Our story

Can one person make a difference? The story of how Hood County Children’s Charity Fund came to be offers a resounding “Yes!”

On a cold, wintry morning in 1984, a Granbury mother noticed several  children walking from the school bus to begin class, not in warm coats  and scarves, but dressed as though it were a warm, sunny day. After she  delivered her child to Emma Robertson Elementary School, Paula Evans  drove to her job as secretary at the local Coldwell-Banker real estate  office. 

Deeply bothered by the idea of coatless children wearing  sandals, she spoke to others in the office, including Carol Grossnickle  and Donna Parker. Together, they phoned friends in other offices and in  the community. Joined by others in the office, they began a funding  campaign that raised $1,000 in just 24 hours! Working with the school  nurse, Martha Garner, they soon provided coats for the students in need.

This story does not stop here. Dedicated people in the real estate  community, once made aware of the critical situation of many Granbury  students, continued to raise funds for various unmet needs, including  medical and dental emergencies, urgent utility bills, as well as  Christmas gifts. Because there was no children’s charity, local United  Way or Mission Granbury at the time, this group saw a huge need and  began trying to fill it.

A few months later, the growing number of people involved realized  they needed to have a larger fundraiser and involve more people in the  community. Thus, in the spring of 1985, the first Hood County Children’s  Charity Fund Duffer’s Delight Golf Tournament was born. Held  for the first few years at the public golf course, the annual tournament  moved to De Cordova Bend Golf Course where it continues today.  Celebrating its 34th year in May 2019, it remains a fun-packed  experience for golfers and duffers alike, and also the primary  fundraising activity of the charity.

Over the years, HCCCF has developed more effective methods of meeting  children’s needs. It partners with Mission Granbury to identify  families in need, and holds a four-day Back-to-School Clothing event  where families shop for new school clothing for their children. Another  partner agency, Salvation Army Women’s Service League, provides free  shoes, socks, and underwear for students. These items, along with coats,  are maintained in the HCCCF Coat Closet during the school year for  students in the Granbury, Tolar, and Lipan school districts.

Perhaps one of the most important additions to the HCCCF endeavors is  that of the scholarship program. Scholarships are awarded to students  from Granbury, Tolar, and Lipan Independent School Districts. These  scholarships are awarded for trade schools. To enable a young person in  his/her ability to better prepare for the future is indeed an enrichment  of the entire community.

See what one person can do?