Step Up & Speak Out Benefit Raises Critical Funds
On Thursday, October 17 nearly 400 gathered at the Mandarin Oriental to raise awareness and critical funds for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County (CAC). Sponsors, partners, and friends joined forces to advocate on behalf of children and families who are victims of violence, exploitation, and abuse. Guests, along with over 99 generous sponsors committed prior to the event, donated a total of more than $674,000!
Since 2014, the Step Up & Speak Out benefit has brought together members of the business, non-profit, and advocacy community to fundraise and shine a light on child abuse and sexual exploitation.
Guests in attendance enjoyed a lively cocktail hour, a mobile bid-driven silent auction, an inspiring speaking program, a live auction hosted by professional auctioneer Erin Ward, and lots of time to reconnect with friends, colleagues and community partners.
During the program an 18-year old survivor of child abuse shared her healing journey, praise for the team who supported her, and a call to action with attendees.
“Most kids don’t tell. Many kids are not believed. Many kids have no team. However, I think everyone here is committed to changing that reality and doing whatever we can to help survivors of child abuse.” – Keynote Speaker
In addition to hearing about the importance of the CAC directly from the keynote speaker, the event celebrated two teams of people who have worked tirelessly to raise awareness, move systems, and promote the healing of survivors. This year, former CAC Executive Director Susan Goldfarb presented the first ever "Susan Goldfarb Award" to longtime CAC Board member, Dan Cence and his team at Issues Management Group in recognition of their dedicated advocacy in support of the CAC.
In receiving the award, Dan had these poignant words, "There is more work to be done and CAC can’t do it alone. It takes all of us—our communities, our lawmakers, our business leaders, and our families—to step up, speak out, and fight for the future we envision. A future where every child is safe. A future where every voice is heard. And a future where healing, not harm, is the norm."
Following Dan's heartfelt acceptance remarks, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden presented Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox and the Family Justice Units (Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Crimes Against Children, Internet Crimes Against Children, and Human Trafficking). "My office works in close partnership with Commissioner Cox and the Children’s Advocacy Center to investigate and prosecute cases of child abuse and sexual exploitation. I have seen firsthand the positive impact this team has had on so many lives. I have seen their thoughtful response, how they keep the children at the center of what they do, how they show up every day and do this really hard work. These are our shared values and it is why we are so effective," DA Hayden said before more than a dozen officers took to the stage to accept the award.
Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, House Majority Leader Michael Moran, and Former Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley were all in attendance, along with hundreds of community partners, sponsors, and dedicated CAC supporters.
Presenting Sponsors of this year’s event were Dellbrook|JKS, Horvath & Tremblay, Kimberly Henry Quagliaroli & Jim Quagliaroli, Suffolk Cares, and Torrington Properties. Ambassador Sponsors were Clarke Distribution, Kevin Mohan & Anne Williams, and Yale Appliance. A complete list of the CAC’s generous sponsors can be found here.
Stay tuned to our social media platforms for more photos soon!