The Child Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes is calling on the community to help support children and families affected by abuse during its annual “Shine Bright for Children” Gala next month in Geneva.
The fundraiser, scheduled for June 12 at Ventosa Vineyards, will help fund trauma-informed services, prevention education and advocacy efforts across the Finger Lakes region as demand for support services continues to grow.
The gala will run from 6 to 11 p.m. at Ventosa Vineyards on Route 96A in Geneva. Tickets are $150 per person, $200 per couple, or $850 for a table of eight. Organizers said proceeds will support advocacy services, forensic interviews, coordinated investigative support and connections to healing resources for children who have experienced abuse.
According to the organization, the Child Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes served 262 children throughout 2025 through coordinated services that included advocacy, forensic interviewing, outreach programs and prevention education. The agency works alongside law enforcement, social services, prosecutors, medical professionals and schools to support children and families navigating traumatic situations.
Executive Director Ashley Davoli said the event is intended to unite the community around protecting vulnerable children and ensuring families have access to compassionate support systems.
“As the needs of our community continue to grow, so does the importance of ensuring children and families have access to coordinated, compassionate support,” Davoli said. “The Shine Bright for Children Gala is an opportunity for our community to come together in support of healing, hope, and protection for vulnerable children throughout the Finger Lakes.”
Davoli has worked with children and families in the region for more than a decade, beginning her career in 2011 as a forensic interviewer with the Finger Lakes Child Abuse Response Team before advancing into leadership roles focused on trauma-informed care and advocacy.
The organization said its outreach efforts have expanded beyond direct services in recent years, with staff and volunteers participating in school programs, local fairs, National Night Out events and online safety education initiatives for caregivers and families. Additional prevention and awareness programming is planned throughout 2026.
Board member Ray Ciancaglini, founder of The Second Impact concussion awareness organization, praised Davoli’s leadership and the agency’s work supporting children throughout the region.
“Executive Director Ashley Davoli’s commitment and work ethic is above and beyond and she is supported admirably by the Board of Directors,” Ciancaglini said.
Organizers said sponsorships and donations are also being accepted to support the event and the organization’s ongoing mission.
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