ZCenter's Spring Luncheon Raises Critical Support for Survivors

On Friday, May 9, more than 250 community members, advocates, and supporters gathered at the DoubleTree North Shore in Skokie for Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center’s (ZCenter) 2025 Annual Spring Luncheon: Blooming in the Garden. The powerful afternoon event raised critical funds to support ZCenter’s mission to provide free, confidential services to survivors of sexual violence in addition to prevention education across Northern Illinois.

Emceed by US99 radio personality Melissa McGurren, the highlight of the luncheon were moving speeches by Omowale and keynote speaker Kori Cioca, U.S. Coast Guard veteran, survivor, and subject of the groundbreaking documentary The Invisible War. Cioca shared her courageous story of survival and healing, underscoring the urgent need for justice reform, trauma-informed care, and community accountability.

“Now more than ever, it’s critical that we show up for survivors—not just with words, but with action,” said Sandy T. Williams, CEO of ZCenter. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us. Their generosity helps ensure that every survivor who reaches out to us is met with support, safety, and compassion.”

For over 40 years, ZCenter has remained a pillar of hope and healing in the fight to end sexual assault and abuse. From locations in Gurnee and Skokie, ZCenter serves nearly 30,000 people each year through a combination of crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, and prevention education.
The luncheon also included powerful survivor testimonials, a meaningful call to action, and updates on how ZCenter is addressing rising rates of sexual violence and navigating continued funding challenges.

All proceeds from the luncheon will directly support ZCenter’s free, trauma-informed programs—including individual and group counseling, advocacy in hospitals and courts, and youth prevention education throughout schools and communities.

Those who were unable to attend the luncheon can still make an impact by donating or becoming a sponsor. To learn more, visit www.zcenter.org.

About Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter)
Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter) is committed to providing comprehensive, client-centered services to survivors of sexual assault and abuse—completely free of charge and in a safe, judgment-free environment. With a deep focus on equality, empowerment, and trauma-informed care, ZCenter provides crisis counseling, advocacy, and prevention education to nearly 30,000 individuals annually. The organization works tirelessly to end systemic sexual violence and support survivors on their healing journey.