The annual Champagne and Ice Gala, hosted by the Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, will feature Emmy-nominated filmmaker Sasha Joseph Neulinger.

After suffering years of sexual abuse from two uncles and a male cousin, Neulinger broke his silence to his mother when he realized his younger sister also was being abused. Neulinger created the autobiographical feature-length documentary “REWIND,” which details the years of abuse he suffered. He also is the founder of Voice for the Kids, an organization that empowers children of abuse to reclaim their voice.

“I did not choose my trauma, nor have I chosen to be defined by it. But I did choose how I responded to it, how it would contribute to the shaping of who I am today,” he said. “Through embracing my fear and confronting what scared me the most, I rediscovered my beauty and learned to harness my power. I built a loving and respectful relationship with myself and reclaimed ownership of my life… and it feels absolutely amazing!”

The Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center (NPCAC) in Minot provides a compassionate and effective way to serve children victimized by sexual abuse and other crimes.

“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 2023 we saw almost 700 children,” said Christal Halseth, NPCAC executive director.

“The Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center brings together a heroic team to fight for the most severe child abuse victims in our region while restoring hope and helping them focus on what really matters–being a kid,” Halseth said. “We work very closely with all levels of law enforcement, child protective services and prosecution.”

Families who come to NPCAC are never charged for services. Funding comes from grants and community donations, as well as events such as the Champagne and Ice Gala.

“This gala has grown into our most valuable source of funding,” Halseth said. The 14th annual gala will begin at 6 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel in Minot.

An online auction will begin on Feb. 9, concluding on Feb. 17 at 8:15 p.m. The auction will include baskets donated by area businesses, an autographed jersey and photo from the Miracle on Ice 1980 Winter Olympic hockey game, a Deion Sanders autographed full-size Dallas Cowboys helmet and guitars autographed by Kane Brown, Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson.

The gala will begin with a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres. Neulinger will present before the live auction.

Tickets are $50 per person; guests must be 21 or older to attend. Contact NDCAC for advance ticket information.

Gatsby-themed attire is encouraged, and there will be a best-dressed contest. Raffle tickets are available for a 14-karat diamond tennis bracelet valued at $10,000. Tickets are $20 each and available through any NPCAC staff or board member.