The Center for Alexandria’s Children raised $65,000 as it honored community philanthropist Brooke Sydnor Curran and Inova Health Systems FACT Director Mary Hale at its annual CAC Gala Feb. 27 at the Old Dominion Boat Club.

Hale received the 2020 Outstanding Dedication to Alexandria’s Children Award and Curran was honored with the 2020 Champion for Children Award.

“Mary and Brooke are emblematic of the impact we can have in the lives of our community’s children,” said Center Board Chair Kerry Donley in bestowing the awards. “Brooke has envisioned a future where all of Alexandria’s children, regardless of their background or circumstance, are able to succeed in school and life as happy, healthy individuals. We are grateful to be a beneficiary of Brooke’s efforts to uplift children’s lives.”

Commonwealth Attorney Brian Porter commended Hale for her dedication to ensuring that sexual assault patients will no longer suffer long delays in receiving services for trauma.

“Thanks to Mary’s dogged advocacy for victims of abuse, Inova Health System in Fairfax is now the only hospital in Northern Virginia that has a forensic team that serves patients in need around the clock. Mary ensured that survivors of abuse are cared for promptly and respectfully,” Porter said.

In addition to Porter, Mayor Justin Wilson and Chief of Police Michael Brown were among the 150 attendees of the event.

The Center is the city’s only Child Advocacy Center and provides a safe haven and professional help for abused and neglected children. Additionally, it offers programs that strengthen families through its signature Learn & PlayGroup program and community training to empower adults to protect children.

As a public-private partnership, the Center relies on private, local and state funding. “It’s important for us to get the word out, to help the community see and understand the work that we do,” said community volunteer Kim Davis.

Of the funds raised at the Gala, $12,000 will be earmarked to create the Center’s 10th Learn & PlayGroup. Primarily funded through private donations, the popular PlayGroup program fills a void for children ages 0 to 5 years and their caregivers.

Founded in 2007, the Center for Alexandria’s Children provides comprehensive services to children who have reported abuse. It has expanded its scope to include prevention, education and outreach programs aimed at eliminating child abuse within the community through training programs and the specialized Learn & PlayGroup program aimed at strengthening families.

www.centerforalexandriaschildren.org.