Black Tie Untied

‘Blue Ties & Butterflies’ and overwhelming support for Child Protection Center

In just its second year, Child Protection Center’s “Blue Ties and Butterflies” event has yet again been the organization’s most lucrative fundraising event, raising more than $390,000 (and the checks are still coming in!). Alisa Pettingell chaired the event, which was held Wednesday, April 9, at Michael’s On East.

Not only did more than 340 guests come prepared to give at the event, they came dressed to support as well. Men donned blue ties and women dressed in hues of blues, accessorized with butterflies and many dressed to match the event’s auction item, painting “Faith” by Sabine J. Wiedenhofer.

In addition to the event’s painting, there was another significant symbol this year: the replica of CPC’s Pillar of Hope. Matt Jensen created the scaled-down version of the pillar, which will continue to be a part of all CPC events, representing the Pillar of Hope’s marble campaign that is housed at CPC.

Following the dinner and live auction (which featured Wiedenhofer’s paiting, a John Hardy ring from Saks Fifth Avenue and a catered dinner by Michael’s On East), Shannon Warren spoke, telling her story of abuse followed by triumph for the first time.

Speaking to CPC’s Director of Development Melissa Burtless today, Warren says she felt empowered after giving her testimony at the event, and that prevention is key — speaking true to the event’s message “Just when the caterpillar though the world was over … it became a butterfly.”

To see more photos, click here.