As we near the 10th anniversary of our Dream Big Charity Gala, we are taking a look back and asking some of our past chairmen about their experience, favorite moments, and why they stay involved.
When were you first involved in the Dream Big Charity Gala? I first became involved in 2010 as a member of the Dream Big committee. I worked on securing event sponsors.
How did you become involved? My sister in law chaired the event in 2010 and introduced me to the Children’s Safety Center for the first time.
How long were you involved or are you still currently involved and how? I’ve been involved for nearly 7 years now. I currently serve as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the CSC.
What is your favorite gala memory? They are all great. I would have to say the best, most fulfilling part of being involved for the last 7 years is seeing the growth that happens year after year. It’s a testament to the hard work of the committee.
What is your worst gala memory or a funny story about something that happened or went wrong? There’s no such thing as a bad gala memory, but because of the annual growth we experience in not only fundraising, but also attendance, we have had times when we have run out of food or drinks and committee members are frantically running to the store to stock up.
Why is it important to see the gala grow and be successful? One of the greatest things about the CSC is that our awesome team provides their services free of charge for the child abuse victims. However, it costs $1,500 on average for each child that the center sees. We have to pay for this somehow. The gala is a huge part of that. Every $1,500 increment that this event grows, another child is able to seek the services of the center. The success of this event is incredibly important.
Why should people attend this year’s gala, 10th anniversary? Everyone in our community has a responsibility to do everything they can to make our home here in Northwest Arkansas a better, safer place. Attending the gala is a fun way to contribute and make your mark.
If you had to give three words to describe the Dream Big Gala, what would they be? Motivational. Inspirational. Fun!
Why is the Children’s Safety Center important to YOU? The CSC is extremely important to improving the lives of child abuse victims in our community. They provide an unparalleled service for the members of our community that are the most helpless. An investment in educating our community on Child Abuse Prevention is pivotal to making NWA a great place to live. In the unfortunate circumstances under which these abuses do occur, providing a safe place for the victims is extremely important and catalyzes the healing process. Each member of the CSC works to help victims move forward after the travesty they’ve endured.
Click HERE to purchase tickets to the 2017 Dream Big Charity Gala.
