Bring Hope and Healing to the Fight Against Child Abuse with the Child Protection Center

In preparation for the 10^th Anniversary Celebration of their upcoming annual Fall event, Night of Hope & Healing, the Child Protection Center (CPC) recently held a “kick-off event” Celebrity Bartender Challenge to raise further awareness and support. The Celebrity Bartender Challenge was a resounding success, raising over $9,850 for local programs and services in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse.
 
This was the third CPC Celebrity Bartender Challenge, with each year featuring 8 local “celebrities” that divide into four teams that compete for tips to be named the Shaker Cup Champions, with all tips going directly to CPC and the fight against child abuse. This year’s Champions are Phil Adams, a survivor of child abuse, and Kelly Olliver of British Open Pub, both major advocates of the Child Protection Center. The winning team also took home the Favorite Drink award for their “Ebony and Ivory” Chocolate Orange Martini, while Casey Riley and Dane DeSantis claimed the Shaken and Stirred award for their spirit and showmanship.
 
Through the partnerships and advocacy of each bartender as well as the hosting venue, BrewBurgers Back Porch, this initiative not only raises essential funding for services, but expands and strengthens the nonprofit’s reach in the community. It also increases awareness of the main event, Night of Hope & Healing, which will take place on Thursday, November 6^th.
 
Night of Hope & Healing is a unique event with a relaxed feel that has grown tremendously over the past decade, becoming a must-attend event in Venice with an annual attendance of over 300 guests. The 10^th Anniversary Celebration of this event will include tastings from at least 13 restaurants, numerous specialty cocktails to sample in addition to an open bar, casino games, live music with the popular local band Occasions, top-tier live and silent auctions, PAWS therapy dogs, and the chance to win a ROLEX in the Premium Chance Drawing. The evening kicks off on November 6^th at 6PM in the Venice Community Center. Tickets, sponsorships, and entries for the drawing can be purchased at https://cpcsarasota.org/events/night-of-hope/. This year’s event is presented by Classic Creations in Diamonds & Gold, Graci & Dennis McGillicuddy, Karen & Mike Valentino, and Nau-T-Girl Jewelry. Evan and Pam Duke serve as the event chairs.
 
The Child Protection Center’s (CPC) mission is the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse, as the organization envisions a community where children are safe from abuse and free to thrive. For 45 years, CPC has been serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in the State of Florida and is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. For more information on CPC or to inquire about ways to get involved, please visit them at  www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277