Child Advocates celebrates 20 years with a gala on November 15

NEVADA COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE a generous group, donating four percent of their annual income, or about $2,200, per year to nonprofits, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. They realize the benefit of nonprofits in sustaining and advancing a community’s quality of life.

We regularly write about performing arts nonprofits, but the holidays are a good time to think about the health-and-human services ones. One notable example is Child Advocates of Nevada County, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. The group’s services and programs save, recover and enhance children’s lives, making a real and tangible difference.

This year, Child Advocates and Bobbie Swanson, honorary chairperson and founding director, are presenting a memorable benefit dance concert called “Hearts & Hands” to recognize its service to the community.

On Friday, November 15, the non-profit is organizing a magical evening with wines, elegant desserts, a no-host bar and a dance concert featuring Lorraine Gervais and her band at Miners Foundry Cultural Center in Nevada City.

Lorraine Gervais is a local singer and songwriter with a lifetime of experience singing soul, blues and jazz with a unique style. She’s shared stages with Mavis Staples, the Pointer Sisters, Etta James and Pete Escovedo. As a concert producer and mentor, she also showcases regional artists and female vocalists who live in the foothills.

Antonio’s Catering will provide delicious desserts. Reservations are $75 per person. To make your reservations, call 530-265-9550, x225, or visit caofnc.org.

Money raised from this event will allow Child Advocates to continue to provide advocacy, education and pre- ventative services to help children grow up free from abuse and neglect.

The nonprofit’s programs include Welcome Baby, where volunteers and staff greet newborns and their moms in the hospital with resources and reassurance.

The Foothills and Truckee Healthy Babies program offers home visits for parents and babies in need of support. The group’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (or CASA) stand with children during dependency court proceedings, so each child’s needs are recognized and addressed.

The Child Safety Puppeteers program incorporates puppet shows, discussions and songs to teach children to identify abusive and bullying behavior, say no, and ask for help from trustworthy adults.

“To celebrate our 20th anniversary and to help us better tell our story, we are launching our campaign ‘Stand Up for Children,’” says Executive Director Laura Harter. “We ‘Stand Up for Children’ because abused and neglected children cannot stand alone.”