Gala Raises $250,000 For Kids in Crisis

BEDFORD –  The Child Advocacy Center of Hillsborough County, a program of the , hosted its 6^th Annual Gala, “Springtime in Paris,” April 14, at in Bedford. More than 260 guests participated in the sold-out fundraising event including U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte; U.S. Representatives Charlie Bass and Frank Guinta; Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas; and Nashua Mayor Donnalee Lozeau. The event raised a record breaking $250,000.

The success of the evening was essential to the on-going efforts of the . As a non-profit organization which counts on the support of the public, it is critical to maintain funding and awareness, said Executive Director Kristie Palestino.

“We are honored to be part of a community which, despite the ongoing pressures of the current economy, still embraces one basic obligation; to protect our children” Palestino said.

The evening's leading sponsors included Robert and Karin Finlay of Peterborough, Mark and Julie LeDoux of Hollis, Nixon Peabody, LLP of Manchester and Spectrum Marketing Companies of Manchester.

This year’s Robert and Karin Finlay Foundation Service to Children Award was presented to Stephen Langan of Bedford.  Langan is a board member of the Granite State Children’s Alliance.

“His dedication and volunteer time has significantly impacted the organization not only here in Hillsborough County but throughout all the Child Advocacy Centers in the state”, said board president, Daniel Monfried.

Based on a nationally recognized model, child advocacy centers are community partnerships dedicated to a team approach for pursuing the truth in child abuse cases and providing social services to child victims. By bringing together New Hampshire’s law enforcement, county attorneys, state protective services, victim advocacy agencies and health professionals, child advocacy centers provide safe, child friendly locations for interviewing child victims, coordinating the investigative team and providing ongoing help for the victim’s recovery. 

For more information about The Granite State Children’s Alliance and Child Advocacy Centers in New Hampshire, visit www.cac-nh.org.