Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County (CAC) hosted its fourth annual Ginormous Climb on Saturday, April 1, 2017 raising over $140,000 to support their work on behalf of children and families. Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Police Department Superintendent in Chief William Gross kicked off the event and encouraged climbers, including Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley and Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans, who scaled all 60 stories of 200 Clarendon, formerly known as the John Hancock Tower.
The Ginormous Climb, held at the start of Child Abuse Awareness month, raises money to support the CAC, a non-profit organization that unites public, private and community partners to promote safety, healing and justice for child victims and their families.
“The Children’s Advocacy Center is a cornerstone in our community,” said Mayor Walsh. “With the unquantifiable backing they provide children and families burdened by abuse, CAC makes Suffolk County a more valuable community for all.”
“If you think climbing 60 flights of stairs is tough, consider what these kids are going through,” District Attorney Dan Conley said. “Not only have they suffered abuse at the hands of adults who were supposed to protect them, but they’re disclosing it and testifying in detail to strangers in an unfamiliar environment. They’re the real faces of strength, endurance, and overcoming challenges.”
Executive Director Susan Goldfarb remarked on the fundraiser’s growing success, “As our fourth annual climb, we are grateful to see the event again grow to new heights. We exceeded our 2017 goals, securing 70+ volunteers, over 400 climbers and more than $140,000 in contributions—$30,000 more than our 2016 event. These resources are pivot in our organization’s ability to service Suffolk Country children and families.”
Each year, more than 1,500 children are referred to the CAC as a result of abuse and violence in their lives. The Ginormous Climb has helped increase awareness of sexual and physical abuse and the exploitation of children in the Boston area, and raised significant funds to support the CAC’s mission.
About Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County:
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County, a fully accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The CAC unites public, private and community partners to promote safety, healing and justice for child victims and their families with a coordinated and comprehensive response to abuse. Serving more than 1,500 children annually, the CAC’s multidisciplinary team partners with more than 25 agencies to reduce stress and improve outcomes throughout the abuse investigation, intervention and healing process. Additional information about the CAC, programs and services is available at www.suffolkcac.org.
