by Bryon Saxton
Five-year-old Chloe Bennett, wearing a bright dress and brighter smile, beamed as she sat in her wheelchair at the Davis County Commission meeting. She waited for her doting father, Oby Bennett, who stood at her side, to be presented with a check.
"Chloe, we got your back," Davis County Commissioner Louenda Downs said, as Syracuse city leaders and county officials on Tuesday huddled around the Bennett family to make the check-passing official. The check, for $42,046.20, is to be used to help develop Chloe's Sunshine Park at 1979 S. 1900 West, Syracuse. The 5-acre park is to be specifically designed for disabled children and enjoyed by children of all abilities. The check presented to the Bennetts represents the proceeds from the Davis County Gala and silent auction held Sept. 6 at Davis Conference Center. Oby Bennett said he is grateful for all the work Syracuse city officials and the county have done in moving the park project forward. The check awarded on Tuesday puts officials "one step closer to having the park done," Bennett said. About four years ago, Tara Bennett, Chloe's mother, approached Syracuse leaders requesting that they consider building a park where disabled children can play. "It's been a long process, but it is starting to come about," said Bonnie Mann, Chloe's grandmother. Each year, county officials select a charity to receive the proceeds from its annual Davis County Gala and silent auction event. This year, attendees at the gala enjoyed entertainment by the African Children's Choir as part of a program emceed by singer Alex Boye.
They were also treated to intense jungle-theme decorations and a meal. Prior to the event, the county had indicated it was hoping to raise from the gala about $35,000 for the park.
