Judge Connie Frogale, second from left, was an honoree at the Center for Alexandria’s Children Banding Together concert to end child abuse Feb. 1 at the Durant Center. Pictured are: Sean Sherlock, Frogale, CAC executive director Giselle Pelaez and board chair Melissa Riddy.
The rock stars of Alexandria were out in force as the Center for Alexandria’s Children held its Banding Together Gala, a sold-out concert raising $194,000 dollars for the fight against child abuse Feb. 1 at the Durant Center.
Banding Together: A Benefit Concert to End Child Abuse, was the culminating event of CAC’s HeartWork Annual Campaign to support efforts in preventing and ending child abuse.
“Thanks to the support of 85 HeartWork Annual Sponsors, including 43 local businesses, we can continue our vital programs aimed at preventing abuse and providing intervention and education for families in need," said CAC executive director Giselle Pelaez.
During the event, CAC’s board of directors honored Judge Constance Frogale (ret.) with the Outstanding Dedication to Children Award. Campagna Center CEO Tammy Mann and former CAC Board Member Judy Harmatz were honored with the Champion for Children Award for their outstanding contributions to children and families in Alexandria.
"These honorees represent the heart of our community’s efforts to support children,” said CAC board chair Melissa Riddy. “We could not accomplish our mission without their dedication and the continued collaboration of so many others."
The gala featured performances by Blue North and Guilty Ghost as part of the Banding Together theme.
“We are grateful for everyone who has answered the call to make Alexandria a safer place for children and families,” Pelaez said. “Child abuse doesn’t discriminate based on income, education or ethnicity. And we still need the help of those who can make a difference. It takes heart. It takes work. It takes all of us to end child abuse.”
CenterforAlexandriasChildren.org
Honoree Judy Harmatz, third from right, with CAC executive director Giselle Pelaez, Lori Morris, Cathy David, Kris Clark and Melissa Riddy.