Staff reports | Happenings & Events
CeCe’s Hope Center will host its annual Night of Light Gala at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, bringing together hundreds of supporters for an evening focused on Arizona’s fight against sexual exploitation.
The event will take place in a ballroom setting with music, candlelight and stories of survival, according to a press release.
Valley philanthropists Michael A. Pollack and Cheryl Pollack will be honored with the CeCe’s Hope Award, the organization’s highest recognition, the release states.
“Supporting CeCe’s Hope Center is an honor,” Mr. Pollack said. “Survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation deserve more than compassion; they deserve opportunity, empowerment and a community that refuses to let them stand alone. I am proud to stand with CeCe’s Hope Center and to help bring both resources and renewed energy to this year’s gala.”
Founded in 2017 and named for a young woman who survived years of abuse and trafficking before her death in 2016, CeCe’s Hope Center serves survivors ages 18 to 30. The nonprofit provides safe housing, meals, mental health services, life-skills training and mentorship to help women rebuild their lives.
Programs supported by the gala include:
•Safe housing and stabilization
•A 12-month residential program with phased steps toward independence
•Individualized case management and mental health services
•Financial literacy and career readiness training
•One-on-one mentorship and community connections
Mr. Pollack and Mrs. Pollack are supporting the event as Beacon of Life level sponsors and underwriting the gala’s live entertainment.
“Michael’s commitment to giving back has been a beacon of light for so many,” said Renee Lopez, co-founder and board chairman of CeCe’s Hope Center. “Our distinguished honoree award is reserved for those whose impact is transformative. Michael has not only invested in communities but also in the futures of young women who deserve the chance to reclaim their lives.”
Mr. Pollack’s philanthropic work includes support for Child Crisis Arizona, Mayo Clinic, Banner Health Foundation, Save the Family, Boys & Girls Clubs, Special Olympics and Breakthrough T1D. Through the Daniel Heath Pollack Memorial Foundation, named for his late son, he has funded projects such as a $50,000 playground and sponsored events including the Type 1 Walk.
He has also contributed to Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, which reinvests its revenues into career development and social service programs across the state.
