CARA Holds Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

COURT HOUSE – On Feb. 1, the Coalition Against Rape and Abuse (CARA) held their annual volunteer appreciation and board installation dinner. This dinner honors those who give their time to help the victims and survivors who reach out for help here in Cape May County.
According to a release, CARA advocates out the first responders of the organization who respond to crisis calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Without them, agencies like CARA could not serve all of those in need of their domestic violence and sexual assault crisis services.
Executive Director Claire T. Galiano stated, “Our advocates are not only the face of our agency but a light for those in need during their darkest hour. Without their continuous commitment to our agency and their community, CARA could not reach all of those who need us.”
The 2017 graduating advocate class consisted of 10 advocates, all certified in domestic violence and sexual assault response. Three seasoned advocates where especially honored this year and given awards based off of their continued dedication.
Irene Fitzpatrick was given the domestic violence Advocate of the Year Award, Christine Gildiner was given the Sexual Assault Advocate of the Year Award, and Anne Gallagher was presented with the Humanitarian of the Year Award. 
Along with honoring their active domestic violence and sexual assault advocates, CARA honored their Board of Trustees, all who give their time and energy to making sure CARA runs smoothly and is fully operational; Carole Hansel, board president; Michael Matt, vice president and treasurer; Ellen Green, recording secretary; Karen Lawinski, board trustee, and Christin Gregg, board trustee.
Special guests Gerald Thornton, Cape May County freeholder director, and Jeffrey Pierson, Cape May County freeholder, presented both graduating advocates and board members with certificates and honors while addressing all advocates on the importance of the work they do for the victims and survivors they serve.
Sen. Jeff Van Drew was also in attendance and spoke to the advocates about their role in helping the community, and the need for volunteering for agencies like CARA. The advocates and board were also presented with legislative commendations from the senator’s office as well.
Cape May County Freeholder E. Marie Hayes was unable to attend, but honored the graduating advocates with personal letters to show her appreciation for their commitment to helping victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.