Center For Alexandria’s Children Celebrates With Oscar Night Gala

(Wednesday) March 10, 2010

Oscar Night Gala (Courtesy Photo)

The Center for Alexandria’s Children, a public-private partnership focused on the elimination of child abuse in the City of Alexandria, rolled out the red carpet for the inaugural Oscar Night Gala benefit held at the Belle Haven Country Club on February 25, 2010.

“The Center for Alexandria’s Children is thrilled at the success of our Inaugural Oscar Night Event, and the number of community members who joined us to celebrate the children in our community and the individuals who work with them,” said CAC Executive Director, Giselle Pelaez.  “I believe that the event served as a great introduction to many of the attendees on the work that we do within the community to protect children and strengthen families; and more importantly why each Alexandria resident should get more deeply involved going forward.”  The stars of the evening shone brightest when the Center’s Board of Directors presented the first ever Champion for Children Award to Judge Stephen W. Rideout (retired District Court judge); and the first Outstanding Dedication to Alexandria’s Children Award(s) to Laurie Meyer (Alexandria Community Services Board’s Team Leader) and Peyton Jones (Alexandria Police Department’s Youth Services Coordinator).

The event co-chairs, Lori Morris & Lauren Garcia state:  We are celebrating what a wonderful cross section of people were there.  City employees, companies, private citizens, nonprofit people.  We can’t remember another event that drew so many people together, with such spirit around one cause.   Fantastic.

Among the 225 attendees at the Academy Award themed event, which raised more than $75,000 for the Center, were Rep. Jim Moran (D-8), Mayor Bill Euille, City Councilman Paul Smedburg and Frank Fannon and Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook.