By Gari Voss
The 14th Annual Lifeline Gala sponsored by the Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) will be “Off to the Races” on April 29, 2022 at The Silo in Allegan. To coincide with the Derby season, the evening of dinner, auctions and awards will be pressing for the finish line to secure the needed funding for their regular programming and new facility on Sherman Street.
The beauty of this gathering is that people can attend in person or virtually. Madyson Whitehouse, Development Coordinator for Safe Harbor, explained, “Get dressed up; safely invite other attendees over; participate in our live auction, including Buttons for Bravery; and enjoy our presentation via ZOOM in the comfort of your home.”
“The virtual raffle items can be viewed and tickets can be purchased through https://go.eventgroovefundraising.com/a0b129/Campaign/Details?ReturnUrl=%2FCampaigns%2FSetup%2Fa0b129%2FOptions or by using the QR code.”
The array of raffle auction items is extensive. Participants can buy entries for everything from women’s and men’s personal products, to physical therapy, designer sunglasses, pottery plates and hand-poured soy candles to home décor, to a night at the opera to wine tasting and tour or dinner, or VIP Night at Gun Lake Casino to golfing or getaways at lovely manors, inns or hotels.
Safe Harbor provides a lifeline to children across Allegan and Barry Counties. Over the years, the staff has been the conduit between law enforcement, child protective services, prosecuting attorney’s office and medical providers. During stressful times, the Center allows young victims a safe, caring environment where forensic interviews, medical examinations, counseling, and court advocacy can be conducted.
The current facility lacks the space to meet the increased caseload. Each year, over 360 children visit the Center. Due to space, only one case can be accommodated at a time, so additional space has been pursued.
“The current physical structure of our building does not allow for us to provide many essential tasks simultaneously and without struggle. Changes to Safe Harbor’s facility are necessary for the success of our organization, and more importantly for the health of the children and families in our community.”
The journey to secure the site on Sherman Street has taken some twists and turns. Perrigo gracious donated a building at the corner of Brady and State Streets. Initial designs to renovate the interior found that the cost to make the required upgrades was extremely expensive and was not able to accommodate the necessary programs.
This led the board to examine alternative solutions. The City of Allegan agreed to sell the property behind the bowling alley to Safe Harbor. Selling the property on Brady was the next hurdle which Lakewood Construction assisted in clearing.
During the real estate interactions, the Board continued developing architectural designs for the new Center. The additional footage enables several activities to occur simultaneously. Thus, referrals would not get backlogged because clients must wait for appointments.
As Lifeline Gala #14 approaches, the Board and Executive Director Lori Antkoviak realize that the price tag to complete construction has increased with the economic upturn of prices of all building materials.
“So far, we have been able to raise $1,127,458 toward our goal. As we continue our efforts, the amount continues to increase every week. In 2022 we hope to reach our goal of $1,800,000 to begin our building process,” stated Antkoviak. “The needed amount is now $700,000.”
Dinner on April 29th begins at 6pm at The Silo or on ZOOM for virtual attendees. Tickets for in-person or virtual participation can be purchased for $50 for individuals or $75 for couples.
Whitehouse explained, “The Raffle Items are currently available online. The proceeds from these items go directly to operating costs and the capital campaign. In addition, donors can contribute to the Center’s programs through Buttons for Bravery.”
Children arriving at Safe Harbor have experienced trauma and require multiple layers of assistance to move beyond the pain of abuse toward healing. An explanation of how the buttons represent children recovering from can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyeHFnxKW7Y.
Any level of giving is appreciated. A $25 donation will provide one session with a caregiver. $50 provides a counseling session, $100 provides two counseling sessions, $250 pays for a forensic interview for a child, and $350 covers a medical examination. Larger donations facilitates multiple counseling sessions, medical followship and/or a forensic interview. Check https://safeharborcac.org/events/lifeline/.
“Help, hope and healing is what Safe Harbor gives children of abuse. The agency relies on volunteers, individuals, groups, organizations and businesses to support the programs,” explained Antkoviak. “for the health of the children and families in our community. Together we can light the way to a brighter future for Safe Harbor and the children of Allegan County and surrounding communities. We appreciate each and every donation that supports the efforts of staff to meet this critical need.”