Pat Summitt to Speak at a Fund-raiser for the Child Advocacy Center

The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a private, non-profit agency serving severely abused children

Knoxville, Tenn. - On Thursday, April 14, at 6:00 p.m., the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of the 9th Judicial District will have a fundraising dinner and auction at Rothchild Catering in Knoxville. Pat Summitt, whose University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team has just won the SEC championship, and Bill Williams, known for his work on behalf of children and WBIR anchor emeritus, will lend their support to the cause of the CAC as the keynote speaker and Master of Ceremonies, respectively. Ms. Summitt, and Mr. Williams can be seen on a public service announcement that will be aired on WBIR Channel 10, starting March 15.

Sports items donated by the University Of Tennessee Athletic Department, and autographed by Pat Summitt will be included in the auction as well as a UT Ladies Locker Room Tour, team practice and lunch package. Other items included in the auction, are two, just on the market, folding mopeds, theater tickets, a hand made cradle/rocker and theme baskets.

Tickets for this event are $100 each or $1000 for a reserved table. Tickets may be purchased by calling 865.986.1505 or writing The Child Advocacy Center, P.O. Box 928, Lenoir City, TN, 37771. The website, www.CACEastTN.org has a form that can print out, mail or fax to The CAC. Fax number is 865.986.1547. Checks and credit cards are acceptable. April 7 is the deadline for purchasing tickets.

The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a private, non-profit agency serving severely abused children in the counties of Loudon, Meigs, Morgan and Roane. Three of the four counties served have poverty levels higher than the average for the state. The CAC is located in Lenoir City.

Children who have suffered abuse often face more trauma as they are interviewed repeatedly. The CAC is committed to reducing the trauma abused children experience by coordinating ongoing support services, limiting the number of interviews to which a child is subjected, and providing a child-friendly and safe environment for forensic medical examinations and interviews. Because of the growing occurrences of child sexual abuse-over 2000 cases were reported in 2004 in the four counties the CAC serves-the CAC faces needs their current facility cannot meet in their effort to help children. In 2004, the CAC served 270 new children in addition to existing cases. The money from this fundraiser will go to opening their capital campaign to purchase or build a larger facility. A larger facility will provide the opportunity to have a larger playroom for the children, an area for teenagers as they wait, a training room for workers, and a larger office space for staff. For more information, check the new website CACEastTN.org.