Hometown Brandon - Winter 2015

Teamed
for Success
Taylor Sims
When the Crossgates Exchange
Club sponsors an event, one
can be certain that the end result
will be changed lives. The active members
who meet the 1st & 3rd Thursday of each
month are always pursuing projects and
plans to help with their list of sponsorships.
For every project they sponsor, their focus is
to support child abuse prevention centers
and promote American patriotism.
One such event was the “Healing Flag
Field” in 2004. It was the largest in the U.S.,
showcasing a total of 4,000 flags. This special
tribute honored victims of the September
11th terrorist attack and Enduring Freedom
by dedicating a flag to every solider lost.
Other sponsorships close to the hearts of
the Crossgates Exchange Club are Baptist
Children’s Home in Star, Miss., the Military
Ball, B-Club, and the Brandon Barbeque
Challenge. The Club also grants $1,000
scholarships to two Brandon High School
students who will continue education in a
vocational field and funds several mission
trips for First Baptist Church of Brandon
students who work the “Dark Zone”.
The “Dark Zone”, which lasts for three
weekends of October, is the Club’s most
beloved project. The haunted house had over
7,200 in attendance last year. People from
all over the United States have visited and
deemed it the best haunted house they have
ever experienced–and this year’s event was
another huge success! Mrs. Barbara Evans
and Mr. Pat Pipitone of the organization
take pride in the preparation that goes into
this major event. Two members attended a
haunted house exposition for the newest
spooky ideas.
Miller’s Pizza and The Back Porch catered
delicious pizza and seafood while attendees
were escorted to the haunted house in a
hearse or trailer hayride. Upon arrival, the
frightened spectators were introduced to
the “spooks” designed by Pipitone and
assembled by the students of FBC Brandon,
the Mayor’s Youth Council and the Boy
Scouts. This year’s proceeds will go to child
abuse prevention centers in Vicksburg,
Oxford and Gulfport. More details about
this special October project can be found on
the website www.thedarkzone.net.
The Club’s compassion continues through
December by aiding needy families in the
community. If you are passionate about
giving back to the community, the Exchange
Club is currently seeking new members.
Please contact Mrs. Louise Pipitone at
601.825.7775 for information. Join this team
that reflects a yearly winning record.
Hometown Brandon • 25