CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A special event was hosted Thursday night by the Children's Advocacy of the Coastal Bend.
Many gathered for the 3rd Annual Garden of Hope Gala which aims to transform and restore the lives and futures of children who have been abused.
The keynote speaker for the evening is someone many may remember from national headlines. Elizabeth Smart was taken from her home in Utah as a teenager more than 20 years ago. She was then held captive for nearly nine months.
Smart shared her story with guests of the event, and shared with 3NEWS something she wants everyone to know.
"Although my story sounds so unique and out of the ordinary, it actually isn't," she said. "The most unique thing about my story is that what happened to me happened at the hands of strangers, whereas most cases of abuse, kidnapping and violence come from the hands of someone that you know. I want people to be aware of what's going on, but I also want them to know hope."
Smart says that hope can be found at the Children's Advocacy Center for those in our community who need it.
The event saw an amazing turnout. If you would like to join in supporting the center, you can do so here.
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