CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Children's Advocacy Center of the Coastal Bend has invited Elizabeth Smart to attend their 3rd Annual 'Garden of Hope' Gala as one of this year's guest hosts.
Smart was kidnapped from her childhood home in Utah more than 20 years ago at age 14, per the Elizabeth Smart Foundation.
She was held captive for nine months while enduring extreme abuse and starvation at the hands of those who took her. She now works as an advocate for survivors of childhood abuse.
Beth Hinojosa, principal of St. Pius X Catholic School and an organizer for the event, joined us on First Edition early Wednesday morning to share information on how you can help support the gala and its cause.
The Children's Advocacy Center helps approximately 1,400 children in the Coastal Bend each year, Hinojosa said.
"Their mission is to minimize the trauma that affects children that have been abused each year, and they do that free of charge for families and children."
The Center works closely with law enforcement, families and victims on investigations and legal issues.
The gala will take place Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Ortiz International Center. There will be a silent auction.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Family of Maite Rodriguez to hold Adopt-A-Beach cleanup Sept. 28
- 42 Alice students self-report drinking alcohol, getting tickets at house party
- $9 billion worth of new industries could be coming to town
- Former T-M student given diploma in 2017, now told he never graduated
- DMC's Dental Hygiene Clinic offering free services through December
- Corpus Christi sees all-time lowest combined reservoir level
- I-37 Nueces River Bridge construction enters third and final phase
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.