NOVA, Bucks County’s comprehensive crime victim services agency, announced recently that its annual gala, “A Starlit Evening,” was a success.
Over $300,000 was raised on April 19 in support of programs and services to help victims of crime and prevent violence through training and education. The event, which also honored NOVA’s 50th anniversary, was held at Spring Mill Manor, in Ivyland.
At this year’s gala, NOVA introduced the NOVA 50th Fund. This fund honors the past 50 years and prepares for the future by supporting the organization’s ongoing needs. The fund raised $106,000, which will be matched by a donation of $50,000 by an anonymous donor.
“Nearly 350 NOVA supporters attended this year’s gala,” said Penny Ettinger, executive director. “We are incredibly thankful for the overwhelming generosity and support from our sponsors, benefactors, and community members. They made our 50th Anniversary celebration truly special.
“The financial success of the event has kick-started our 50th Anniversary Fund, to raise $1 million this year. These contributions are crucial in helping us continue to provide innovative specialized services for victims of crime and to combat personal violence in Bucks County for many years to come.”
The evening’s special guest emcee was Karen Gross, singer, speaker, and founder of the media and mentorship platform “She Rocked It.” There were also performances from The Zone, pianist Kelsey Buschmann, and Westrick Music Academy.
“The overall atmosphere was nothing short of magical,” said Michelle Cash, director of development. “You could feel the excitement as you entered the venue. People were so happy to be a part of this incredibly important cause and support the work NOVA does in our community to help heal and advocate for victims of all ages of sexual assault and other serious crime in Bucks County.”
NOVA began 50 years ago as Women Organized Against Rape and to this day serves as Bucks County’s only rape crisis center. NOVA also houses the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), a multidisciplinary team comprised of law enforcement and community groups, established to protect the interests of children by providing a child-centered response to child abuse. This past year, the CAC helped 281 children and their families by providing crucial support, as well as resources to assist them in their journey toward healing and justice.
The success of the gala was due in large part to the support of businesses in the community including Super NOVA Sponsor EC Fence; NOVA Sponsor Parx Casino; Shining Star Sponsor Merck; Twinkling Star Sponsors Stark and Stark, Attorneys at Law; and Mark and Mimi Worthington.
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