The 18th annual Dream Big Charity Gala brought an evening of celebration, community and compassion to the Fayetteville Town Center, all in support of the Children’s Safety Center of Washington County.With a lively circus theme, the event featured acrobatic performances, music, carnival games, an exclusive live auction and a heartfelt program sharing the center’s mission to support child abuse victims. Attendees enjoyed food from a variety of local restaurants and participated in a mobile-friendly online auction.Organizers said the Dream Big Gala is the Children’s Safety Center’s primary fundraising event. Proceeds help provide free services to children and families affected by abuse, including advocacy, forensic interviews, medical exams, therapy and prevention education. In 2024, the center served 740 children across Washington County.“Events like this are so important because we get to allocate where those funds go,” said Emily Rappé Fischer, director of development for the center. “It’s people helping people. People are our mission, and that’s what people supported tonight.”Founded in 1997, the center has served thousands of children throughout Northwest Arkansas. With reductions expected in state and federal funding, organizers emphasized the growing importance of local support.“It’s really important that people hear about the Children’s Safety Center and know that their support stays local,” Rappé Fischer said. “All the money raised goes directly back to help the kids.”
The 18th annual Dream Big Charity Gala brought an evening of celebration, community and compassion to the Fayetteville Town Center, all in support of the Children’s Safety Center of Washington County.
With a lively circus theme, the event featured acrobatic performances, music, carnival games, an exclusive live auction and a heartfelt program sharing the center’s mission to support child abuse victims. Attendees enjoyed food from a variety of local restaurants and participated in a mobile-friendly online auction.
Organizers said the Dream Big Gala is the Children’s Safety Center’s primary fundraising event. Proceeds help provide free services to children and families affected by abuse, including advocacy, forensic interviews, medical exams, therapy and prevention education. In 2024, the center served 740 children across Washington County.
“Events like this are so important because we get to allocate where those funds go,” said Emily Rappé Fischer, director of development for the center. “It’s people helping people. People are our mission, and that’s what people supported tonight.”
Founded in 1997, the center has served thousands of children throughout Northwest Arkansas. With reductions expected in state and federal funding, organizers emphasized the growing importance of local support.
“It’s really important that people hear about the Children’s Safety Center and know that their support stays local,” Rappé Fischer said. “All the money raised goes directly back to help the kids.”
