NEW RIVER VALLEY – Nearly 500 children in the New River suffered proven abuse or neglect in 2018, according to the Virginia Department of Social Services.
NRV CARES is a local non-profit organization dedicated to protecting children and strengthening families “with a vision of our New River Valley free of abuse and neglect,” according to agency leaders, and an upcoming, high class event hopes to raise funds needed to complete that mission
The NRV CARES 19th Annual Gala and Auction will be held Saturday, Mar. 16 from 6-11p.m. at the Inn at Virginia Tech. The Gala is the major fundraiser for the work of NRV CARES. The event features a dinner buffet and cash bar, silent and live auctions and music and dancing by the Dynamic Sounds of Earl Brown. Tickets to the Gala are $70 per person.
According to the Virginia Department of Social Services, 434 children living in the New River Valley had a proven case of child abuse and neglect during the 2018 fiscal year (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018). Last year, NRV CARES served 3,923 individuals, helping through programs such as Community Education, Parent Education, and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the New River Valley, which work to prevent child abuse/neglect by educating the public, strengthening families, and serving children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
“As a foster care specialist working with children whom have experienced abuse and neglect, I benefit from the work of NRV CARES,” says Sussi Walters of DePaul Community Resources and chair of the Gala. “I can’t say enough about how important NRV CARES is for children and families in the New River Valley.”
Organizers say “the auction is exciting this year with jewelry, art, sculpture, and hotel stays in the Bahamas and Scottsdale, Arizona.”
“Two beach houses are on the auction block this year as well,” stares information elesed by NRV CARES. “Bid on golf, Virginia Tech football game tickets, and dinner and a movie. The auction offers something for everyone.”
NRV CARES would like to thank sponsors, including Blue Ridge Region Porche Club of America; Trevor Gray, Financial Advisor – Edward Jones; BAE Systems; Anna Mitchell, S. Lee Wheeler, DDS; The Jacobs Family; LewisGale Hospital Montgomery; Shelor Motor Mile; Shelter Alternatives; University Housing Group; Deborah Carbaugh; The Alternatives Center; NRV Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, LLC; Core Physical Therapy; Ashley Home Furnishings; Sara Royer; and Blacksburg Woman’s Club.
NRV CARES programs are partially funded by local community support, donations, and the profits from the Annual Gala and Auction held every March. All of the profits are used locally to fund the programs of NRV CARES. Anyone interested in attending or sponsoring the event, please contact info@nrvcares.org, nrvcares.givesmart.com, or 540-381-8310. For more information about NRV CARES, visit www.nrvcares.org.