Inaugural Gala, CSVAC Goes Medieval in the Quest to End Violence
Aug. 22, 2009 (Annual Gala)
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 2, 2009) -- Guests were treated like royalty at a recent benefit for The Center for the Study on the Violence Against Children (CSVAC). The first-ever fundraising gala for CSVAC was held at CastlePost, the familiar Versailles Road landmark better known simply as “the castle.” In the shadow of medieval-styled turrets, guests enjoyed wine tastings, silent auctions and music provided by the Lexington Singers Children’s Choir – all to benefit the work of CSVAC in the study and prevention of violence against children.
Broadcasting legend and Kentucky native Nick Clooney served as master of ceremonies for the event, and opening remarks were delivered by UK President Lee T. Todd Jr. and UK men’s basketball head coach John Calipari. Calipari was joined by men’s basketball assistant coach Scott Padgett and his wife Cynthia – both UK College of Social Work alumni.
Awards recognized invitees who have been instrumental in the fight to stop violence against children. Clooney was honored with the Children’s Peace Award, in recognition of the humanitarian work of the Clooney family in the war-torn region of Darfur. For her work on childhood poverty and violence against children, UK alumna and actress Ashley Judd was named as the recipient of the Children’s Voice Award. The Friend of the Children award was given to Nancy Rawlings, a CSVAC Community Council member whose fundraising work was key to the establishment of CSVAC.
Other highlights included remarks from Kay Hoffman, former dean of the College of Social Work, Ginny Sprang, CSVAC director and Jonathan Miller, secretary for the Kentucky Cabinet of Finance and Administration.
CSVAC is a coordinated partnership between the UK College of Social Work and the UK College of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, and employs scientists and clinicians who are actively engaged in a wide range of basic and applied research investigations, program development and evaluation, clinical technology design, implementation, testing, dissemination and public policy consultation.
To learn more about CSVAC and opportunities to support the center in its mission to end violence against children, visit csvac.uky.edu or call (859) 543-0078.