On Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, The Child Advocacy Center will host its annual Fall Gala, "Turning Awareness Into Action," at Crown Coliseum from 6:00p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The night will feature live music by Rivermist, live and silent auctions and an opportunity for the Fayetteville community to directly support the children and families the CAC serves.
Child abuse is more common than most people realize. In 2024, Children's Advocacy Centers across North Carolina investigated more than 11,000 new cases and completed over 9,700 forensic interviews. Those numbers represent real children in real communities — including this one. The Child Advocacy Center is the only nonprofit in the Fayetteville region that conducts forensic interviews for children who have alleged abuse.
When a child discloses abuse, they need to be interviewed once, carefully, by someone trained to do it right. The CAC makes that happen. One interview, conducted in a safe, child-friendly space, is shared with every agency involved — protecting the child and strengthening the investigation.
The Fall Gala funds that work, along with child advocacy, case management, and support services for families who have nowhere else to turn.
"Awareness helps us recognize the problem, but action is what creates change. Every child deserves to be heard, believed, and supported. This event is an opportunity for our community to come together and ensure children and families have access to the services they need,” shared Genique Freeman, board member and gala committee chair for the Child Advocacy Center
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are open to individuals, businesses, and organizations. Every dollar raised stays local and goes directly toward services for children and families in Cumberland County.
EVENT DETAILS
For tickets, sponsorship packages, or to make a donation, visit www.cacfaync.org or contact Genique Freeman at (910) 964-2002 or coachwithg@gmail.com.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
