Safe & Sound Child Advocacy Center set to host their 11th Annual Art + Advocacy Auction
I had the recent pleasure of sitting down with Safe & Sound Child Advocacy Center’s Executive Director, Keven Heye, to learn more about the vital work they do for families in Midland County, and about the upcoming Art + Advocacy Auction. Let’s dive in.
Max: Safe & Sound Child Advocacy Center plays a vital role in our community by working to prevent child abuse and neglect. Kevin, could you share more about the center's efforts and how it fulfills its mission here in Midland?
Kevin: Our team at Safe & Sound CAC truly believes that the prevention of child abuse and neglect starts with providing education, training, and support to our community and their families. Our staff work closely with partner agencies to connect families with the resources that they need during a time of uncertainty. We offer a variety of programs and services that address both prevention and intervention. The more people know, the better equipped they are to protect their children and advocate for others. We give a voice to those that need it most.
M: Preventing child abuse and neglect is a critical mission. How does Safe & Sound work towards this goal, and what impact has it had on the community?
K: Safe & Sound offers a wide array of programs and services for the community at no cost to the families. Some of our key programs are Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Child Abuse Prevention Training, Safe Sleep Initiative, and Car Seat Safety. In addition, we partner with the schools to provide educational programs for third and fourth graders throughout the county.
Safe & Sound staff members pose for a photo at the 2023 Art + Advocacy Auction.
M: The 11th Annual Art + Advocacy Auction sounds like a fantastic event. What can attendees expect from this event, and how does it support the work of Safe & Sound?
K: Funds raised support our Intervention and Prevention services to ensure that everyone gets the help that they need. Attendees can expect great food from Menu Manager, entertainment from Electric Kitch, a live auction, and a raffle, including art from local artists. Tickets can be purchased online. Another highlight for this event is we will have artists at the event painting a one-of-a-kind Art piece that will be part of our live auction. There will also be a live auction with Jason Marsh from J Marsh Auction House – this alone is worth the price of admission.
Raffle items from the 2023 Art + Advocacy Auction
M: What community partners are involved in making a big event like this a success?
K: It takes the whole community coming together for this to be a successful event. We could not do this without our community partners, sponsors, local artists, volunteers, board members, interns, and staff. Special thanks to our presenting Sponsor Three Rivers Corporation and Creative 360 for hosting our event.
Rev. Wally Mayton addresses the audience at 2019’s Art + Advocacy Auction.
M: Aside from attending events like the Art + Advocacy Auction, how else can the Midland community support the work of Safe & Sound Child Advocacy Center?
K: The Midland community can support the work of Safe & Sound Child Advocacy Center by advocating for children and families that need support and helping eliminate the stigma of speaking up. They can also support us financially through our website, or during Give Local on May 7th through the Midland Area Community Foundation.
Additionally, they can attend our Superhero event at the Great Lakes Loons game on Sunday, April 21st. All kids will get a cape and will be able to run the bases after the game. Tickets can be purchased through the Loons or on our Facebook page.
M: Looking ahead, what are Safe & Sound's goals and initiatives for the future, and how do you envision the organization growing and making an even greater impact in Midland?
K: Safe & Sound's goals and initiatives for the future include expanding our reach in the community by offering additional school-based programs, growing our network of partner agencies, and continuing to advocate for kids. Together, we can help all kids heal and learn to thrive again.
M: Thank you for your time today, Kevin. I hope the event is a huge success to support the continued work of Safe & Sound!
Do you have a Midland County story you would like to tell that aligns with our vision?