MINOT, ND (KXNET) — The Northern Plains Children's Advocacy Center (NPCAC) provides services to children victimized by sexual abuse and other crimes. All of these services provided to families are free of charge with funding coming from grants and community donations. Christal Halseth, the executive director, says that this is why the gala has grown into one of their most important events. "So no family ever receives a bill for what we provide. And in doing so we have to look to the community for support and the Champagne and Ice Gala is one of our largest sources of revenue so that we can maintain those services," Halseth said. The gala holds two different auctions with a countless number of donations such as a Shaquille O'Neal Jersey or a Justin Jefferson autographed Minnesota Vikings helmet. "We have a silent auction and a live auction. So many communities throughout Minot have donated baskets, auction items, so we're processing all of those donations and they're all lined up throughout the center right now so we can get them all prepped and ready to go for the actual event," Halseth said. Not only is the gala providing music, food, and auctions but they also have an Emmy-nominated speaker, Amanda Mustard. She's a photojournalist who focuses on her personal journey of sexual abuse. Minot Park District to host information session on half-cent sales tax "Her documentary, Great Photo Lovely Life, has shed some light on some historical sexual abuse that she has encountered in her own family and just to educate the population of you know these things exist all over," Halseth said. Melissa Bliss, a member of the NPCAC board, says that she's seen firsthand the difference attending this event makes in the community. "I've had people cry and tell me how much they learned at the gala and how it touched them and how supportive they've become of the work that is done here and that's an amazing feeling," Bliss said. Bliss says that it is important to know that even if you think it doesn't happen here, it does and that is why they need community support. "There's children that need the support and their families need the support and it can't be done without the communities support because there isn't a lot of government funding, there isn't you know just a pool of money waiting for us and so events like this, raising awareness of what they do is important so the community needs to be apart and a partner to what is done here," said Bliss. All of the proceeds from this gala go straight back into direct services for things like therapy, forensic interviews, and advocacy for the kids. Last Year the Northern Plains Children's Advocacy Center helped more than 600 children and families. This year's gala is happening on Saturday, February 15 at the Clarion Hotel in Minot. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW