The Child Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes (CACFL) successfully hosted its “Shine Bright for Children Gala” on December 8 at Ventosa Vineyards, marking the organization’s first in-person gala since the pandemic.
The event raised over $40,000 to aid child abuse survivors in the community. The gala featured a keynote address titled “Pulling Back the Curtain” by Valerie Dimino, co-author of “The Man Behind the Curtain,” a book about overcoming sexual abuse.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Awards, recognizing individuals from Ontario, Seneca, and Yates counties for their dedication to supporting child abuse survivors.
The Community MDT Award was presented to Aaliyah Beverly, a former youth advocate, for her exceptional advocacy, while Investigator Christopher Denny from the Seneca Falls Police Department received the Annual MDT Award for his efforts to improve children’s lives. Additionally, State Senator Pamela Helming presented the CACFL with the prestigious NYS Empire Award for their outstanding support of child abuse survivors.
The event, sponsored by organizations including the Glover-Crask Charitable Trust and Wegmans, showcased the community’s commitment to combating child abuse.
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