Supporting Survivors: Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center’s Spring Luncheon

Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center hosted its Annual Spring Luncheon, A Garden Experience, on May 17. Over 250 guests joined together for this inspiring fundraising event in support of survivors of sexual violence. Sponsors and donors helped exceed fundraising goals for this annual event. Two former ZCenter clients bravely shared their stories about ZCenter’s impact on their healing.

“On behalf of the survivor community, I want to thank you all for attending today," One speaker said. "Your personal and corporate support is felt and cherished by every one of us that walks through Zacharias Center’s front doors.”

Keynote speaker Rose McGowan spoke about the hope that comes with healing and expressed the importance of standing with survivors. ZCenter is grateful for the outpouring of support from all who helped make the event one its most successful.

All proceeds from this luncheon will directly support programs for survivors and the community in an effort to end sexual violence. The funds raised from this event will help ZCenter overcome recent Federal and State funding cuts. ZCenter and all other Illinois rape crisis centers experienced a 49% cut in federal funding last year, with these reduced budgets anticipated to continue over for at least the next two years. Survivors deserve quality crisis services. ZCenter will continue to provide innovative, comprehensive supportive programs to survivors at no cost to them or their families while navigating the challenges created by budget setbacks.

For more information about ZCenter and upcoming events, visit zcenter.org.