Rape Crisis Center observes 40th anniversary with benefit

Elizabeth Smart shared her story and offered hope for victims of sexual abuse during the 40th annual fundraising dinner of the Rape Crisis Center Oct. 29 at the Rio. The theme for the event was “Signs of Hope.”

The Rape Crisis Center was founded in 1974 as Community Action Against Rape. It began as the combined effort of Florence McClure and Sandra Petta, two women living in Las Vegas who were outraged by the lack of resources and respect for those affected by sexual assault.

The center, which received 3,000 calls in 2013, provides a 24-hour hotline for sexual assault victims in Southern Nevada. It takes calls from anyone needing help, including calls from local hospitals and nonprofits that also assist victims.

“The Crisis Center finds options after this happens and provides resources,” says Executive Director Daniele Dreitzer. She also stresses the need to educate parents and children on social media, where many perpetrators find their victims.

The Rape Crisis Center honored those who have helped it to fulfill its mission. They included media personality Nina Radetich, who helped raise more than $500,000 through her charity event, Nina’s Night Out. Radetich is now owner of Nina Radetich New Media Strategies.

Honoree Marcy Humm worked tirelessly for 14 years using her relationships in Southern Nevada to bring awareness to the Rape Crisis Center, expanding its physical growth and services while on the board of directors.

Honoree U.S. Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev, has always advocated for women’s causes. She asked the audience to recognize and help with the problem of sexual assault in the military. Introduced by her good friend, former Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., he said, “nobody puts more efforts in Congress than Dina Titus.”

Mistress of ceremonies was longtime supporter Amy Ayoub, who testified before the Nevada Senate Judiciary Committee in 2013 in support of Assembly Bill 67 that increased penalties for sex trafficking.

Carolyn McClure, daughter of founder Florence McClure, praised the honorees’ contributions to the growth and success of the center her mother worked so hard to create.

Smart was keynote speaker. There was not a dry eye in the audience as she recounted how she was kidnapped from her home at age 14 and held nine months while being physically, sexually and emotionally abused. She has written a New York Times best-selling book called “My Story,” describing the horrific experience she had while in captivity.

She also partnered with the Justice Department to create a survivors guide called “You Are Not Alone: The Journey from Abduction to Empowerment.” It encourages children who have gone through similar experiences not to give up and to know there is “hope for a rewarding life.”

“There is hope for every missing child,” Smart said. She was found in Utah with her abductors by police. When reunited with her family Smart said she realized nothing else mattered.

Smart is married, has lived abroad and gone to college.

“Everyone deserves a happy ending, especially those who have been raped and abused, Smart said. “What gives me hope is to see so many people here who care.”

Sponsors included the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Beasley Broadcast Group, Clear Channel Outdoor, Reagan Outdoor, United Healthcare, Tao Group and Dignity Health.