ALL ABOARD!!!
Join Hope’s Place Child Advocacy Center
As They Celebrate 25 Years of Service
By: Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Hope's Place Child Advocacy Center is marking a significant milestone this year as it celebrates 25 years of dedicated service to the community. Founded with the mission to support children and families affected by trauma, particularly abuse and neglect, Hope's Place has become a pillar of strength and support in the Ashland area.
Lisa Phelps, Executive Director of Hope's Place, enthusiastically shared details about their upcoming 25th-anniversary celebration, the annual Riverboat Cruise. This event not only commemorates a quarter-century of impactful service but also serves as a crucial fundraiser for the center.
"The Riverboat Cruise is one of our major fundraising events each year," explained Phelps. "It's vital for us to raise additional funds beyond grants and donations to ensure that all our services – such as trauma counseling, advocacy, specialized medical exams, forensic interviews, education, and referral services – are provided free of charge to our clients. Families never receive a bill for any of our services."
This year’s Riverboat Cruise is “A Night of Hope at Our Silver Soiree,” and is scheduled for July 27, 2024, aboard the Cincinnati Belle, this year's Riverboat Cruise promises an evening of elegance and entertainment. "Our Annual Riverboat Cruise is always the last Saturday in July. This year, with it being our 25th anniversary, we're pulling out all the stops with cocktail attire, dancing, bourbon and wine pulls, a fortuneteller, palm reader, and even a cigar bar. There's something for everyone." explained Phelps.
Reflecting on last year’s Riverboat Cruise, Phelps shared, "Last year, we raised around $10,000 through ticket sales, raffles, and direct donations. This year, we aim to match or exceed that amount. The funds raised are crucial for sustaining our programs.”
This year Hope's Place Child Advocacy Center is raffling off a FOUR THOUSAND DOLLAR Certificate to build your own vacation! Middle of the Magic Travel will help you plan your own trip to Disney, Disney Cruise or Universal Studios.
“We are only going to sell 1,000 tickets … somebody is going to win … it might as well be YOU!” Phelps stated. Tickets are $10 each. If you purchase four tickets you will get one free. The winner will be drawn live at our Riverboat Cruise on Saturday, July 27, 2024. You don’t even have to be aboard the Riverboat to win. All proceeds go directly to helping children in our community. We provide counseling as advocacy to victims of severe childhood trauma, all FREE of charge with the help of our community! To purchase tickets for the “Magical Memories Vacation Raffle,” please visit www.hopesplace.org.
In addition to the big vacation raffle there will also be various smaller raffles aboard the cruise. Anything from goods to services that have been donated by people within the community and local businesses. Phelps extended an invitation to the community to contribute to the event, saying, "If anyone would like to donate a gift for our silent auction, they can do so by dropping it off at our center in Ashland or give us a call to arrange a pickup before July 25, 2024.”
Tickets for the Riverboat Cruise are priced at $200 per individual, with sponsorship opportunities also available. Phelps detailed the evening's offerings: "Guests can enjoy appetizers, an open bar, a buffet dinner with multiple options, and of course, entertainment."
Beyond the festivities, Phelps emphasized the deeper significance of supporting Hope's Place: "This event is not just about celebrating; it's a way to raise awareness about an often-difficult topic – child abuse. Many people are uncomfortable discussing it or believe it doesn't happen in their community. Unfortunately, we saw over 400 cases just this past year right here in Ashland Kentucky. By attending the cruise, you're not only enjoying a night out but also learning how you can make a difference. Your ticket purchase directly supports our mission here at Hope's Place Child Advocacy Center. "
For more information about the Riverboat Cruise or to purchase tickets, visit www.hopesplace.org or call 606.325.4737. As Hope's Place prepares to embark on its next 25 years of service, the support from the community remains important in ensuring every child receives the care and protection they deserve.
Comments