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Originally airing Thursday, March 30, 2017.

WRFA talks with Jana McDermott (pictured) from Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County (CAP), who shares details about this very important organization and its upcoming 7th Annual Diamond Dinner Auction Fundraiser taking place on April 29.

Jana McDermott from Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County talks with the Jamestown City Council in 2015.

The annual Diamond Dinner Auction is CAP’s signature fundraiser with all proceeds going towards the organization’s mission to provide hope and justice to children who are victims of physical and sexual abuse in Chautauqua County.

The ticketed event begins at 5 p.m. with appetizers and cocktails followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

“This event means so much to our organization for two reasons. First and foremost, the money collected from this event goes towards helping children in their greatest time of need,” said Jana McDermott, CAP executive director. “Second, over 400 people attended this event in 2016 with many more exposed to our mission in the process. A lot of influential people are joining our movement to end abuse in Chautauqua County,” said McDermott.

The Diamond Dinner Auction features a buffet-style dinner, live and silent auctions, a brief presentation from CAP representatives, and a chance to win a dazzling piece of diamond jewelry donated annually by an individual or a business in the area. Past winners have received diamond earrings, a diamond necklace, and diamond rings.

“Our event gets its name because we say that children are more precious than diamonds,” said McDermott. “This year we had a member of our community donate our grand prize piece of jewelry and wishes to remain anonymous because they feel the same way,” she said. The grand prize winner from this year’s Diamond Dinner Auction will walk away with a 1 CT. T.W. diamond ring in 10K white gold. The ring is new and has a retail value of $3,000. Area developer and property owner Arnold Duke has also donated additional diamond jewelry pieces to CAP which will be featured the night of the event.

This year’s event is sponsored in part by several area businesses including Shults Auto Group, AXA Advisors LLC, JP Diamond, Caflish Pallet and Wood Services, and Lakeshore Paving.

For more information on the Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County or to purchase tickets to the Diamond Dinner Auction, visit www.capjustice.org or call 716-388-9844.

The Child Advocacy Program’s mission is to keep children safe from abuse, and when abuse occurs, to work with our community to bring healing, hope and justice to these children and families.

Jana McDermott from Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County talks with the Jamestown City Council on Monday, May 11, 2015.

JAMESTOWN – A local organization dedicated to ending child sexual abuse is asking the city of Jamestown to help make their goal a reality.

Child Advocacy Program (CAP) of Chautauqua County executive director Jana McDermott attended Monday night’s Jamestown City Council work session to provide details of her organization with the city officials.

McDermott said that an estimated 2900 children in Chautauqua County will be sexually abused before the age of 18, with more than 90 percent of children who are sexually abused knowing their abuser.

She said that to help reduce these numbers, its important as many people in the community receive proper training, so they can recognize the signs of sexual abuse. As a result, she is requesting as many city employees and officials as possible take part in the training program.

“We need everyday people to have an eye out, to know what to look for, to listen and to be someone that a child could feel safe with and may say something,” McDermott said. “You may just follow it up and you never know what one ripple can make – one stone in this pond – you could have a big effect on someone’s life.”

Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi said he’s already talked with his department heads about the CAP training, with many members of the city workforce scheduled to participate in the coming months.

“We’re going to encourage our workforce to take advantage of this opportunity and to make sure we’re doing our jobs, not only as public servants but as, more importantly, members of this community.”

McDermott said her goal is to have 5000 people throughout Chautauqua County receive training from CAP, which she believes would help to drastically reduce child sexual abuse.

Studies have shown that children who are sexually abused face long-term consequences – including a higher incidence rate of mental health problems, physical health problems, and substance abuse problems.

To learn more about CAP or to find out how to receive training to recognize the signs of child sexual abuse, visit www.CAPJUstice.org or call 338-9844.