The Center for Alexandria’s Children (CAC) honored community philanthropists Tom and Magaly Hirst last week with its Champion of Children Award at the 10th annual CAC Gala before a gathering of community leaders and supporters.
“Tom and Magaly Hirst and the Mason Hirst Foundation have made a profound impact on Alexandria’s children,” Center Board Chair Kerry Donley said April 4, in making the award. “They personify a deep sense of caring for community. Since 2012, their contributions have a manifold impact in Alexandria. By doubling contributions for ACT for Alexandria’s Spring2ACTion online giving campaign, the Hirsts have provided more than one million dollars to aid Alexandria’s children.”
The Hirsts’ support has provided invaluable support for the Center’s work coordinating the first response to child abuse and neglect cases, specialized Learn & Playgroup programs for children age 0-5 years and child sexual abuse prevention training programs educating adults throughout the City.
“We are grateful we can play a small part in ensuring Alexandria’s abused and neglected receive protection from harm, legal assistance and healing services,” the Hirsts said in a prepared statement. “The impact abuse and neglect creates in childhood lasts a lifetime. Our ultimate goal is prevention through training and education. But, for those who have already been impacted, we strive to help them find closure, heal and move on with their lives.”
The CAC Gala was held during National Child Abuse Prevention Month at the Old Dominion Boat Club. Attendees included Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, Deputy City Manager Debra Collins, Virginia State Del. Kathleen Murphy, Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter, and former Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg,
The Center for Alexandria’s Children is a public-private partnership that provides comprehensive services to children who have reported abuse. Founded in 2007, the Center was born in response to a child homicide that drew attention to the need for a systemic approach to better outcomes. Since then, it has expanded its scope to include prevention, education and outreach programs aimed at eliminating child abuse within the community through training programs and a specialized Learn & PlayGroup (LPG) program aimed at strengthening families.
The only program of its kind in Alexandria for children ages 0-5 years, the Centers’ LPGs bolster protective factors that make families stronger and children safer. Utilizing a specially-designed curriculum based on weekly themes, experienced facilitators connect parents and children, along with their neighbors and community, through developmentally appropriate, play-based learning.
Preliminary numbers show the Gala raised approximately $78,000.
