NOVA, Bucks County’s comprehensive crime victim service agency, is hosting A Starlit Evening, a black tie-optional gala, on Friday, April 19, from 6 to 10 p.m. at a new location, Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road, Ivyland.
The gala will raise funds to support NOVA’s free and confidential victim services for children and adults and the continuum of violence-prevention programs that NOVA brings to the community each year. To purchase tickets, make a donation or receive more information, visit novabucks.org/a-starlit-evening/.
A Starlit Evening includes a beer and wine bar, four-course dinner, curated silent auction, and live music and dancing. Special guest emcee Karen Gross will lead the evening of festivities that honors all of the staff, volunteers and supporters who have made NOVA a leader across the region in victim services and violence prevention. The event is NOVA’s largest fundraiser of the year and seeks to raise $300,000 to support NOVA’s programs and services.
A Starlit Evening will commemorate NOVA’s 50th anniversary supporting, counseling and empowering victims of sexual assault and other serious crimes in Bucks County. It all started in 1974, when a group of women recognized the need for victims’ advocacy and support for sexual assault victims. They had the insight, dedication and determination needed to establish an organization like NOVA. Their commitment to the mission of NOVA has ensured that crime victims in Bucks County have the best possible road to healing.
On the cutting edge of service delivery, NOVA provides a continuum of programs to meet individual needs, including but not limited to: a 24/7 victim helpline, forensic exams in area hospitals, forensic interviews for children who have been sexually or physically abused, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy provided in office, home or schools, legal advocacy and support through the criminal justice system. In addition, NOVA provides prevention education and professional training in schools, the community and through continuing education conferences.
“We are so excited and honored to be commemorating NOVA’s 50 years of service to the Bucks County community,” said Michelle Cash, director of development, NOVA. “While we have grown in size and impact over that time, this 50th anniversary year is really about thanking those who have brought us this far — our staff, volunteers, donors and community partners — and looking forward to what we can do together to build a safer, healthier Bucks County well into the future.”
Event sponsorship opportunities are still available, and auction item donations are being gratefully accepted. NOVA is requesting donations of gift certificates, memorabilia and more. All contributions to the event are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
For more information about sponsorships or to donate an item for the silent auction, contact Cash at 215-343-6543, Ext. 6602 or Michelle.Cash@novabucks.org.
