Child advocacy center benefits from antiques show
CENTER TWP — Something old may help young abuse victims maneuver through the legal system.
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Butler, 101 Mahood Road, received a $2,000 donation from the GFWC Intermediate League of Butler to pay for the center’s court preparation services for children.
The money was part of proceeds generated by the GFWC Intermediate League’s 70th annual Antiques Show and Sale in March. The show returned this spring after a two-year hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Danielle Schmidt, executive director of the center, said the center contracts the court preparation service for children who are victims of sexual abuse.
“Primarily, the services get them ready to testify or be part of the court process,” said Schmidt. “It’s not legal advice. It’s a way to support the child through the whole process.”
The center is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization established in 2013. It is a child-friendly location providing forensic interviews, forensic medical exams and multidisciplinary team coordination to children who are victims of child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse and other types of maltreatment and abuse.
Schmidt said the center is funded by support from the county, grant funding and donations, so the $2,000 from the intermediate league is greatly appreciated.
Schmidt estimated the center would see more than 200 children this year ranging from victims of physical or sexual abuse or witnesses to violent crime. On average, it costs $1,500 for each child served by the center, she said.
Yolanda Cypher, chair of the GFWC’s Community Affairs and Welfare Committee, the six-member committee that investigates and recommends the community groups and agencies in need of financial support, said, “They requested that much, and we tried to meet that request.”
Cypher said the GFWC funded 14 community groups ranging from the community health center to the Kids Weekend Backpack Program to first-time recipient Friends of the Preston Park Foundation. All told, $12,680 was raised from the sale of tickets to the antique show and tables to vendors.
Organizations are asked to turn in letters requesting funds to the Intermediate League by December, and a list of recipients are chosen before the show opens.
Cypher said, “Our committee of six women reviews all the applications, and the club votes on the recipients in January.”
Kris Bearer, co-chair of this spring’s antiques show, said “We had a little bit of a slow start (Friday), but it picked up and took off the rest of the weekend.”
“We are so very grateful for the donation, and it will make a difference for the children,” said Schmidt.
In a separate fundraising effort, the children’s advocacy center is planning its seventh annual Family BBQ from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at McDanels Boat Launch Pavilion 7 at Moraine State Park.
Daniel said, “It’s to show appreciation to all the partnering agencies. There will be music, a basket raffle, food from Fairground Market, fishing and family activities.
Reservations aren’t needed, and the event is open to the public. Tickets are available on the center’s website.
