The 2005 Circle of Light Gala

to benefit Darkness to Light

Darkness to Light's Circle of Light Gala illuminated the night sky on November 17, 2005, and raised more than $300,000 towards the mission of the national child sexual abuse organization. Since 2002, the Circle of Light Gala has raised millions of dollars for Darkness to Light.

The evening also honored seven adult survivors of sexual abuse who were selected for their courageous choosing to share their stories of violation, healing and hope. Presented by Angela Shelton, actress/director and 2004 Voice of Courage recipient, Pam Giesick, Guerry Glover, Julie Lynch, Donna Scott, Mark Serrano, Marilyn Van DerBur and Maria Vass each received the 2005 Voice of Courage Award.

Designed by the award-winning event planner, Tara Guerard, the evening's theme of illumiNations," bringing hope and light to children of all nations, could be seen and felt everywhere. Sponsors both on and behind the scenes brought Guerard's modern flair to life. Attendees enjoyed socializing in the New York style outdoor bar as a DJ entertained them from the roof. In the dining room, set under a black tent, guests enjoyed exquisite meals created by Charleston's finest chefs. Designs by Sean's real-life lanterns lit up the evening, and Liquid Pleasure and Master of Ceremonies, Steve Lepre of Sunhead Productions entertained guests. Auctioneer Doug Warner of SunTrust Mortgage, Inc, kept the auction rolling during the evening, auctioning off exquisite packages and raising thousands of dollars for the organization.

Behind the scenes, producer Cindy Grosso of the Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette, Jeff Nickles of PDA Lighting & Sound, Keith Snyder of Snyder Event Rentals and Staffing and Steve Lepre and Mark McKinney of SUNHEAD PROJECTS helped make the night into a reality, ensuring that the theme was visually scene, felt and heard.

According to Darkness to Light, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. With the funds raised at the annual gala, the organization will further its reach by launching the Second Edition of the Stewards of Children Program and Stewards of Children online, a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. Stewards of Children is designed for organizations and corporations that serve children and youth.

The 2005 Circle of Light Gala was sponsored by Freddy & Jenny Renken, Batten & Moore, LLC, Delta Air Lines, Southern Wine & Spirits of South Carolina /Perrier Jouet , Volvo Cars of North America, LLC /Rick Hendrick Volvo of Charleston, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Knight Press, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., CNN, National Capital Advisors, Renaissance Hotel of Charleston, Select Health of South Carolina, Special Properties, Inc., SRM Real Estate, Inc., Stylee PR & Marketing, Trico Engineering Consultants, Inc., Trident Health System, Wachovia, N.A, East Coast Entertainment, Embassy Suites Historic Charleston / Hampton Inn Charleston - Historic District, Laura Mercier / Gurwitch Products, LLC, Nestle Waters, SKYY Vodka, Roberts Entertainment Group, Time, Inc. and WCIV-TV/ABC News 4.

Darkness to Light would also like to extend their gratitude again to the participating chefs, Frederick C. Neuville of 39 Rue de Jean, COAST & GOOD FOOD CATERING, Jacques Larson of Cintra, Bob Waggoner and Vinzenz Aschbacher of Charleston Grill at Charleston Place, Mike Lata of FIG, Demetre Castanas of Grill 225, James Burns of J. Bistro, Donald Barickman and Donald Drake of Magnolia's, Blossom and Cypress, Steven Musolf of McCrady's, Brett McKee of Oak Steakhouse, Ben Berryhill of The Red Drum Gastropub, Enzo Steffenelli of the Sea Island Grill at Wild Dunes Resort, Scott Crawford of Woodlands Resort & Inn and Tony Pope of Zinc Bistro and Bar.

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2006 Circle of Light Gala are available. For more information about Darkness to Light or about sponsorship opportunities for the 2006 Circle of Light Gala, please click here or call 843-965-5444.