Fundraiser provides opportunity to celebrate children and families and support SCAN’s work to prevent child abuse and neglect in Northern Virginia
SCAN’s 14th Annual Toast to Hope fundraiser was held on November 12th at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington’s Gallery. The event—which invited more than 200 guests to “Be Anchors for Children”—included food and beverage tastings as well as live music, a Silent Auction and a Live Auction emceed by former Alexandria Mayor Kerry Donley. The event raised more than $115,000 to support child abuse prevention programs in Northern Virginia.
At the end of the evening, SCAN presented the 2016 Cleary Award to Leana Katz, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer and ardent supporter of SCAN and its work in the community. Over nearly a decade of service as a CASA Volunteer, Leana has tirelessly advocated for 13 abused and neglected children across 7 families. Leana serves on SCAN’s Board Development Committee and is a founding member of SCAN’s Council of Young Professionals. She and her husband Marc are also founding sponsors of SCAN’s popular Croquet Day event each spring.
“Leana’s intimate work with at-risk children in our community motivates her generosity and leadership in strengthening our organization,” said Sonia Quiñónez, SCAN Executive Director. A mother of three, Leana has been an articulate spokesperson for the needs of children and families as well as a passionate advocate for the way SCAN’s programs support parents and protect children in our local community.
“We are celebrating Leana’s compassion as well as her deep understanding of the complex issues so many families face in our community today,” added Quiñónez.
This year’s Toast to Hope was made possible by lead sponsors Dave Cleary, Joe & Sara Carlin and Wells Fargo. Dozens of other businesses and individuals provided additional sponsorships, in-kind donations, and culinary and beverage tastings including King Street Blues, Virginia Imports, Ltd, Beltway Brewing Company and Tempo Restaurant.
About The Cleary Award
The Cleary Award was created to honor SCAN’s founder, Dave Cleary, and recognize both individuals and organizations whose dedication and commitment to children and families stand out in ways that make a positive difference in the lives of children in Northern Virginia.
About SCAN of Northern Virginia
SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern Virginia is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the well-being of children, improve parent-child relations and prevent child abuse and neglect. Our vision is that every child in Northern Virginia will grow up in a safe, stable, nurturing family, with the supports they need to contribute to stronger communities today and as adults tomorrow. We EDUCATE the community about the scope, nature and consequences of child abuse and neglect and the importance of positive, nurturing parenting; PROVIDE direct parent education; and ADVOCATE for children in the community, the legislature and the courts.
Learn more about SCAN at www.scanva.org @scanofnova #toasttohope2016
