LaCASABLANCA Raises Over $100,000
Benefactors “Play It Again” at Mock Gambling Fundraiser to Combat Sexual Assault and Abuse in Lake County
Lake County Council Against Sexual Assault’s (LaCASA) recent fundraiser on September 16th at Exmoor County Club in Highland Park netted over $100,000 for programs and services to aid survivors of sexual assault and abuse and for education programs to prevent sexual violence. This year’s theme was the classic film Casablanca and included live music, mock gambling, silent and live auctions, and a fabulous dinner in elegant surroundings provided by the club, which for the night was Rick’s Café American. The event was underwritten by Morris Belzberg of Rancho Mirage, California and Jon Mills of Highland Park . As has been customary, they honored members of LaCASA’s Aunts & Uncles Club, now over 90 individuals, who pledge $1,000 or more each year to help LaCASA’s Children’s Program.
One highlight of the evening was a powerful talk by an adult survivor of sexual abuse as a child, which gave meaning to all the festivities. Another was the live auction of 5 items. One item was the opportunity to “Adopt A Family” of a child survivor of sexual assault. The bidding on this item was a moving experience for all involved and generated not just one winner, but 9 individuals who joined in donating three thousand dollars each to provide services for nine children and their families.
The LaCASA\Zacharias Center is Lake County 's only rape crisis center, providing survivors of sexual assault or abuse with comprehensive services including: medical and legal advocacy, emergency room and police sensitivity training, 24-hour crisis hotline and crisis intervention services, and counseling for both individuals and groups. LaCASA's Community Education department also provides prevention education to thousands of area school children each year. For details, call 847 244-1187.
| Click on photo to view larger image | ||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|