The Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County (CAP) recently held its second annual Diamond Dinner Auction. Thanks to the Chautauqua County community, more than $13,000 was raised in support of CAP's efforts to end child abuse in Chautauqua County and to bring healing, hope and justice to children impacted by abuse.
This year's event honored recent Child Protective Services retiree, Linda Costanzo for her 32 years of service with Chautauqua County. Champion of Children Organizational honorees included Christ First Methodist Church and Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant for their extensive donation of labor and skill, and The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, The Cummins Foundation, and The R. C. Sheldon Foundation, for financial backing to realize the expansion of CAP's Jamestown location.
Held at Chautauqua Golf Course, the festive event featured bidding on an assortment of live and silent auction items, including a Brussels Griffon puppy, donated by Joann Wiles. The puppy was so popular that as a surprise, a second puppy was auctioned.
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Submitted Photo
The 2012 CAP Board — front row, from left: Edwin Rodriguez Jr., Jana McDermott and Marcia Bliss. Back row: Elizabeth Korcyl, Andrew Hill, Chadwick Murray, Cynthia Lamb, Cynthia DiNapoli and Sylvia Swan. Additional members not pictured: Rob Kocur, Vicki James, Donna Vanstrom, Brian Masciadrelli, Paula Pichon and Jody Peterson.
"CAP would like to thank our many donors, who by contributing financial support, auction items, goods or services, helped make the Diamond Dinner a resounding success," said Jana McDermott, CAP's executive director. "Whether you made a donation or took home a great item, CAP's goal was to raise friends and funds to keep kids safe."
Event sponsors included Cummins, Inc. Jamestown Engine Plant; Media One Group; FSC Systems, LLC; Afloral.com; Jamestown Pediatrics; Zonta; SKF; DFT Communications; Carlson's Jewelry Smithing; Merritt Estate Winery; and Andriaccio's Italian Restaurant and Catering. Carlson's Jewelry Smithing donated a diamond pendant, which was won by Dr. and Mrs. Peter Robinson.
Look for this event to become an annual community highlight. Plans are already under way for the third annual Diamond Dinner and support is welcomed.
CAP is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending child abuse. CAP brings together a team of community agencies and professionals to create a child-first approach to physical and/or sexual abuse. Coordinating investigative and intervention services in a child-friendly setting, ensures children are not re-victimized by the very systems designed to help and protect them. CAP also provides education and awareness to community residents in order to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. CAP is a United Way Agency. To learn more about CAP or to contribute to fundraising activities, contact McDermott at 405 W. Third Street, Jamestown, or by calling 338-9844.
