MISSION POSSIBLE
Annual gala raises $500K to combat child abuse
>> Supporters and friends of Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center raised more than half a million dollars last weekend for victims of child abuse in Montgomery County at the 14th Annual Mission Possible Fundraising Gala.
Nearly 250 of Montgomery County’s biggest and most enthusiastic child advocates gathered at Philadelphia Country Club on Friday, April 28, to support healing and justice for victims of child abuse.
The evening honored long-time Mission Kids supporters and friends, Kina
Simeone Clark and Harry Clark of Clark Capital Management Group in Philadelphia. With more than 100 event sponsors, gift-in-kind donors, and preferred partners, the feelings of hope, healing, and support for children in need were palpable throughout the evening.
In addition to a competitive
live auction, a luck-ofthe-draw wine pull featuring 65 bottles of premium wine and a bottle of Opus One 1995 Red, and a raffle for an exquisite pair of Bernie Robbins Collection diamond earrings, Mission Kids’ gracious supporters raised an astounding, record-setting $103K during the evening’s live donation appeal, bringing the gala’s grand total raised to more than $500,000.
“We can’t thank our community enough for the support they continue to show us,” said Mission Kids’ Chief Executive Officer of Services and Operations Leslie Slingsby. “Last year, Mission Kids connected with over 1,200 children who needed our services, and that number continues to grow each year. Because of the support from our amazing community, we were able to provide services for these children that they desperately need to begin the healing process following abuse.”
Thanks to the success of the “Mission Possible” gala, Mission Kids can continue to provide these services — including trauma therapy, support through the court process, medical evaluation referrals, caregiver advocacy, and so much more — for another year.
“Our services are crucial for children who have experienced abuse to properly heal from something that was never their fault,” said Slingsby. “We simply couldn’t do it without the support of our community. We’re grateful beyond measure for those who help us
make a difference in these children’s lives. Their future depends on it, and we can’t thank you enough.”
To celebrate the evening’s success and the wonderful honorees, the renowned Renaissance Orchestra brought down the house as gala attendees danced the night away in support of Mission Kids.
In addition to the generous sponsors and gala supporters, Mission Kids would also like to thank the staff, Board of Directors, Host Committee, volunteers, and Gala Co-Hosts Pauline LeVan, Beverly Torsilieri, and Beth Turchi who made the 14th Annual Mission Possible Fundraising Gala one of the best yet.
Year after year, the support from Montgomery County allows Mission Kids to provide children with a sense of safety and start the healing process following abuse. On behalf of Mission Kids, thank you for making our Mission Possible.