Contact:
Charlotte Boemker
Director of Development and Community Engagement
Phone: 859-442-3200
Email: c.boemker@nkycac.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Step into the light at the Advocates Grand Gala 2026:
Illumination! Lighting the Way Forward.
FLORENCE, KY. – Saturday, September 26, 2026, prepare to step into an extraordinary evening where elegance meets a bold vision of the future! The Advocates Grand Gala: Illumination, Lighting the Way Forward will transform Turfway Park Racing & Gaming Event Center, Florence, KY, into a dazzling celebration of hope, generosity, and possibility, all in support of the Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center (NKYCAC).
Guests will be immersed in an unforgettable experience featuring stunning décor, exciting auctions, and high-energy entertainment. The evening comes alive with music from The Leftovers, whose electrifying performance will keep the celebration shining well into the night.
With BlueStar as our Presenting Sponsor, this unforgettable Gala will celebrate the power of community while honoring Dr. Candyse Jeffries. “For decades, Dr. Candyse Jeffries has dedicated her career to creating healthy, beautiful smiles, but her legacy reaches far beyond orthodontics. She has also helped create brighter futures for children. As a former Board Chair, dedicated board member, Advocate, Gala Chair, and generous supporter, she has invested not only her time and resources but also poured her heart into NKYCAC’s mission. Her extraordinary leadership, compassion, and commitment have helped light the way for children and families on their journey toward hope and healing, making her the perfect honoree for the 2026 Advocates Grand Gala.” Lauren Mason, NKYCAC, CEO
The Gala is hosted by the Advocates, an inspiring group of philanthropic women founded by Kimberly Carlisle and dedicated to advancing the mission of the NKYCAC. This year’s Gala Chairs—Kimberly Carlisle, Katie Irwin, Diane Kidd, and Lori Watson—have envisioned an evening that is both sophisticated and impactful. Lighting the Way Forward by bringing our community together to celebrate hope and inspire generosity.
Join us as we illuminate the path toward healing and make a lasting difference in the lives of children across Northern Kentucky. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, purchase tickets, or become involved, contact Charlotte Boemker at c.boemker@nkycac.org or 859-442-3200.
Presenting Sponsor: BlueStar
Diamond Sponsors: Michael Marrero and UB Greensfelder,
Western Nursing Services
Platinum Sponsors: Action Heating and Air, Inc., Katie & Andrew Brauer,
The Hart Family
For a complete list of sponsors, visit our website at nkycac.org
About the Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center
The mission of the Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center is to provide a coordinated response to concerns of child abuse in a child-focused environment by offering prevention, evaluation, and treatment to children and families. Fulfilling that mission requires the collective efforts of our multidisciplinary team, community partners, and compassionate supporters. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and donation made strengthens this coordinated response, helping ensure that children who have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, human trafficking, or witnessed violent crimes receive the compassionate care, advocacy, and support they deserve.
