Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center To Host “Rooted and Rising” Annual Spring Luncheon on May 8th

The Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter) will host its Annual Spring Luncheon, Rooted & Rising, on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Orrington Evanston. The event will bring together community leaders, advocates, survivors, and supporters for an afternoon centered on resilience, healing, and the power of community in supporting survivors of sexual violence.

The luncheon serves as one of ZCenter’s most important annual fundraising events, helping sustain free, confidential services for survivors and their families throughout Northern Illinois.

Sexual violence remains a serious issue both nationally and in Illinois. In the United States, someone is sexually assaulted approximately every 68 seconds, with hundreds of thousands of individuals impacted each year. Yet many survivors never report their experiences due to fear, stigma, or lack of support. Organizations like ZCenter play a critical role in helping survivors access counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, and prevention education while also working to create safer, more informed communities.

For more than 40 years, ZCenter has been a trusted source of hope and healing for survivors of sexual abuse. Through its locations in Gurnee and Skokie, the organization provides trauma-informed services to individuals of all ages, as well as support for families and loved ones across Lake County and Northern Cook County.

“Rooted & Rising reflects both the strength of survivors and the resilience of our community,” said Sandy T. Williams, CEO of ZCenter. “We remain deeply rooted in our mission to support survivors with compassion, dignity, and care while continuing to rise to meet the growing need for services, education, and advocacy.”

Funds raised through the luncheon will directly support ZCenter’s counseling services, advocacy programs, prevention education initiatives, and community outreach efforts designed to both support healing and help prevent future violence.

ZCenter invites individuals, businesses, and community organizations to stand with survivors by attending the luncheon, sponsoring the event, or making a donation.

For tickets or more information, please visit www.zcenter.org.

About Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter)

Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter) is dedicated to providing comprehensive, client-centered services to survivors of sexual assault and abuse—free of charge and in a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment. Guided by a commitment to equality and empowerment, ZCenter works in partnership with survivors to aid in their healing journey. Beyond direct services which include individual and group counseling for adults and children, ZCenter is an active force in the community, advocating for survivors and working to end systemic sexual violence. Through trauma-informed care, advocacy, and prevention education, the organization mobilizes individuals and communities to create meaningful change.