Tickets are on sale now for the 7th Annual Child Advocacy Center’s Pinwheel Masquerade Ball and Auction to Unmask Child Abuse. The event is scheduled for Oct. 2 from 7-11 p.m. at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens.

The Pinwheel Masquerade Ball is one of the CAC's signature fundraising events and the public is invited to participate.

The CAC was founded in 1993 by a group of concerned local professionals seeking to coordinate services provided to child abuse victims and their families. The CAC provides a safe and child-friendly environment where professionals from community agencies come together to interview, investigate and to provide support for abused children and their families.

This results in a collaborative approach of professionals from Child Protective Services, the District Attorney’s office, law enforcement, Guardian ad Litem, Military Family Services, social workers, victim advocates as well as medical and mental health professionals to provide a coordinated, comprehensive response to victims and their caregivers.

By having a collaborative approach, the CAC reduces the number of interviews for child victims of abuse by providing specially trained professionals to conduct forensic interviews in a centralized location. National research has determined that this type of coordinated approach can help alleviate trauma for children, increase the prosecution rate of perpetrators, and be fiscally beneficial to the community.

CAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded through the generosity of corporate, state, organization and foundation grants; corporate and individual donations; in-kind contributions; and event sponsorships. There is no charge for services provided to child victims of abuse referred to the CAC.

Organizers for the Pinwheel Masquerade Ball invite everyone to don a mask and enjoy a gala evening of dancing and food and drinks from our culinary sponsors. Entertainment will include a DJ, dance demonstrations, photo booth fun, live and silent auctions for amazing prize packages, and mask contests.

Standard pricing is $100 per person or $175 per couple, and reserved tables of 8 are $1200. Tickets and tables can be purchased in person at the CAC or order online at www.cacfaync.org/.

If you are unable to join this year’s Pinwheel Masquerade Ball and Auction, you can still help to provide healing and hope to the children at the CAC. Donations are always welcome and very much appreciated and can be done online or in person at the CAC.

Attendees at this year’s Ball are offered the chance to get a “Trip of a Lifetime.” It is a chance to give now and travel later as winners will have three years with no blackout dates to enjoy their prize.

A sampling of this year’s trips include:
The Wine, Wonder and Romance of France
The excitement and beauty of Paris and the romantic chateaux and vineyards of the finest wine region of France.

The Pleasures and Treasures of Tuscany
For food, fun and laughter, there’s no better place than Tuscany where, on your seven-day trip, the two of you will see incomparable treasures and art in Florence and learn to be spectacular chefs during your cooking class in an authentic Tuscan kitchen.

Sedona Spa Getaway
Get away from it all, unwind and relax during your four-day, three-night spa retreat in breathtaking Sedona, Arizona. Along with your day trip to the Grand Canyon, this oasis of personal pampering will refresh your mind, body and spirit.

Iceland — The Land of Fire and Ice
Discover wild wonders in the land of the Vikings! Glistening glaciers, therapeutic hot springs, thundering waterfalls and amazing wildlife make Iceland the “Land of Fire and Ice.”

Spain
The best of Spain — Barcelona a cultural hub — rich in history, fashion, architecture, food, music and dance. Then you are off to the island of Mallorca, known for its breathtaking landscapes, sun drenched beaches and exciting cultural experiences.

Alaskan Cruise
As America’s last frontier, exploring Alaska is an adventure you’ll treasure forever. Ten thousand-year-old glaciers, as well as whales and polar bears, are some of the sights and sounds of Alaska that will thrill you! Our winning couple will jet to Seattle where you’ll begin your cruise with a comfortable outside cabin, creating memories of an adventure as big as Alaska itself!

This annual fundraiser for the CAC could not happen without the hard work and dedication of many people in the community. This year’s event is co-chaired by Jackie Davis and Julie Lee-Jacobs. Committee members include Jennifer Britt, Tim Edwards, Beth Lee, Chris Lee, Juelle McDonald, Robin Hurmence, Lucy Jones, Mary McCoy, Sharon Mozingo, Jennifer Taft and Christina Quantock. This energetic committee has been working diligently to ensure that this is a not-to-be-missed event.

Organizers are thankful for all of the Pinwheel Masquerade Ball Event Sponsors, Culinary Sponsors and Corporate Benefactors as their support helps the CAC to continue to provide hope, help and healing to victims of child abuse.

Platinum Sponsors: 5-Star Entertainment; Debbie Bender Designs; Healy Wholesale; A New Leaf Therapeutic Services PLLC

Gold Sponsors: Up & Coming Weekly; Saam’s Party Tents, Inc.

Silver Sponsors: The Law Office of Robin Weaver Hurmence

Blue Sponsors: Berkshire Hathaway All American Homes; Callahan & Rice Insurance Group; Clerk of Superior Court-Lisa Scales; District Attorney Billy West; Gift of Dance & Photography; Firehouse Subs Glensford Drive; Healing Minds Therapeutic Services PLLC; James H. Cooke, Jr., Attorney at Law; TRP Sumner, PLLC; Valley Auto World; Valley Radiology; Valley Regional Imaging; Williams Printing & Office Supply

Other sponsors include: Timothy D. Edwards, Attorney at Law; Hardin Law Firm PLLC; Beaver Courie Law Firm; Hatley Law Firm; Le Bleu Central Distributions; Keller Williams Realty; Movement Mortgage; Cape Fear Distillery; AmFund

Culinary Sponsors include some of the best restaurants and shops in town: Aisha’s; The BarBQue Guy; Burney’s of Fayetteville; Carrabba’s Italian Grill; Dorothy’s Catering 2; Metro Diner; Elite Catering; Southern Coals; Bees and Boards Charcuterie Company; Nona Sushi Asia; Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux; Blue Pineapple Bakery; Harris Teeter; Luigi’s Italian Chophouse & Bar; Superior Bakery and The Sweet Palette

For more information about CAC’s Pinwheel Masquerade Ball, to purchase tickets or become a sponsor visit www.cacfaync.org/.