Local family marks 28 years of giving

Saturday, December 8, 2007
Chuck Schroeder, executive director of Putnam County Comprehensive Services, (right) gathered with Gail and Gary Steele and roughly 250 other guests to mark what Schroeder called, "the social event of the year," for the Comprehensive Services clients and staff. The Glen Scaggs Memorial Foundation Fund has sponsored the event for 28 years running.

Roughly 250 people converged on the Putnam County Fairgrounds to celebrate the 28th annual Putnam County Comprehensive Services Holliday Dinner on Friday evening.

The event is sponsored by the Glen Scaggs Memorial Foundation Fund, whose namesake began sponsoring the dinner in 1979.

Putnam County Comprehensive Services assists nearly 300 physically or mentally disabled clients throughout the county. The organization provides residential care, independent living units, respite care, job training and placement in the community.

Roberta Scaggs, a driving force behind the annual tradition, says that having a child with special needs inspired the family's support of Putnam County Comprehensive Services.

"This is supposed to be their night," Scaggs said. "We try to do something special."

The event has become a family project, involving three generations of the Scaggs family. As each year passes more events are added.

This year, the youngest of the Scaggs family volunteers entertained the crowd with a rendition of "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, " followed by a special appearance by Alvin and the Chipmunks and Santa.

"This is the social event of the year," said Chuck Schroeder, executive director of Putnam County Comprehensive Services. "We all look forward to it all year long."

In fact, the event's attendance has more than doubled in recent years and the cost of throwing the much-anticipated party has risen with it. This year's food, rent and decorations came with nearly a $1,000 price tag.

"We have had several donations," said Roberta Scaggs, "But we struggle to do it on our own."

Donations for next year's event can be made through the Putnam County Community Foundation and identified for the Glen Scaggs Memorial Foundation Fund.

All donations over $25 will be published in the Banner Graphic.

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