The big top beckons guests for the "Dream Big" Charity Gala on Saturday evening at the Fayetteville Town Center. The ninth annual benefit for the Children's Safety Center will feature live performances from dance troupe Orenda Cirque and area band Boom Kinetic.
Guests will have the opportunity to try tastes from around town from area food vendors to include Big Sexy Food, Catering Unlimited, Cherokee Casino, Crabby's Seafood Bar & Grill, Damgoode Pies, Grubs Bar & Grill and KFB Events. The specialty cocktail menu will feature Fire Breather's Punch and The Bearded Lady.
Dream Big Gala
What: Orenda Cirque, Boom Kinetic, live and silent auctions, wine and cigar pulls, 50/50 raffle
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Fayetteville Town Center
Tickets: $65
Attire: Black, red and white summer cocktail
Information: (479) 872-6183 or childrenssafetycent…
The evening also will consist of cigar and wine pulls, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, "Restoring Dreams" pledge drive, live auction and the Pediatric Dental Associates and Orthodontics lounge.
The Children's Safety Center coordinates investigation, prosecution and treatment services in child abuse cases with law enforcement, child protective services, victim service providers, prosecutors, medical personnel, mental health professionals and volunteers. The coordination of services reduces the number of times a child must discuss the abuse, as well as medical examinations.
According to the nonprofit organization's website, in 2015, the center provided services for 546 children. Services include forensic interviews, forensic medical interviews, on-site therapy and referrals for advocacy. Center officials estimate the cost for services, which are provided free of charge, averages more than $1,600 per child.
-- CARIN SCHOPPMEYER
NAN Our Town on 07/21/2016