By Renee Larr

Prevail of Hamilton County will host its 2015 Signature Gala on Aug. 22 at the Renaissance Hotel in Carmel. The organization exists to educate and engage the community to prevent crime and abuse while helping restore the lives of those who have been affected. The funds raised go toward assisting clients.

“We assist all victims of violent crime and abuse. That includes men, women, adolescents and children,” said Natasha Robinson, Prevail public relations coordinator. “Sexual assault and domestic violence are the largest piece of what we do, but we also assist those secondary victims. Secondary victims are parents of a child who has been sexually assaulted, or someone who was a witness to any kind of violent crime.”

The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour and silent auction followed by a black tie optional dinner at 8 p.m. The program begins at 8:30 p.m. with a guest speaker.

“We start the program with a speaker that Prevail has assisted. It’s a secondary victim, so her child went through our sexual assault services,” Robinson said.

Last year’s event raised more than $147,000 and this year organizers are hoping to raise at least $150,000. The cost to attend is $100 per person with sponsored tables costing $1,250. The live and silent auctions include items for men, women, children, travel and food.

“Some of the highlights of what we have are gift certificates for golf, a taste of Westfield package, Handlebar Indy rental, Indy Eleven tickets, concert tickets for Klipsch, a Sip and Sparkle event at Smith’s Jewelers and a personal chef dinner from Matteo’s. He will actually come to someone’s house and cook for them,” Robinson said.

The event will conclude with live music by The Bishops and dancing. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.prevailofhamiltoncounty.org.