Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/279565
MARCH 19-25, 2014 UCW 13 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM JANICE BURTON, Associate Publisher, Up & Coming Weekly. COMMENTS? bbowman@upandcomingweekly.com. For the past couple of months, more than 150 local girls have been preparing to participate in a fashion show that is so much more than just pretty clothes. The girls in question are the models for the 7th Annual American Girl Fashion Show, which benefits the Child Advocacy Center. The show, held in the Crown Center Ballroom on Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23, supports the Child Advocacy Center. Last year, the show, which showcases historical and contemporary fashions for girls and their dolls, raised more than $60,000 for the CAC. The show, which revolves around the highly popular American Girl dolls, features fashions for girls and their dolls, complemented by "lively commentary, music and decorations." Contemporary clothing from the My American Girl Apparel will also be on display during the fashion show. Attendees will partake in "elegant refreshments, party favors, raffles and door prizes." Last year, all four shows on the schedule sold out, and organizers expect the same kind of reception this year. Support for the show has grown over the past six years, which is evident by the return of the volunteer chairpersons, Julia Adkins, Cindy Williams and Carol Jones, who have headed up the campaign since its inception. "This show is our largest fundraiser for the CAC. Funds raised from this show are critical to our ability to provide services to child victims of abuse in our community," said Roberta Humphries, the executive director of the CAC. "Having three experienced and highly committed chairpersons like Julia Adkins, Cindy Williams and Carol Jones is critical to the success of this event every year. It would be extremely difficult to have such a successful and well-organized show each year without their expertise." Williams explained her commitment to the event and the organization. "It is important for me to continue my involvement with this event because I believe wholeheartedly in the CAC's purpose, vision and mission," she said. "They have such an enormous impact on our community serving the most vulnerable of victims, while striving for a safer and nurturing community free from abuse." While the nature of the CAC's work is somber, organizers look forward to the joy in the girls' faces who participate in the fashion show and in the faces of the girls who attend. "My favorite memory of the event is seeing the excitement on the children's faces as they go out on stage having a wonderful time and knowing that they have helped other children in our community," explained Humphries. "It is an opportunity for children to learn that they can have fun while helping others." Williams echoed that sentiment. "My favorite memory of the event is seeing models return year after year excited not only to model again but that they're making such a difference within their own community" said Williams. "The greatest beauty of this event is it creates a tradition and heart of giving back to others at such a young age that will stay with these girls throughout their lifetimes." Williams' work with the CAC was an offshoot of her involvement with the Junior League of Fayetteville. "I'd say to anyone interested in volunteering with the CAC that it will be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have," she said. "You truly walk away feeling you've made a difference and had an impact." Humphries added that there are many ways to volunteer with the agency. "There are many opportunities for people to volunteer with the Child Advocacy Center from assisting with special events such as the American Girl Fashion Show to working in the office and providing clerical support," she explained, adding that the next volunteer information session is on Wednesday, May 7 from 1-2 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering with the CAC should contact Faith Boehmer, the volunteer coordinator at the CAC. Register for the event by emailing programs@ childadvocacycenter.com or by calling 910-486-9700. If you want to attend the fashion show, you shouldn't delay buying your tickets. As of March 11, the CAC has sold all but 200 of the available tickets. "We anticipate another sell-out this year," said Williams. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster. com or in person at the Crown Center box office, 1960 Coliseum Drive in Fayetteville. VIP tickets with seating close to the stage are available. American Girl and Child Advocacy: Taking a Stand for Children by JANICE BURTON Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Highlights • Based on national best practice and research, the CAC was founded in 1993 by a group of concerned local professionals seeking to coordinate services provided to child abuse victims and their families. • The CAC provides a safe and child-friendly environment where professionals from 19 community agencies come together to interview, investigate and provide support for abused children and their families. • The CAC reduces the number of interviews for child victims of abuse by providing specially trained professionals to conduct forensic interviews in a centralized location. • The CAC secures local, specialized medical evaluations for child abuse victims by highly-trained medical personnel. Prior to the establishment of the CAC, victims had to travel to UNC-Chapel Hill or Duke for exams. • The CAC coordinates Multidisciplinary Team case reviews where professionals from multiple agencies come together to plan the best course of legal and supportive action for the child abuse victim. These agencies include law enforcement, medical care, mental health, military family services, social work, child protective services, the District Attorney's office, victim advocates, education and Guardian ad Litem. • National research has determined that this type of coordinated approach can help alleviate trauma for children, increase the prosecution rate of perpetrators, and be fiscally beneficial to the community. It is estimated that the CAC approach saves the community approximately $500,000 per year. • In fiscal year 2012-2013, the CAC served 465 children and their families. • The CAC also provides continuing education to professionals who serve child abuse victims and education for the public. The American Girl Fashion Show has raised more than $60,000 for the Child Advocacy Center.