By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Rotary Club of Chilton County presented a $500 donation to Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center during its meeting on Jan. 24.

Treasurer Gordon Swenson said the donation was a portion of the proceeds from the club’s inaugural Taste of Chilton fundraiser.

He said Butterfly Bridge was selected as a recipient because of all the good they do for children.

Executive Director Jana Zuelzke said the donation will go toward holding this year’s Flutter fundraiser.

The fundraiser serves as a time for people to learn more about the organization by talking to staff while enjoying food prepared by the Jemison High School Culinary students.

It raises funds for the organization through ticket sales, a silent auction and a live auction. The auctions feature a variety of items, so there is something for everyone.

The theme for this year is Boots and Butterflies. Flutter will be held on Feb. 1 at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

During the Rotary meeting, Zuelzke and Brittani Ellison shared more information about the organization.

The center serves children who have been victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse and those who have witnessed a violent crime. Services include forensic interviews, counseling, family advocacy and other family support services as a case moves through the legal system.

“When the Department of Human Resources or law enforcement get that initial report of child abuse (and) there are some allegations that have been made, our Alabama law enforcement agencies have to be reported to,” Zuelzke said.

Whichever agency received the first report will notify with the other agency to ensure everyone is on the same page.

During a forensic interview, law enforcement officers are watching from another room in order to limit the number of times a child has to tell what happened.

Children receiving counseling services usually come in once a week.

Butterfly Bridge offers all services free of charge.

Zuelzke said the center provides a more comfortable environment than a police station for a child to tell someone what happened.