WOOD RIVER – 1st MidAmerica Credit Union will be the recipient of this year's Madison County Child Advocacy Center Harvest of Hope.
"We are pleased to be presenting 1st MidAmerica with the Harvest of Hope Award on Nov. 4," Madison County Child Advocacy Center Executive Director Carrie Cohen was quoted in a press release. "The credit union and its employees are an example of Hope in Action for children and families throughout Madison County."
The award will be presented during the center's annual fundraising dinner as part of an evening expected to include an auction, cocktails, fire pit raffle, spirit pull and dancing. The benefit event in support of Madison County Child Advocacy Center is scheduled 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at Villa Marie Winery, 6633 E. Main St. in Maryville.
The center provides professional intervention and supportive services in the fight against child abuse, according to its website. Its stated mission is "to provide a professional and child-friendly environment to assist in the investigation of allegations of child abuse, provide access to services and treatment for victims and their families and raise awareness within the community."
A not-for-profit financial cooperative founded in 1934 and with its main office in Bethalto, 1st MidAmerica Credit Union is the 13th largest credit union in Illinois with assets of more than $694 million and almost 60,000 members. 1st MidAmerica Credit Union operates 10 locations in the Riverbend: Edwardsville, Wood River, Bethalto, Alton, Godfrey, East Alton, Jerseyville and Granite City.
Last year, 1st MidAmerica Credit Union employees volunteered more than 4,000 hours and the credit union provided more than $140,000 in support through sponsorships and donations to various community organizations, according to the press release.
"These are just some of the reasons the credit union will receive the award during the CAC’s annual fundraising dinner," Cohen said in the release.
The benefit dinner is an annual event in support of the center, Cohen said in the press release.
"Harvest of Hope helps the Center raise funds to continue to provide the necessary services for children and families involved in allegations of severe physical and sexual abuse," she said. "We strive to ensure that every child who comes to the Center is heard, supported and connected."
The Child Advocacy Center is a resource for children who are "brave enough to disclose abuse," according to the press release. Staff at the center provide confidential, forensic interviews that allow children to share their stories one time in a safe and supportive environment, according to the press release.
The center's team is dedicated to helping children and their families find hope and healing despite an abuse allegation, Cohen said.
Anyone who would like more information about the Madison County Child Advocacy Center or Harvest of Hope may visit the center's Facebook page or call the center at 618-296-5390.