Children’s Advocacy Center of East Central Missouri

7th Annual Sweetheart Dinner/Dance Huge Success!!

Community members were out in full force supporting the Children’s Advocacy Center of East Central Missouri on Saturday, February 28, 2009.  The CAC hosted their 7^th Annual Sweetheart Dinner/Dance at the KC Hall in Washington, Missouri.  Over 300 people were in attendance to enjoy a night of great food, dancing, and bidding on numerous auction items.  Items were donated by over 70 local businesses and civic organizations.  Special guest emcee, Dave Glover, from 97.1 FM Talk, entertained the crowd and “The Steve Leslie Band” provided great music. By the end of the evening the CAC raised more than $18,000, which will support direct services provided at the Center.

 

The Center depends on local fundraisers to ensure that budget requirements are met.  The CAC turned to the team members to request support.  The teams were enticed with the opportunity to win the “Golden Team Award” which was provided to the agency whose items brought in the most money from the silent auction.  The award went to Detective Larry Cook of Pacific Police Department for the third year in a row whose items and ticket sales brought in more than $3,700 in donations.  The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office received 2^nd Place in the Fundraising Challenge, bringing in over $3,200 in donations.  Detective Larry Cook also won the award for most ticket sales.  The additional teams who contributed to the donations were: Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Franklin County Children’s Division, Franklin County Juvenile Office, Washington Police Department, Sullivan Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Team Washington County.  We are so blessed to be able to work with such a wonderful group of team members. They go above and beyond not only in the work they do on a daily basis, but in the support they provide us with as well.

In addition to the above mentioned local support, the Knights of Columbus provided a wonderful venue and Jim’s Catering catered the event.  They both greatly supported the CAC’s efforts in putting together a successful event.   The community truly showed their support and belief in the Center’s mission on this night.

CACECM Opens New Satellite Office

After months of searching and preparation, the CACECM will begin providing services at the new satellite office!  The new office is located at 601 Maple in Farmington, MO and includes a waiting room, interview room, conference room, two staff offices, and plenty of storage room.  The CACECM staff has been busy the past several months gathering furniture and equipment for the center, painting, and preparing for the opening.  The project is possible due to a one-year Program Expansion Grant from National Children’s Alliance.

 

The expansion would not be possible without the assistance and support of many individuals.  The search committee, which included St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney Wendy Wexler-Horn, Farmington Detective Sergeant Tim Porter, and Tracy Wiecking of Comtrea, took time from their busy schedules to research possible sites, make contacts, and visit the sites.  Patsy Weddle from Professional Property Management worked with the committee to find a site that would best suit the needs of the Center.  The building owners are graciously donating a portion of the rent to help keep the cost down. The CACECM has also already received an overwhelming amount of community support for the project and the media, including The Daily Journal, KREI, and B104, who have been a huge assistance in helping get the word out about the needs of the project.  Donations from the Farmington Lion’s Club and Park Hills Elks have assisted in the purchasing of furniture for the Center.  Thank you to these individuals and organizations for the dedication and support!

 

The CACECM will be searching for additional funding for this project through grants and donations.  Financial donations are still needed to purchase items for the Center such as additional office furniture, supplies, and toys for the waiting room.  Financial donations will also be needed to continue to provide services once the grant period has ended.  Anyone interested in assisting with the project through a tax deductible donation can contact Connilee Boehne at 636-586-1806 or cboehne@comtrea.org.