Crowd samples local flavors while protecting children at Night of Hope and Healing

Ashley and Joshua Connors

Nicholas Rodriguez from Bonefish Grill shakes up a signature drink, pomegranate martinis.

Phil and Fawne Adams

Tina Gionet with event chair Chuck Walker

Rachael Fisk and Sally Schule

CJ Bannister and Alex Knapp play blackjack with dealer Michael Vallillo.

Chris Crites, Ruth Rhodes and Jen Pietraniec

Elizabeth Topp and Shannon Maloney

George Dubbanah of Dubz BBQ serves Elizabeth Topp his secret barbecue recipe.

Representing Finn's and Sharky's on the Pier are Chef Marc Alton and Emma Kate Silvestri.

Representing Paradise Grill are Elaina Leighton and Alex Hanson.

Kristy Heitl with Joe and Darla Correll.

Patti Curcio, Noah Santiago and Heather McNamee

Serving up Nothing Bundt Cakes are Shirlee Opdahl, Lynn Paull, Marianne Jackson and Jane Sacks.

Cheryl Prevatte, Venice Chief of Police Charlie Thorpe and Mary Wood

Liz Bacon, Eric Lough and Ann Piscitelli

Cameron and Alli Nichols with Eric Hill

Bonefish Grill's Nicholas Rodriguez will mix about 100 signature pomegranate martinis tonight.

Nancy Ciaschini is a CPS volunteer and together with Daisy, her 12-year-old certified therapy dog, they work with children several times a week.

Tish Murphy, Stephanie Dieter and Danne Murphy

Blackjack dealer Karen Cadou from Florida Casino Parties.

Charles Amherst and Chef Alex Salas from Chaz 51 are serving up some secret recipes for 240 guests.

Zachary Tudor, Tarah Hart and Kristin Pinkerton

Lance Martin and Gabriel Pedrosa are from the Pelican Plaza Chick-fil-A and their poppers were disappearing quickly.

John and Pam Holic with Connie and Ron Perry

Joe Correll and Frannie Smith

Live music is provided by the Venice based Occasions Band: Andrew Chalaire, Chip Stevens, Bobby Pinkerton and in back, Luke Li.

Noah Santiago's mom, Heather McNamee, donated a painting that sold for $6,000 at the Night of Hope and Healing.

Independent bar tenders Kara Kiszak and Jeri Halperin are happily mixing and pouring drinks.

With 17 locations, Skillets has been around since 1996. General Manager Deborah Kinney, and Jen Vordner are passing out several different types of scones.

Karen Fordham with Phil and Fawne Adams.

Child Protection Center held its Eighth Annual Night of Hope & Healing at the Venice Community Center on Nov. 21 with 240 guests in attendance.

The Child Protection Center (CPC) held its Eighth annual Night of Hope & Healing event presented by Classic Creations and Graci and Dennis McGillicuddy.