Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp, who sponsored the benefit concert at the American Legion, where Steve Owens and Summertime of Roanoke Rapids and Soul Play from Durham played, was at the Boys and Club today, along with Doug Polk, a Woodmen regional director, and Phil Hux, a Woodmen agent.

“Our children are our future,” Tripp said before the presentation to Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Kim Taresco. “It's part of my way to give back.”

Tripp will be doing smaller donation projects for different organizations which help children, he said, and the October benefit will be a mainstay. “I'm trying to put a friendly face on law enforcement and hopefully to build a better rapport with the people we serve.”

Tripp said he believes in the mission of the Boys and Girls Club. “It's an organization which teaches and influences our youth.”

The next smaller fundraiser will be for the Lincoln Heights Community Center.

Florine Bell, the director of the center, sits on the sheriff's advisory board brings advice to the table. “I've known Ms. Bell and her ministry for years.”

Taresco said the money donated all goes to the children who come to the Boys and Girls Club. “It's all for activities for the kids.”

Hux said he became familiar with the Boys and Girls Club through his wife when she was teaching at Belmont. “I really saw what the organization did.”

Through his wife, Hux said he learned the organization was a place where children could get help with homework. “The main thing is it keeps them off the street. I'm proud of what the Boys and Girls Club does within the county. My wife was instrumental in bringing this to light.”