JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (March 6, 2013) – Funding is tight for many non-profits throughout the state. The Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County is no different, making this year’s Diamond Dinner Auction fundraiser all the more important. The event is in its third year and helps the program provide funding for children who are victims of physical and sexual abuse in Chautauqua County.
The third annual Diamond Dinner Auction is scheduled for April 20 at the Chautauqua Golf Course in Chautauqua, NY. The event begins at 6:00 p.m.
In 2012, the Child Advocacy Program was able to successfully collect over $13,000 at the event. Through sponsorships, ticket sales and auction proceeds, the program was able to continue providing services for children at their Jamestown and Dunkirk locations. Another major part of the event is the Champion of Children Award.
“This year, CAP will be involving even more people in the fight against child abuse,” said Jana McDermott, Executive Director for the Child Advocacy Program. “We are accepting nominations from the community for our Champion of Children Award,” said McDermott. The Champion of Children Award honors an individual, group or organization that has gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect children and is an inspiration to others. District Attorney David Foley will be at the event to present the award.
The food for the event is provided by Andriaccio’s Restaurant and Catering of Chautauqua with wine sponsored by Liberty Winery and Vineyards of Sheridan, New York. The event features live and silent auctions with dozens of gift baskets, gift certificates and even some autographed sports memorabilia. The name of the event itself comes from the program’s raffle of a piece of donated diamond jewelry.
“This year, a dazzling three-stone diamond dinner ring was donated by Brown Surveying, PC,” said McDermott. “Every person that purchases a ticket gets a chance to enter to win this beautiful piece of jewelry. Attendees can also purchase additional tickets at the event to try to win. All proceeds go to benefit the tireless work we do all year long,” she said. Other sponsors for the event include Cummins JEP, Media One Group, Jamestown Pediatrics, Zonta Club of Jamestown, FSC Systems, Afloral.com, Lakeview Paving and Moore & Myott, LLP-CPA.
There were over 2,000 reports of child abuse in Chautauqua County in 2012. CAP offers a wide range of options for community members to fight back against the war on child abuse. Volunteering and being educated with the program’s Stewards of Children Seminar are some of the ways to support the cause.
“Our community is passionate about helping children,” said McDermott. “Whether you are an individual, family, civic organization or business, Chautauqua County unites for its children and people are always happy to contribute goods or services to our cause,” she said. Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the Diamond Dinner Auction or Child Advocacy Program services are encouraged to reach out to the program.
For more information on the Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County, nominate someone for the Champion of Children award or to purchase tickets to the Diamond Dinner Auction, visit www.capjustice.org or call 716-388-9844.
The Child Advocacy Program’s mission is to keep children safe from abuse, and when abuse occurs, to work with our community to bring healing, hope and justice to these children and families.
