Child Advocates of Fort Bend is busy with final preparations for the agency’s Through the Looking Glass Gala on May 7th at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. “The staff and volunteer committee have put together another lively and elegant evening for guests this year,” stated CAFB Events Specialist and event organizer, Tarina Sheridan. “When we open the doors on Saturday evening, guests will step through the rabbit hole and into the amazing wonderland forest for the most fantastic tea party ever! Auction offerings include a getaway to a private Tuscan villa, 3 nights for 20 guests in an opulent home on Lake Travis, several elegant dinners including Steak48 and Alings, Audi cars, home accessories, women’s jewelry, sports memorabilia, items for the kids and furs from Woody’s Furs. In addition, we have red and white wine pulls, a gift card pull, photo booth fun and late-night dancing. You will want to be there to experience this firsthand, but if you can’t join you can still participate. Just text CAFB22 to 76278 to register and bid on all the incredible auction items! In addition, for $100, you can take your chance with a raffle ticket to win your choice of either a $1,000 gift card or an exquisite pair of diamond hoop earrings. The silent auction is open now! Winning items may be picked up at the CAFB office in Rosenberg.
The Exchange Club of Sugar Land and OCuSOFT, Inc. are the Queen of Hearts Presenting Sponsors. Shown in their Through the Looking Glass attire are OCuSOFT CEO Cynthia Barratt (seated at far right) and team members. Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School will delight guests with an incredible performance by 31 of their talented dancers. Attire is elegant with black tie and themed attire optional. Sponsorships range from $2,000 to $15,000. Individual seats are still available for $150 each. New this year is a Friend Bundle with 2 individual tickets, 2 drink tickets and valet parking for one vehicle for $500. To attend the Gala, become a sponsor or for more information, go to https://www.cafb.org/events/gala/sponsorship-opportunities/ or contact Tarina Sheridan at 281-344-5109 or tsheridan@cafb.org.
“Last year, we served 4230 children and families who were victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect, the largest number since we opened our doors 31 years ago and a 300% increase in the past 9 years. The incidence of abuse has increased as well as the severity. It is critical that we respond immediately and comprehensively with trauma-based services for children and trauma-training for our volunteers so they can best serve these children. Prevention and early intervention will be at the forefront of our work so that no child need suffer the horrific impact of abuse or neglect,” said Ruthanne Mefford, CEO. To date, Child Advocates of Fort Bend has served more than 20,500 children. “The Gala is critical to funding our programs and services for the children and your support has never been more critical than it is today,” said Mefford.