Second Annual CitySquare ‘Swing For Success’

A family-friendly evening is set for ‘The Range at the Ridge’ at Pine Ridge Golf Course Saturday, June 3, to benefit CitySquare Paris. The evening will feature Burgerland burgers, fries, and snow cones from Tropical Sno. The fun kicks off at 6:00 pm. Golfers will virtually play TopTracer Kiawah Island Golf Resort Course, Charleston, South Carolina. A live auction with several fantastic prizes will occur between the first and second flights. A bounce house and DJ Wyatt Bowden will keep the party going for all ages.

‘Swing for Success (SFS) is the annual event hosted by CitySquare, Paris’ only day shelter for the homeless and those living and working in poverty, located at 2515 Bonham Street. All services are free of charge and include showers, access to washers and dryers, clothes closets for all ages and sizes, two hot meals-breakfast and lunch, and case management to improve the quality of life for those served to connect with the resources or services needed. In addition, CitySquare’s Teen Center year-round provides 13–18-year-olds an afternoon snack and evening meal; when necessary, they offer a to-go meal for those with food insecurities.

SFS is chaired this year by Maggie Kerby. The evening meal, snow cone, and excellent time costs are $30 for adults and $15 for children, and you can buy tickets at Check-In at Pine Ridge. “We are so grateful for each sponsor, team, and individual participating in this fun time for families in our community while benefitting the important work at CitySquare,” said Mrs. Kerby. In 2022, CitySquare served 2,026 neighbors representing 909 families. In that time, they took 1,382 showers, did 733 loads of laundry, served 8,717 hot meals, distributed 16,137 clothing items, and made 430 referrals to local social and service agencies in our area. Kerby noted through April 2023. Statistics indicate CitySquare is on track to serve more individuals this year than in 2022.

Among the items up for auction will be a week rental in Grayton Beach, FL, at a beachside three-bedroom/two-bath cottage with a pool and beach access, donated by the Bray Family, a tree house adventure presented by Dr. and Mrs. Don Wikoff, dinner for eight served by Chef Michael Perry, Walking Tacos catered for 40 donated by Lisa Walker and Shayne Roberts, a family photo session shoot by Cludia Farr Photography, and a Chloe Leather Handbag presented by Lydia Fitzgerald, Coldwell Banker. In addition, several other items will be up for auction, including an array of ‘Shop Local’ gifts.

CitySquare Paris has as its mission “to fight the causes and effects of poverty through service, advocacy, and friendship.” Anyone wishing to donate to CitySquare may send a gift to CitySquare Paris, PO Box 6431, Paris, TX 75461-6431. All donations are tax-deductible. Currently, CitySquare is accepting clean men’s clothing. For additional information or to learn how to volunteer, call 903-706-2990 to speak to Laura Gonzalez, Program Director.