Former National Football League player Gaelin Elmore will be guest speaker at the annual Champagne and Ice Gala of the Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center (NPCAC) on Saturday, Feb. 14.

The NPCAC provides a compassionate and effective way to serve children victimized by sexual abuse and other crimes. Funding for NPCAC comes from grants and community donations, so events such as the gala are vital in continuing to serve children and families, NPCAC stated in announcing the event. All center services are offered free. In 2025, the center helped just under 600 children and their families.

“Centers like this significantly reduce the trauma associated with child abuse and assists in holding offenders accountable,” said Christal Halseth, NPCAC executive director. “Statistics show that without an advocacy center, a child will have to tell their story as many as 17 times.”

Elmore will share his story of resilience and hope, serving as a reminder of the life-changing difference caring adults can make in the lives of children who have faced adversity.

The Champagne and Ice Gala begins at 6 p.m. in the Clarion Hotel with hors d’oeuvres. Elmore will present before the live auction. Tickets are available from NPCAC. Guests must be age 21 or older. Gatsby-themed attire is encouraged, and there will be a best dressed contest.

An online auction will begin on Feb. 7, concluding on Feb. 14 at 8:15 p.m. The auction will include baskets donated by area businesses, an autographed Shaquille O’Neal Lakers jersey, a Franklin baseball glove autographed by Sammy Sosa, autographed and framed photos including from TJ Oshie, Taylor Swift, Purple People Eaters and Joe Mauer and guitars autographed by Post Malone and Kelly Clarkson. The bidding site is located on NPCAC’s Champagne and Ice online page.