Story & Photography by Woody Woodard

The Exchange Club and Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse held their Blue Suede event, appropriately at The Carl Perkins Civic Center. Carl Perkins had a heart for children, especially the mistreated ones. Carl decided to raise money through a concert. Coincidentally in 1979 The National Exchange Club adopted Child Abuse Prevention as a national program. Through this combined effort and national support a center was opened in 1981.

The Center is recognized nationally for its success and the strong support from 60 staff members, volunteers and the Jackson metropolitan area. This year the music featured the remaining two members of the band BlackHawk. A signed guitar was auctioned and purchased by David Martineau of SONOCO.