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VP of Philanthropy Sheila Miller and Executive Director Douglas Staley
Josh Connors and speaker Ashley Connors brings their son Finn.
Each table had a colorful bucket-and-sand arrangement.
Rick and Karen Abell with Gary Miller
Pam and Zach Duke
Django the support dog
Guests bid on silent auction items.
Lou Ann Linn with Kelly and Kathy Oliver
Sandy and Dave Wilson
Dan Starostecki
Pam and John Holic
Kimberlie Buchanan and Lauren Corriveau
Child Protection Center committee members
Amber Haller, Sarah Kruysman and Meghan Vinopal
Helen and Thane Ostroth
Phil and Fawne Adams
Michelle Butler, Samantha Solie and Melissa Caldwell
Tommy Villani and Nina Fiorita
Staci Baer and Donna Koffman
It's been nearly two years since the Child Protection Center had an in-person event — the organization had hosted its annual Night of Hope and Healing in early 2020.
Though it's been some time since the organization hosted the fundraiser, Executive Director Douglas Staley was excited to be back again and felt his group's supporters were, too.
"People are ready to get back to (our events)" Staley said.
The 42nd annual benefit held at the Suncoast Air Center in Venice on Nov. 4 helps the nonprofit provide services for child abuse victims.
Guests ate, drank and played games for the first hour before Staley spoke with the assembled crowd. The group then played a video taking guests on a virtual tour of the CPC building before putting on a live auction.
Guests later heard from Ashley Connors, a former client who was helped by Child Protection Center.