GIVING BACK

Lt. Ryan Robbins, Dawn Westgate and Angie Clifton Bill Catsulis

Seth and Kimberly Montsingo Tom Ingram and Jennifer Yancey Ben and Danielle Marciano

Kimberly’s Center hosts its annual charity event.

// BY RONALD W. WETHERINGTON

Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection is the Marion County children’s advocacy center, a not-for-profit that has served our community’s abused and neglected children since 1966. Marion County has a deep and lasting commitment to Kimberly’s Center.

In 1996, a task force of professionals and community leaders formed to consider a better, more sensitive way to respond to children who had been the victims of physical or sexual abuse. These individuals envisioned a place where children would have a safe, child-friendly environment to talk about their abuse. Out of this commitment, Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection was formed.

Recently, Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection hosted its signature fundraising event, Art & Soul, raising over $165,000 in donations and sponsorships. This is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

This year, the event honored the challenges faced and conquered during the pandemic as well as the construction of an outdoor therapeutic play area. The organization’s executive director, Dawn Westgate, proudly shared that, during a recent national accreditation site visit, Kimberly’s Center was noted as being an exceptional center and was recommended for continued full accredited status. The evening’s donor impact statement was given by Zone Health and Fitness owner Danielle Marciano. Danielle and her husband, Ben, have been long time donors to Kimberly’s Center. Kim Van Kampen, a major figure in the equestrian community and owner of Hampton Green Farm, surprised guests with a Christmas-themed dressage show.

As Kimberly’s Center moves into 2021, the organization is aware its need is larger than ever before.

Kimberly’s Center offers tours on the first Friday of each month. The team at Kimberly’s Center welcomes opportunities to share their mission with corporations and local businesses. To make a donation or schedule a tour, visit kimberlyscenter.org.