In keeping with its commitment to the local community, HVFA sponsored the 2007 Mad Hatter Tea Party, which is the principle annual fund raiser for the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in Covington, Louisiana. The CAC is an organization dedicated to assisting the abused children of St. Tammany Parish and Washington Parish. Through its partnership with necessary agencies, the CAC seeks better, more child-friendly investigation of incidents of child abuse in an effort to promote the prompt and vigorous prosecution of offenders. The CAC’s facility, Hope House, provides a warm, non-threatening environment for child victims to share their story, and receive professional support services to help with the healing process. The CAC boasts an admirable mission statement of:

• Lessening the trauma of sexually and physically abused children as they recover from their ordeal and as justice is sought against their abusers.
• Providing a warm, caring atmosphere where the healing process can begin.
• Serving as the voice of justice, hope and healing for abused children.

The Mad Hatter Tea party is a day of food, fun, and festivities attended by local families. Stephen C. Aertker, Jr., Corrine Aertker, & Caroline Aertker (4 years old - pictured below) represented HVFA at the 2007 Mad Hatter Tea Party, held on Saturday, May 12th, 2007 at St. Timothy's Methodist Church in Mandeville, Louisiana.