ANAHEIM HILLS, Calif., May 27, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, a charity organization committed to providing homes, care, treatment and supportive services for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children and their families, today announced it netted more than $260,000 at this year's Blue Ribbon Gala, which took place on Saturday, May 16 at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort in Newport Beach. Canyon Acres will use the funds to support signature programs, such as Wraparound and Creating Family Connections (CFC).
The Blue Ribbon Gala is Canyon Acres' premier fundraiser to benefit abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children throughout Southern California who come into Canyon Acres' care. The black-tie event features dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions. This year, more than 230 guests attended; event co-chairs were Mary & Patrick Dirk, Carol Eastman and Sofia & Jim Riley. Major event sponsors were TROY Group, Inc., Gemini Industries, Inc. and Yard House.
"We are very grateful to all of the corporate and individual donors who made this event possible," said Clete Menke, President of Canyon Acres. "Funds raised play a critical role in our ability to provide hope, love and care to Southern California's most severely abused and neglected children."
The event also featured a moving testimony from Ricky Martinez, who was reunited with an aunt and more than 20 extended family members after many years of separation. Martinez is an alumnus of CFC, a program that searches for and engages long-lost family members of children who have been in the child welfare system for many years. CFC is one of nine signature Canyon Acres programs that rely more and more on private and institutional donations.
In addition, each gala honors individuals, corporations and organizations that exemplify former board member and staunch supporter the late Jim Murray's spirit and dedication to Canyon Acres. This year, Canyon Acres recognized Paul, Hastings, Janofsky and Walker, LLP for their pro bono legal support; Patrick & Mary Dirk for their fundraising and private donations; and Bock Communications for pro bono public relations and marketing.
For more information about Canyon Acres or to make a donation, please visit www.canyonacres.org.
ABOUT CANYON ACRES
Canyon Acres Children and Family Services has been serving children throughout Orange County since 1980 providing the highest level of care and therapeutic treatment to children who suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological disorders. Canyon Acres gives children nurturing, treatment, and opportunities that they need to grow up in safe, loving, and stable families. For more information about Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, contact Bock Communications at + 1-714-540-1030 or canyonacres@bockpr.com or visit the Canyon Acres Children and Family Services web site at www.canyonacres.org.