On March 31, 2007, the Child Abuse Prevention Center held its 9th Annual Bright Futures Ball at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort.  Raising funds for the Prevention Center’s in-home prevention programs, this Paris themed ball came to life as the Exchange Clubs of Orange County and local philanthropist, Mike Harrah of Caribou Industries were honored

The event’s main sponsors Wells Fargo, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Bauer Jaguar showed their support for the evening alongside more than 300 business and community leaders all interested in helping support the Prevention Center’s programs.  Guests enjoyed live and silent auctions, a gourmet dinner, entertainment and dancing. 

“We’re honored to have such a dedicated group of people and strong network supporting us on our mission to end child abuse in Orange County.  It’s companies like Wells Fargo and Gibson Dunn and Crutcher that capture the spirit of giving and make the work we do possible,” commented Child Abuse Prevention Center Executive Director, Scott Trotter. 

The “Champion of Children” award honoree, the Exchange Clubs of Orange County, founded the Child Abuse Prevention Center over 24 years ago.  In 1983, members from several local California Exchange Clubs worked tirelessly to raise $60,000.  Soon after, and due to the hard work and dedication of over 30 local Exchange Clubs and countless men and women, the Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center was born.  Since its establishment, the Prevention Center has built its reputation around the Exchange Club’s innovative in-home prevention programs and remains close to the founding organization.   

Mike Harrah, of Caribou Industries in Santa Ana, was this year’s “Making a Difference” award recipient.  Honored for his commitment to the children of Santa Ana and creating a safer environment for them, he is also well known for his many property management and construction ventures.  Most notably, is his involvement in the development of the Orange County High School of the Arts.  He was instrumental in securing old office buildings on Main Street and turning them into a viable campus for the school and Orange County’s youth.

The Child Abuse Prevention Center is committed to breaking the generational cycle of child abuse, domestic violence and teen pregnancy in Orange County.  The Prevention Center’s early intervention programs have well-documented records of strengthening and improving parent-child relationships and working to prevent abuse before it occurs.  Since 1983, the Prevention Center has served more than 165,000 Orange County residents – including 17,000 children and 6,400 families in the last year alone. 

Photos courtesy of Jimmy Cheng Photography

Special Thanks to Our Event Sponsors for Making This Evening Possible

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The Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center is a 501 (c)(3) Public Benefit Corporation. 
All contributions to the event shall not be subject to any donor restrictions. 
Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center Tax ID #33-0013237