This year’s Champagne & Ice Gala, hosted by the Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m.

Jenna Quinn, author of “Pure in Heart,” TED speaker and namesake of Jenna’s Law, will tell her true story of how, as a 16-year-old, she broke free from years of sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted family friend and coach.

The NPCAC provides a compassionate and effective way to serve children victimized by sexual abuse and other crimes. Families that come to NPCAC are never charged for services. Funding for NPCAC comes from grants and community donations, so events like this are vital in continuing to serve children and families.

“Centers like this significantly reduce the trauma associated with child abuse and assists in holding offenders accountable. Every year, we serve more children than the last; in 2021 we saw more than 400 victims,” said Christal Halseth, NPCAC executive director. “This gala has grown into our most valuable source of funding.”

Tickets for the 12th annual event are available at https://npcac.cbo.io. Tickets are $50/person. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Cocktail attire is encouraged and there will be a best dressed contest.

An online auction will begin on Feb. 18, concluding on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. The auction will include baskets donated by area businesses, an autographed Avengers Endgame poster, sponsored by the North Dakota Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7, and an autographed Carson Wentz Philadelphia Eagles Jersey. The bidding site is located on the NPCAC Champagne & Ice page at https://npcac.cbo.io.

Raffle tickets are available for a shimmering Naledi diamond pendant donated by Knowles Jewelry of Minot. The gorgeous piece is .89 carat diamonds set in 14k white gold, valued at $6,300. The necklace is showcased at Knowles Jewelry and tickets also are sold there.

Tickets are $20 each and are available through any NPCAC staff or board member. Please call 852-0836 or email christal@northernplainscac.org for further information.

The gala will begin with a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres. Quinn will speak prior to the live auction and raffle for the diamond necklace. Gala updates can be found on NPCAC’s Facebook page.

Founded in 2007, NPCAC opened a Bottineau location in 2020 and Williston location in 2021, making services more accessible for rural areas.

“Services offered by NPCAC are forensic interviews, specialized therapy, family advocacy and coordination of multi-disciplinary teams,” Halseth said. “We work very closely with all levels of law enforcement, child protective services and prosecution.”