Noah’s Hope Raises Funds during Inaugural Gala

Mary Alice Reporting –

Noah’s Hope Child Advocacy Center hosted the “We Battle for Kids” gala over the weekend and raised over $30,000.

During the event, a video was shown about the center, its story on becoming Noah’s Hope, and the continuing mission of providing specialized and comprehensive support to abused children and their families, and working with law enforcement for forensic interviews.

Last year, 179 children were served and numbers for the first quarter of 2024 has risen dramatically compared to the previous year said Executive Director Mandy Willett.

“We have served 50 the first quarter of 2024. We had ten the first week of April, so we’ve already served sixty kids that were all sexual abuse victims. It’s shocking, it’s overwhelming, and it’s sad.”

The non-profit runs on grants and donations. Willett noted that their main state funding source has been cut by $20 million which will impact the local organization in 2025.

Also at the event, Tuscarawas Job and Family Services Children Services Protective Unit Supervisor Nichole John presented two Voice of All Children awards.

The first went to Sylvia Argento.

“What a humble experience this is, and thankful to be recognized for something like this that, you know, I think we all should be doing. I would rather be recognized a hundred times over for being an advocate for a child than anything else.”

The second award went to Beverly Pearch, the President/CEO of Big Brother’s Big Sisters.

“Thank you very, very much. This is very humbling to receive an award like this. I truly believe that every child needs a role model and it’s my mission to try to make sure we provide good role models to the kids in our community.”

The silent basket auction raised an unknown amount but during the live auction, the eight items raised just over $14,000. Donations were also given in increments totaling $18,000.

Money will go toward continued operations and the Center’s need for a new roof and furnace. More details on services and mission can be found at www.noahshopecac.org.