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The Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center (BCCAC) and its staff provide vital services to the children of Baldwin County. Those services require funding. That is why they have added a brand-new fundraiser.

The inaugural Fall Ball is slated to be an elegant evening of music, food and fun at the picturesque Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach. The formal, black-tie optional evening is scheduled for Nov. 2 from 6-9 p.m.

BCCAC Executive Director Niki Whitaker is looking forward to the event and is grateful for the new Junior Board, made up of seven community members who have planned it.

"Just like everywhere, expenses are up and that means our budget has increased, and we have to come up with that somewhere. Unfortunately, some of our grants have decreased," Whitaker said. "We have been very fortunate to add this event that is going to help, and we have been able to find some new grants, which have helped to offset those expenses."

One of the most important aspects of the event is raising awareness and reaching new communities.

"There are a lot of new folks that have moved into our area, and with the growth creates growth within our walls as well," Whitaker said. "We want to be able to make sure that everyone knows we are here and that we are available to serve. It takes the community to come together to make it happen."

The BCCAC has been serving the most vulnerable children of Baldwin County for 35 years. The staff provides services such as forensic interviews, counseling, family and court advocate programs, medical exams and multidisciplinary team case management to victims of sexual and severe physical abuse. They also offer abuse prevention education and related programs for the community. In 2022, they provided direct intervention services to 447 children ranging in age from 3 to 18.

"Once the children walk in the door, everyone here is going to make them feel comfortable, safe and cared for," said Jessica Ware, BCCAC development director. "They know they can come back to the same location for all the counseling they need, medical exams and court advocacy. They are coming back to the same child-friendly, homelike environment with the same people. It helps them heal more quickly because they feel comfortable, and they are not having to tell their story over and over again to many different people."

The BCCAC is a private nonprofit that provides its services free of charge. Its main sources of funding come from state and local grants, private foundations, donations and fundraisers. The center operates with a staff of 11, but only six are full-time.

"There is no charge for any of the services the children receive, and they can come to counseling as long as they need to. Some of the kids might come once a week for three months while others may be here for a year or longer," Ware said. "We would not be able to function at all without the community's support. A large portion of our budget comes from public donations and local private organizations."

The BCCAC holds the Under the Stars fundraiser each April and has teamed up with other organizations and events like the Baldwin County Home Builders Association and the Full Moon Paddle in Orange Beach.

"The most important thing to us is to make sure that those who need our services are being served that they know we exist and that if they need the help, they know we are here and how to reach us," Whitaker said.

For more information on the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center, the services they provide or to purchase tickets to this or future event, visit www.baldwincountycac.org.