Kentucky Derby-Themed Fundraiser in Olean Supports Victim Services at CCA
Kentucky Derby-Themed Fundraiser in Olean Supports Victim Services at CCA
A Derby-inspired evening of dinner, music, and spring style will bring the community together to support survivors and raise funds for vital Victim Services programs.
One of the oldest major sporting events in America, the Kentucky Derby, takes place on the first Saturday of May each year. If watching the Derby or attending a party on Derby Day is on your calendar for Saturday, May 2nd, then you’re in luck! Connecting Communities in Action’s Victim Services is hosting a Kentucky Derby Royale Reception the week before on Saturday, April 25th. There, guests are invited to enjoy dinner, music, raffles, photos and props, and more in advance of the big day at Churchill Downs! This special event is part of CCA’s recognition of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and all funds raised support survivors of sexual assault.
Victim Services Director Breanne Abbott, LCSW, is looking forward to this brand-new event, which will be “an engaging evening of insight and entertainment.” She said, “The idea behind this is to raise funding for such a serious topic, such a serious work that we do, but in a fun way. We envisioned this idea of bringing people together…and were really inspired by people wanting to look forward to doing something that’s a little bit different, having a reason to get dressed up in the spring, and we were really inspired by the leaders with the Kentucky Derby.”
Abbott recognized the creativity of her team and their unique talents for making this event possible. “We decided this could be a great way to have some fun, take some photos, have an excuse to get people together, all while also raising money and learning about empowering women around the topic of sexual assault,” she explained.
The event is set for Saturday, April 25th from 5:00-8:00pm at the Pulaski Club of Olean, 104 North Union St. in Olean, and tickets are $25 each or $40 per couple. Tickets include dinner, music, raffle, games, photos and props, and there will also be a cash bar available through the Club. Other activities include making your own Kentucky Derby fascinator-style headwear, which Abbott noted is ideal for those guests who are planning to attend a party on Derby Day and need something special to wear! In terms of dress, Abbott said think “Southern charm meets garden party” - and who isn’t ready for that after months of winter?
All funds raised will support CCA’s Victim Services. Abbott noted that the program does receive flexible funding that is available to meet a range of needs, and CCA prioritizes utilizing all of those funds. However, additional help is also needed for situations where unexpected needs may arise. “Recent examples I think of is a family that needed dress clothes for their child to go to a musical performance, and so we were able to use donation money. We are able to use donation money to get items if someone’s moving into their first apartment after fleeing DV [domestic violence]. We’ve used volunteer funds for security cameras for individual homes, and certainly replacement clothing to take to the hospital after sexual assault. You never know what someone is leaving with, sometimes with literally just the clothes on their backs.” Other items include emergency phones, as sometimes victims must flee without them.
Victim Services’ funding also supports extensive staff training, as well as presentations to local youth on topics such as coping skills. “Donations with our program benefit all ages from birth to senior citizen, the same ages that may unfortunately be impacted by crime,” Abbott said. “We look forward to seeing adults who want to have fun and support a program we hope they’d never need.”
Whether you’re looking to plan a fun girls outing or a creative date night, CCA’s event is sure to be a great time for a wonderful cause. Tickets for this adult event are available online through CCA’s Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FKNBfBzbq/. For more information, call CCA’s main number at 716-945-1041 or email info@ccaction.org.