‘Night of Heroes’ raises $130,000 to protect kids

The Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center (Chicago CAC) hosted a new fall fundraiser Oct. 10 at the Montgomery Club. “A Night of Heroes: Protecting Children. Battling Abuse. Restoring Lives.” drew more than 300 supporters — including Chicago police officers, other first responders, politicos and community leaders — and helped raise more than $130,000 to address child sexual and physical abuse in the city.

The evening began with a VIP meet-and-greet where guests mingled with political figures, including Cook County State’s Attorney Kimberly Foxx, former Chicago Public Schools Board President and mayoral candidate Gery Chico, former Ald. Bob Fioretti, former Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, who also served as a host committee co-chair.

The event, chaired by Gregg Elstien (ChicagoCAC’s advisory board chair), included culinary stations by Gibsons Restaurant Group, a raffle, a silent auction, a photo booth and music by DJ Madrid. Superhero characters supported the event’s theme and posed for photos with attendees.

Char Rivette, ChicagoCAC executive director, encouraged the crowd to support the center’s efforts. “This is a time in our country when everyone is talking about the #MeToo movement and what’s happening to sexual abuse victims. It’s our time, as a community, to do a better job for our kids.”

Superintendent Johnson shared statistics about the collective efforts being made to safeguard children. “The ChicagoCAC handles over 2,500 investigative referral calls a year and conducts around 1,800 forensic interviews. Sadly, 66 percent of child sexual abuse involves children 12 years old and younger,” he said.

The nonprofit reports that, since opening its doors in 2001, it has served more than 34,000 children and their families. More online

Find more photos and video of this event at www.chicagotribune.com/candidcandace