Spring Gala Celebrates NOVA's 50th Anniversary In Bucks County

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — NOVA celebrated its 50th anniversary recently by raising more than $300,000 during a Starlit Evening in support of its programs and services to help victims of crime and prevent violence through training and education.

The event, held at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland, featured the introduction of NOVA's 50th Fund. The fund honors the past 50 years and prepares for the future by supporting the organization’s ongoing needs. The fund raised $106,000, which will be matched by a donation of $50,000 by an anonymous donor.

"Nearly 350 NOVA supporters attended this year’s Gala," said Penny Ettinger, the executive director of NOVA. "We are incredibly thankful for the overwhelming generosity and support from our sponsors, benefactors, and community members. They made our 50th Anniversary celebration truly special. The financial success of the event has kick-started our 50th Anniversary Fund, to raise $1 million this year. These contributions are crucial in helping us continue to provide innovative specialized services for victims of crime and to combat personal violence in Bucks County for many years to come."

Gala emcee Karen Gross, left, with Michelle El Khoury, founder and managing director of Yogamazia, and Ron Davis, director of diversity and community development, Parx Casino.

The evening’s special guest emcee was Karen Gross, singer, speaker, and founder of the media and mentorship platform, "She Rocked It." There were also performances from The Zone, pianist Kelsey Buschmann, and Westrick Music Academy.

“The overall atmosphere was nothing short of magical,” said Michelle Cash, the director of development at NOVA. “You could feel the excitement as you entered the venue. People were so happy to be a part of this incredibly important cause and support the work NOVA does in our community to help heal and advocate for victims of all ages of sexual assault and other serious crime in Bucks County.”

NOVA began 50 years ago as Women Organized Against Rape and to this day serves as Bucks County’s only rape crisis center. NOVA also houses the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), a multidisciplinary team comprised of law enforcement and community groups, established to protect the interests of children by providing a child-centered response to child abuse. This past year, the CAC helped 281 children and their families by providing crucial support, as well as resources to assist them in their journey towards healing and justice.

The success of the gala was due in large part to the support of businesses in the community including Super NOVA Sponsor EC Fence; NOVA Sponsor Parx Casino; Shining Star Sponsor Merck; Twinkling Star Sponsors Stark & Stark, Attorneys at Law and Mark & Mimi Worthington. Guests were treated to a signature cocktail, beer and wine bar, a sit-down dinner, a dessert station sponsored by the Bucks County Commissioners, a curated silent auction, and live music and dancing.

NOVA is Bucks County’s comprehensive crime victim services agency.