ELKINS — The eighth annual fundraising and awards dinner for the Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center will take place on Friday, April 11.

The annual Champions for Children event will take place at 5:45 p.m. at the Orchard Hall in Elkins.

The event’s social hour will begin with appetizers at 5:45 p.m., followed by a full dinner prepared by the men and women of St. Patrick’s Church of Coalton, longtime supporters and dedicated volunteers for the CAC.

After the social hour and dinner, featuring live music, an awards ceremony will honor individuals and organizations in three award categories: Professional, Community Partners, and Samaritans.

The evening will conclude with a live auction of arts, crafts and gift packages.

“The Randolph-Tucker CAC is part of a national movement which revolutionized the United States’ response to child sexual abuse,” a CAC press release states. “Children’s Advocacy Centers across the country provide a child-friendly setting where children can talk about their experiences. 

“CACs use a team approach to respond to child abuse, working together with professionals in law enforcement, child protection, mental health, and healthcare to coordinate investigations and ongoing support, treatment, and advocacy at no cost to families. 

“The map of CACs shows 961 Children Advocacy Centers now operating nationally,” the release states. “There are 21 Child Advocacy Centers in West Virginia! Randolph and Tucker counties were added to that map in 2003 and we’re proud to say that our community was one of the first in West Virginia to establish a Children’s Advocacy Center.

The Champions for Children event is “an opportunity to come together to celebrate the remarkable contributions of professionals, volunteers, individuals, and organizations in our community who have helped support the CAC and its partners to serve our most vulnerable citizens, the children in Randolph and Tucker counties,” the release states. “Celebrate with us!”

The public is encouraged to attend and children are welcome. For more information, to inquire about tickets or to make a donation to the event online, go to https://omella.com/rlkzd or contact the CAC office by calling 304-630-2214.