Submitted by Children's Playhouse

Do you know this person? A person who always has time for kids — be it to read a story, listen to a riddle or just offer a high-five? Do you know someone who greets stressed parents and caregivers with listening ears, warm hugs and practical help? Do you know a person with vision who has made changes right here in the High Country to improve the lives of families?

From left, Robin Hunt helps Ivan Tzotschew make cookies.

The Children’s Playhouse is searching for a resident of the High Country whose greatest joy comes from helping kids and families, the first-ever winner of the Great Friend to Families Award.

This award will recognize sustained contributions by an individual to the well-being of young children and their families in the High Country area. The award winner will be presented with a piece of local art by glassblower Glen Randle and $500 to donate to the High Country charity of their choice.

Nomination forms are available online at www.goPlayhouse.org. Members of the community and nonprofits are encouraged to nominate their “favorite friend.” Forms can also be requested by calling The Children’s Playhouse at (828) 263-0011.

The winner will be chosen by a distinguished committee of local leaders: Town Council member and local businesswoman Liz Aycock ; Boone Area Chamber of Commerce president Dan Meyer; and Margaret Moore, retired teacher and wife of ASU football coach Jerry Moore.

The deadline for nominations is Jan. 23.

Playhouse president Megan Ellis said that the definition of a “Great Friend to Families” is intentionally broad. The winner might be a teacher, doctor, nurse, coach, social worker, philanthropist or volunteer. It might be a person who has raised thousands of dollars for High Country charities or someone who has created new programs to meet the needs of local families.

“We are looking for someone who has made significant efforts to make our community a better place for children and families,” said Kathy Parham, the executive director of The Children’s Playhouse.

The award will be presented at a luncheon on Feb. 27, which will also feature a speech by Sheri Lynch of Charlotte’s the LINK radio network. Lynch is the author of two humorous books on her parenting experiences. All nominees will be recognized at the event.

The luncheon will also raise funds to support family resource services at The Children’s Playhouse, enabling the children’s museum to provide scholarship memberships to low-income families, to offer free parenting classes for community members and to build its free lending library of parenting books and developmental toys.

“This award is very consistent with the mission of The Children’s Playhouse, which is to provide children with an enriching, educational play environment while at the same time offering their parents and caregivers friendly support in the important job of raising children,” Parham said. “It is our effort to reach out to the community and to honor significant efforts that share our values.”

Sponsors for the award are still being sought. Individuals and local businesses are invited to be a part of the tribute. For more information, contact Parham at kathy@goPlayhouse.org. Tickets to the luncheon will go on sale in January.

A nonprofit children’s museum founded in 2002, The Children’s Playhouse provides a play environment for children from birth to age 8 that at the same time offers parents and caregivers friendly support in the job of raising children.

Located at 400 Tracy Circle near downtown Boone, The Children’s Playhouse boasts a number of play areas, including an art room, dress up area, puppet theater, loft, pretend kitchen, block play area, train table, indoor romp and stomp and music classroom — all tucked into an intimate, child-friendly space.

An independent 501c.3 nonprofit, The Playhouse averages more than 7,500 visitors per year. In a recent survey of attendees, more than 90 percent of parents said that The Playhouse helps them be a more effective parent and that activities at The Children’s Playhouse support their child’s social, physical and cognitive development.

Admission to The Children’s Playhouse is $5 per person. A one-year Playhouse Passport Membership for $125 includes unlimited family admission to The Playhouse and more than 150 children’s museums nationwide.

Scholarship memberships are available for families who meet income guidelines. The Children’s Playhouse is supported in part by Watauga County, the town of Boone, and the High Country United Way. For more information, call (828) 263-0011 or visit the Web site, www.goplayhouse.org.