Special to Iredell Free News

Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center has postponed the nonprofit’s signature fundraiser, “An Evening for Dove House,” until Saturday, April 2, 2022. The event will be held at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in downtown Mooresville.

Dove House’s Board of Directors made this decision due to COVID-19 concerns and the higher transmission rate of the Delta variant. This is the best decision for the safety of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, partners and our community, the nonprofit explained in a news release.

“An Evening for Dove House” is critically important as it generates close to 50 percent of Dove House’s annual budget. This decision will have a significant financial impact, but the Board is confident that with the support of faithful and generous supporters, much needed services to the children of Iredell and Alexander counties will continue uninterrupted.

Event sponsors have already stepped up to demonstrate their committment. The Donoghue family, a long-time Platinum Sponsor, immediately offered to donate their 2021 sponsorship funds and commit to sponsor the rescheduled event at the same level. The Donoghue family also issued a sponsorship challege to all other sponsors to do the same. Many have already accepted the challenge.

Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center is a fully accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves child victims of sexual abuse and their non-offending family members in Alexander and Iredell counties. Their mission is to minimize trauma, promote healing and enhance investigation and prosecution for child victims of sexual abuse through advocacy, intervention, collaboration and education.

Since opening in September 2002, Dove House has enhanced coordination among the community agencies and professionals that are involved in responding to reports of child sexual abuse. These partner agencies within Iredell and Alexander counties, which comprise the community’s Multidisciplinary Team, include the six law enforcement agencies, two Departments of Social Services, the District Attorney’s Office, Guardian ad Litem program, multiple medical and mental health providers, and the Dove House staff.

The upcoming year is an important milestone for Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center. Dove House will celebrate 20 years of service in September of 2022. Dove House will celebrate and acknowledge this service milestone throughout the coming year with a $20 for 20 Years Campaign.

“Imagine the impact if every able household in Iredell and Alexander counties donates $20,” said Brenda Deal, one of the founders of Dove House. “With your help, through your social media outlets, and the help of established media channels, we can get the word out about our $20 for 20 Years Campaign, as well as raise awareness of the critical services provided by Dove House. We are confident that this Campaign will close the gap on lost operating funds during these difficult times, ensuring that Dove House will retain the opportunity to provide critical services to children and families in crisis”

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Dove House, visit www.dovehousecac.org. If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor or donating items for our event auctions, scheduling a tour, or becoming an ambassador for the $20 for 20 Years Campaign, email jackie@dovehouse.us or call 704-883-9814.