Matthew Sandusky headlines Children's Advocacy Center gala

Matthew Sandusky, the adopted son of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, spoke of the trauma of being sexually abused as a child by his father to the attendees of the Hope, Heal, Grow Gala of the Children's Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County Saturday night.

Approximately 175 people attended the Hoffman Estates-based agency's annual fundraiser at Medinah Country Club in Medinah.

Jessica Rizza, development communications coordinator for the center, said that with state funding continuing to dwindle, such fundraisers are of increasing importance to the agency and its clients.

The center helps more than 800 children and families that have been victims of abuse and violence each year.

As well as serving as a resource for prevention efforts, the center's goal is to minimize trauma and facilitate healing through free therapy and support services.

Saturday's gala was co-chaired by Eddie and Terri Cisneros, who've become increasingly involved in the community since moving to the area in 2013. Eddie Cisneros joined the center's board of directors in February 2016, and both he and his wife reported being impressed by the passion for the cause at last year's gala.