Center for Alexandria’s Children Raises $194K at Annual Gala to End Child Abuse
Judge (ret.) Constance Frogale, Dr. Tammy Martin, and Judy Harmatz received the Outstanding Dedication to Children Award
ALEXANDRIA, VA-The Center for Alexandria’s Children hosted its annual benefit concert and gala, Banding Together, on Feb. 1. The purpose of the fundraiser, which had a Glam Night theme this year, is to end child abuse, and CAC raised $194,000 to support the cause. The money will go toward programs that work to stop child abuse in this community. The concert was the biggest event of CAC’s HeartWork campaign, which occurs every year.
CAC’s Executive Director Giselle Palaez says the organization’s mission is critical because one in four children suffer abuse or neglect, and two-thirds of cases are unreported.
“Thanks to the support of 85 HeartWork Annual Sponsors, including 43 local businesses,” she explained, “we can continue our vital programs aimed at preventing abuse and providing intervention and education for families in need.”
HeartWork is a term the organization uses routinely to describe its mission. Board Chair Melissa Riddy describes it this way: “It takes heart. It takes work. And it takes all of us to protect every child in Alexandria.”
That evening, the center’s Board of Directors honored three special individuals who have worked to support Alexandria’s children and their families. The recipients of the Outstanding Dedication to Children Award wereJudge (ret.) Constance Frogale; Dr. Tammy Mann, CEO of the Campagna Center; and Judy Harmatz, a former member of CAC’s board.
The bands Blue North and Guilty Ghost played the event at Durant Memorial Center.
