Walsh to speak about tragedy to raise funds for nonprofit
Last year, more than 500 children in Bossier and Caddo parishes were victims of child abuse.
Gingerbread House, a local nonprofit, is working to bring awareness and offer their services to victims and the community.
Through events like, Partners in Prevention, the nonprofit raises funds to support this mission.
The third annual Partners in Prevention luncheon will benefit the Gingerbread House Bossier/Caddo Children’s Advocacy Center. The event will be held at noon Oct. 8 at Sam’s Town.
In conjunction with their mission, this year’s speaker is John Walsh, host of “America’s Most Wanted.” Walsh will speak about his personal tragedy that began with the abduction of his 6-year-old son.
Walsh’s son was murdered at age 6, and it was an unsolved mystery until 27 years later.
“It was an inmate apprehended for a different crime. Walsh will speak about hope and overcoming adversity in tragedy,” Jessica Miller, executive director of Gingerbread House, said.
Previous year’s speakers of Partners in Prevention were Beth Holloway and Elizabeth Smart.
Funds raised through the luncheon go toward the programs and services of Gingerbread House.
“Funds will continue providing child advocacy, sexual and physical abuse counseling, which is free of charge so that no family is turned away,” Miller said.
Donations will also go toward matching grants and multiplying donations.
She said the nonprofit’s goals include promoting awareness to lessen the amount of child abuse cases and to teach parents the signs of abuse and how to prevent it.
Staff and volunteers work with children and their families daily to keep children protected and safe by teaching prevention.
“We have six different programs with the No. 1 program being forensics interviews,” Miller said. “If a 4- or 5-year-old is unable to make a testimony after a report of abuse, instead of multiple interviews that can be scary, the child is brought to Gingerbread House. While the child is interviewed by a counselor, an audio and video team is recording in another room. It prevents the child from having to give the testimony over and over again.”
Gingerbread House also provides free counseling services. Last year, more than 200 children in Bossier and Caddo parishes were counseled through those services.
Adults are taught prevention through the Darkness to Light program that are held in various locations in the community.
“Knowledge is power,” Miller said. “Pre-K through middle school students are educated on how to keep themselves safe.”
Guests attending the luncheon will support the mission of Gingerbread House. Miller said there are additional ways to support.
“A person or business who can’t attend can sponsor a table for those who can’t afford tickets,” Miller said. “Any amount of monetary donations. No amount is too small. Ten dollars makes a difference when put together with another $10 and another to continue services at Gingerbread House free of charge.”
Gingerbread House is a communitybased, nonprofit that began serving abused children in 1998.
The nonprofit works in close collaboration with local law enforcement, child protective services, the district attorney’s offices, and medical and mental health professionals to provide services for abused children and their families.
Services include multidisciplinary investigations, mental health therapy interventions, family advocacy and supportive services, community education and prevention services, and professional development and training opportunities.
– Tiana Kennell
LEARN MORE:
Tickets to Partners in Prevention luncheon are $125 each with tables of 10 for $1,500. Sponsorship levels are available at $1,500, $3,000, $5,000 and higher. Seats may be reserved by calling 674-2900. To learn more about Gingerbread House, visit www.gingerbreadhousecac.org.
At the luncheon, guests may purchase $20 raffle tickets for the chance of winning a $1,000 shopping spree at Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. Sponsors of the Partners in Prevention are Ballengee Foundation, Paragon Press, Broadmoor Florist, Buttercup Cupcakes, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry and The Forum.
