Leslie and Friends raised $982 for Stephanie's Cottage at the first Sit For Stephanie in 2002

"While child abuse is a very unpleasant topic, it's a real issue that we need to concentrate on in our community. Last year in South Carolina there were more cases of child abuse reported than in any other state in the union. This is happening in our community, and we need to create awareness so that we can protect our children." Leslie Ann Mazzara, April 27, 2002 Leslie got the idea of doing a sit-a-thon after reviewing court transcripts of the trial of one of Stephanie Carter's abusers. Stephanie was the four-year-old Anderson girl who died on October 17, 2000, after a year of torture at the hands of her father and stepmotherDuring the trial, on the floor in front of the jury box, Solicitor Druanne White taped out a diagram of the tiny half-bath where Stephanie was locked away for 80 to 90 percent of the last year of her life. As part of her closing argument to the jury, Ms. White sat quietly on the floor inside the box for one minute. This silent demonstration made such an impact on the jury that the defendant was found guilty of homicide by child abuse and sentenced to life in prison. Leslie knew that a similar demonstration would also impact anyone who viewed it, hence the idea for the sit-a-thon.  Click here to read the full Anderson Independent-Mail article on Stephanie Carter .

Sit for Stephanie 2006   Thanks to the many Miss South Carolina, Miss South Carolina Teen, Miss South Carolina USA/Teen USA contestants, the MAXW Professional Wrestlers and the many volunteers, we raised almost $5000 for Leslie's Cottage!  This year's events included the first annual Little Miss/Mr. Freedom Weekend Aloft, the first annual Rai$ing Race Family Edition, a Rock Paper Scissors Tournament, a dunking booth manned by the beauty contestants and professional wrestlers and face-painting by Michelle.  More pictures from the 4-day Memorial Day Weekend coming soon.

Sit for Stephanie 2005 was held in conjunction with Freedom Weekend Aloft over Memorial Day Weekend.  Many local beauty queens got involved to help us raise over $1335.  During the four-day event, we gave out lots of free popcorn and balloons and painted quite a few faces.  Most importantly, we raised awareness for our cause and that of Calvary Home for Children.

Sit for Stephanie 2004 was held at the Anderson County Farmer's Market and raised $1244 for Calvary Home for Children.  We also sold BBQ plates and were entertained by Sonlight Christian Karoake featuring Larry Bannister. We also held a "Puppy Pageant" as part of the fund-raiser.