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Children's Advocacy Center Gearing Up For Biggest Event of Year

One local non-profit agency is gearing up for their biggest event of the year in February.

While the event is still a month and a half away, the Children's Advocacy Network of McLean, Livingston, and DeWitt Counties are raising awareness about their organization and their "Blue Kids Benefit". Jake Walters with the Advocacy Network explains the benefit serves as a fundraiser that provides the Advocacy Center with a large chunk of their yearly budget. Walters says, over the years, the event has gone from local celebrities trying to solicit money from people to a nice evening with dinner and several items auctioned off.

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Things auctioned off through the course of the night include trips to Africa, Ireland, and stateside trips. Walters explains there is a portion of the night where they explain to those in attendance an item they have a goal of obtaining, and they basically ask for donations to acquire that. Last year, their goal was new recording equipment for their interview room. They were successful in obtaining that and have since installed and been able to use it.

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This year the focus of the fundraising effort is going to be the CASA program. Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy Center, Judy Brucker explains the CASA program is a grant only funded program, but they recruit and train community members to speak out for children currently in foster care.

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The "Blue Kids Benefit" this year is February 16th at the Uptown Marriott in Normal. Tickets are $65/person and include admission to the event and dinner. Contact Judy Brucker at 309-888-5656 to make a reservation or receive more information.

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