Children across the Mid-South are still saying “Aargh!” and counting their loot after being treated to some swashbuckling fun at the COMEC Treasure Hunt. The non-profit organization’s 2nd annual family-friendly fundraiser drew hundreds of people, many decked out in pirate attire to the Pink Palace Museum on Sunday, June 8.

Fox 13’s Darcy Thomas and Shawn Sandy, Board President of the Commission on Missing and Exploited Children or COMEC emceed the event that raised more than $10,000.

The stage on the “Captain’s Deck” was filled with little buccaneers enjoying entertainment provided by Kindermusik with Ms. Annette and Friends, Voices of the South and Ballet on Wheels.

There were photo opportunities with Shelby County firefighter Brent Perkins, McGruff the Crime Dog and look-alikes Explorer Girl and Explorer Boy from In Character Productions.

Despite the heat, families ventured outside to take part in the “Kids Fun Fair” on the lawn of the Pink Palace mansion. It featured a Rural/Metro Ambulance, fire engine from the Memphis Fire Department, moon bounce, Chinese calligraphy, old fashioned games, coloring station, face painting and a “walk the plank” activity.

Adults cooled off inside by shopping in the “Pirates Marketplace,” where 25 local family-friendly businesses displayed their products and shared information about their services. There was even a silent auction for adults and kids.

The main attraction was the treasure hunt which had kids searching for clues throughout the museum. Miss Collierville Outstanding Teen 2008 Kristel Quon presented the winners in three age categories with award certificates and pirate themed prizes.

“While the kids were searching for buried treasure, we wanted to remind the community about our greatest treasure---our children.” says Shawn Sandy, COMEC board president. “COMEC is the only non-profit missing children’s organization in Tennessee. We administer the region’s AMBER Alert, help find missing children, provide parents with important information on protecting their children from Internet predators and offer drug testing programs.”

Treasure hunters didn’t leave empty handed. They had grub, kiddie spirits and a bag of loot to take home with them.

“We feel like we’re the winners here,” says Selena Silvestro, COMEC board member and event co-chair. “We have the best volunteers, donors and supporters. Because of them, we more than doubled what we raised last year.”

The Treasure Hunt was sponsored by Verizon Wireless, Memphis Auto Auction/United Auto Recovery, Brandie DeLisi Photography, Sam’s Club, Creative Memories by Claire Slade Brophy, In Character Productions, Brunner Printing and Divine Magazine.