Event to honor people who help abuse victims

Turning Point will host its annual dinner April 24 at the Crystal Lake Country Club. The agency is celebrating 27 years of service to McHenry County.

Several awards will be presented at the dinner by the board of directors. State's Attorney Louis Bianchi and his staff and local attorney Mary H. Nader will be presented with the Peace and Justice Award, honoring those who make the world a more peaceful place.

Bianchi's office recently began pursuing "evidence based prosecutions" against abusers, building prosecution on witness testimony and physical evidence instead of victims' reports. Many times, victims will recant their testimony out of fear of their abuser.

Nader is a former McHenry County prosecutor who now practices family law. She's known for her sensitivity to victims and dedication to obtaining justice for them.

Receiving the Partnership Award will be Woodstock-based Alliance Contracting and Algonquin's Light of Christ Lutheran Church. Alliance has been a longtime Turning Point supporter and President Chuck Ruth has long been known as a McHenry County philanthropist, dedicated to improving the county.

Light of Christ Lutheran church has been involved in every aspect of the church community in its support of Turning Point with projects as far ranging as simple food drives to a 2006 Golf Tournament.

Longtime volunteer Ellen Hamilton will accept the Dreamweaver Award, given each year to a volunteer who made a difference in the world. Hamilton has headed the agency's donor department, processing acknowledgments and appeals. Volunteering is a family affair for Hamilton as her husband, Pat Kulisek, previously received the award and her two children have both volunteered with the agency.

In addition to the presentation of awards, the evening will feature a keynote speech by Carolyn Cox. Cox's husband, B.J., was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison for her attempted murder and aggravated domestic battery.

There will be a "50/50" raffle at the dinner. Winner need not be present to win. Raffle tickets are $25 each or five for $100. They can be purchased by calling Turning Point at (815) 338-8081.

The evening kicks off with a cash bar and reception at 6:30 p.m., with dinner and program to follow.

Tickets to the annual dinner are $75 and are available by calling Turning Point at (815) 338-8081. For information, call Joe Kvidera at Turning Point, (815) 338-8081.