incredibly grateful to Bothe for his generous decision to donate the car back to Brooks’ Place, giving them yet another opportunity to raise funds for the children they serve.
“We are currently exploring creative ways to make the most of this remarkable gift and maximize its impact,” Bentley said. “While plans have not yet been finalized, we look forward to sharing what’s next on the Brooks’ Place and Hot Rods and Harleys Museum Facebook pages.”
Hot Rods and Harleys is located at 6070 County Road 490, Hanceville, AL 35077.
Learn more about Brooks’ Place at www.cullmancac.com.
