Bowties and boots filled the Milner Recreation Center to capacity Saturday night as attendees gathered for the 17th Annual Angels Spring Gala. The benefit dinner and auction raised money for the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of the 31st Judicial District.

CAC Executive Director Cassell Galligan-Davis was delighted with the event’s attendance and generosity of the community who made the fundraiser a success. 

 “There was a great turnout and many guests said they really enjoyed themselves,” she said.

 The recreation center was filled to the brim with hundreds of excited guests, many decked out in boots and bowties, the theme of the evening. The $100-per-ticket fundraiser was expertly catered by the Warren County High School’s Culinary Department headed up by Linda Parris and her team of high school students. They prepared and served the meals of chicken, barbeque, beans, potato salad and rolls with a choice of tea, wine and a variety of cheesecake slices for dessert.

The highlight of the night was the presentation of the Angel Award to Dianne Gillespie with much heartfelt thanks from the CAC community and guests. Davis praised Gillespie’s hard work and devotion describing what an asset she is to the CAC. 

“She started as an event organizer for CAC and catapulted her way into committee director,” said Davis. “Sadly, after serving nine years, she will be leaving the CAC Board.” Davis emphasized how the award is just a token of how much Gillespie is valued and cherished.

Overcome with emotion as she accepted the Angel Award - an exquisite blue statuette - Gillespie spoke with great warmth and zest of her years with the CAC and all the heart and passion members demonstrate. She thanked the community and guests for their engagement.

After the reception and award presentation, guests bid on donated items during a silent auction and enjoyed dinner, conversation and a live auction.

The money raised will go to continue the work of the CAC in assisting severely abused children in the community in both Warren and Van Buren counties.

The CAC aims to directly reduce trauma from abuse through multi-disciplinary investigation. Breaking the cycle of child abuse by providing prevention services through education is just part of the group's mission.

For more information about the CAC and its work, call (931) 507-2386. The CAC office is located at 1350 Sparta Street in McMinnville. CAC can be found online at www.cac31.org.