Community members helped raise money while learning about the importance of Noah’s Hope Child Advocacy Center.
The non-profits 2nd annual gala was held over the weekend, featuring silent auction baskets, a live auction, and other donations. It also served as an awareness with April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“Think about the worst thing that’s ever happened to you. Start at the very beginning to the middle to the end. Don’t leave anything out. not one detail and tell that experience again and again and again. Now hope that somebody believes you.”
In 2024, 203 interviews were conducted by Noah’s Hope, and Executive Director Mandy Willett says 2025 shows no signs of slowing down.
“We completed 51 interviews the first quarter of the year. April added 10 more. We have 14 more. When you support Noah’s Hope, you’re not only supporting the children of Tuscarawas County you’re also supporting our multi-disciplinary team members providing direct services to the kiddos.”
Willett notes that interviewing a victim, child or adult, can take a toll which makes having a central location vital.
“Noah’s Hope CAC provides a safe space for children and families. we bring in individuals involved with the investigation along with support people, such as victims advocates, to the child. This limits the number of times a child is interviewed and decreases trauma.”
At the fundraiser, Willett was presented with the Voice for All Children Award.
“I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for my team because that truly is what makes the CAC works so well. So thank you and thank you to all the team members who everyday are there fighting the battles with me.”
A quick donation blitz raised more than $23,000 and the live auction alone grossed over $13,000. A final tally shows over $115,500 being raised.
Willett says the money is going toward paying off the Center’s mortgage, victim advocate and interviewer contracts, and trainings.
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