Courtesy photo.
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation will host their annual Gala on July 20, 2024, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., at the Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach in Oxnard. This year’s theme, Voices of Hope, will raise funding and awareness in support of those impacted by family violence and trauma by empowering local voices to share their stories, recount their experience with VC Family Justice Center and inspire hope in our community. Support from the Gala will in part provide sponsorships for Ventura County children to attend theCamp HOPE America – Ventura County (Camp HOPE) program, an evidence-based camping and mentoring program for children exposed to trauma. The event will also recognize three honorees for their continued contributions to our most vulnerable communities and will include live music from American Idol alumnus, Bella Lucareli, a live auction and special community engagement activities. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.vcfjcfoundation.org/
Bella Lucareli. Courtesy photo.
“Our Gala’s theme is centered around Hope and the funds we raise will provide support to victims of trauma to help end cycles of abuse and introduce hope into their lives with resources, programs and community” said Vanessa Melendrez Jimenez, Executive Development Officer ofVentura County Family Justice Center Foundation.
The 2024 Voices of Hope Gala will showcase this year’s honorees who have shown dedication to the service and support for victims of violence and trauma within Ventura County. Categories and honorees for this year are: Hero of the Year, Thomas K. Duncan, DO, FACS, FICS, Co-Director of Anacapa Surgery Associates; Champion of the Year The Honorable Brian J. Back (ret.) of the Ventura County Superior Court; and Community Advocate of the Year Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF). Following the honorees, victims of abuse will have a spotlight shone on them as they courageously use their voices to share their stories.
As part of the evening’s events, American Idol Star and Ventura County singer-songwriter, Bella Lucareli, will perform live music, showcasing a variety of genres. A live auction will offer exciting experiences from near and around Ventura County including dinner for 6 with Ventura County Fire, a tour and dog training experience with The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, a VIP SoCal experience inclusive of VIP LA Dodgers and John Fogerty tickets, and more. Hope from Reins of Hope will also be escorted around the venue to take pictures and greet attendees and the Oxnard Police Department will offer an exclusive look behind the wheel of their official fleet vehicles.
Camp HOPE uses a science-backed approach to inspire campers with lasting hope with activities focused on providing affirmation, creating pathways to hope, celebrating individuals, being solutions-centered and highlighting empowerment. These activities are intended to create an environment where kids feel safe, seen, encouraged, and loved. The cost for one camper to attend is approximately $2000. Currently, VCFJC Foundation has the resources to support 40 campers, with a goal to send many more. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.vcfjcfoundation.org/
Ventura County Family Justice Center – Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2019, Ventura County Family Justice Center is the local trusted resource center for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, dependent adult abuse, human trafficking, and hate crimes by providing judicial, social, educational, financial, and advocacy services. Their holistic approach focuses on all aspects of a person through a variety of programs that are focused on a strength-based approach to recovery. Since 2019 Ventura County Family Justice Center has aided over 10,000 adults and children from throughout Ventura County who have suffered the effects of abuse and victimization.