Night of Hope returns

People listen during the Marion County Children’s Alliance Children’s First Gala and Dr. Mike Jordan Awards at the Country Club of Ocala in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, May 10, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

The Marion County Children’s Alliance Family Violence Prevention Workgroup is hosting its annual Night of Hope on Thursday, Sept. 26, at the College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The annual nonprofit event is dedicated to remembering and commemorating the victims and survivors of domestic violence. The keynote speaker this year is the Rev. Michael Neely, lead pastor at New Millennium Community Church in Tampa. Neely is an advocate for abuse victims and is a survivor of domestic violence himself. He has written extensively on the topic and his book “Black Eyes and Sweet Talk: A Biblical Perspective on Domestic Violence” examines coping techniques for abuse from a Christian perspective, relying on scripture and his own experience as a means of providing relief.

Guests will also be treated to dinner and enjoy live music. The event will include testimonies from survivors, on-site vendors, and information about ways to support the children’s alliance and survivors of domestic violence. Three outstanding individuals, as nominated by the community, will be recognized.

Through Sept. 20, donors can sponsor or contribute to creating gift baskets, each with a specialty theme, such as “personal pampering,” “board games,” “gardening,” “scrapbooking and memories” and more. The baskets will be donated to the community. People can also donate tickets to community members to attend the event for free. These donations can be made on-site at the MCCA building at 3482 NW 10th St. Ocala, or by phone at (352) 438-5990.

Tickets for the event are $40 and are available on the Marion County Children’s Alliance ticket website at bit.ly/NOH2024 or at the MCCA building. Childcare will be available for children ages 2 and up.