Davis House Child Advocacy Center’s 2024 Button Ball Raises Over $300,000
The Davis House Child Advocacy Center’s annual Button Ball fundraiser had a powerful impact this year, raising over $300,000 to support its mission of providing trauma-informed care to children who have suffered abuse. Held on September 7th at Liberty Hall in The Factory at Franklin, the event welcomed nearly 400 guests for an evening of learning, recognition, and support for this critical cause.
Darci Caesar, Chair of Button Ball 2024, kicked off the night by sharing her personal connection to Davis House and the importance of raising awareness for the center’s vital work. Following Caesar, Carolyn Evans, Executive Director of Davis House, spoke of the center’s critical work to help children and families heal from the trauma of abuse and the center’s partnerships with law enforcement, children’s services, and the District Attorney’s office in treating and investigating cases of abuse in Williamson County.
The evening’s keynote speaker, Jessica Willis Fisher, shared her story of resilience as detailed in her book Unspeakable. Her message of hope resonated deeply with the audience, further underscoring the importance of Davis House’s work in the community.
In an impressive show of support, the live auction, led by auctioneer Eddie Ables, raised over $160,000 for the Fund the Mission portion of the night. A generous donor even offered to match contributions, ensuring critical services for children and families in need would continue. These funds go towards specific needs and services of the agency that are not covered by state or federal funding and are vital to the mission of helping children heal from abuse and have healthy and productive lives.
The event attracted many key community leaders, including Senator Jack Johnson, Judge Deanna Johnson, and several county commissioners, aldermen, and other elected officials. Katie Myers, Board Chair for Davis House, shared her gratitude for the overwhelming support, emphasizing the significant impact the funds will have on providing essential services to children and families dealing with the trauma of abuse.
Detective Andrea Clark of the Franklin Police Department was honored with the 2024 Ronald L. Davis Award, an accolade given to individuals who embody the vision of former District Attorney Ron Davis for a child advocacy center in Williamson County. Her tireless investigative work and unwavering commitment to child safety made her a deserving recipient, and Davis House was proud to recognize her remarkable efforts.
The event also served to raise awareness about the shocking statistics surrounding child abuse. With 90% of abused children knowing their abuser and only 12% of cases being reported, Davis House is committed to changing these numbers through its wide range of services, including forensic interviews in a child-friendly environment, advocacy in the courtroom for children and families, counseling focused on healing from trauma, and educational training for children and adults on how to protect children from abuse.
The evening ended on a high note with a performance by local band Poor Lisa, leaving guests with a sense of optimism and community unity.
Looking ahead, Davis House plans to enhance its new facility and expand its reach within the community. With continued support, the organization aims to create a future where every child is safe, heard, and able to heal.
For more information on Davis House Child Advocacy Center and how to support its mission, visit their website here.
About Davis House Child Advocacy Center
Davis House Child Advocacy Center provides services to children and families affected by sexual and severe physical abuse. Serving Williamson, Hickman, Lewis, and Perry counties, the center offers a range of services including forensic interviews, court advocacy, counseling, and prevention education. Their mission is to combat child abuse by coordinating services to children and their families in crisis and providing community education focused on prevention and early intervention.
