The Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County (CAC) exists to minimize the trauma children must face when they have been victims of severe physical and/or sexual abuse in Smith County. The CAC brings children together with law enforcement and Child Protective Services investigators, prosecutors, therapists, volunteers, and medical personnel in one safe, child-friendly location, where there is a love for children, a passion for justice, and a vision for restored childhood. Since 1996, the CAC has coordinated and investigated 5,193 cases of alleged child abuse, provided services for 7,333 children, and made counseling available for 966 children.

To help fund the services provided by the CAC, the agency is holding The Bids for Kids Tenth Annual Online Auction, beginning June 21 through June 30. The public is encouraged to log on to www.TylerPaper.com, and click on the Bids for Kids icon. You will then be taken to the CAC’s online auction where you can bid on more than 80 quality items and experiences.

Tammy Conflitti serves on the Board of Directors for the CAC and is a member of this year’s Bids for Kids Online Auction committee. She and her husband, Dr. Joe Conflitti, are also hosting the Bids for Kids Sponsor Appreciation and Kickoff Party, Sunset Serenade at their home on June 20. The party will be highlighted by cocktails, dinner, and live entertainment.

“I am honored to be a part of the Children’s Advocacy Center because I believe in their mission of reducing the trauma suffered by children that have suffered abuse,” Mrs. Conflitti said.  “My goal is to educate the public about the scope of the child abuse epidemic in Smith County.  I personally believe that even one child suffering from abuse in our community is one child too many.”

Mrs. Conflitti and her family have been a part of the Tyler community for four years. She and her husband are the parents of Allison, 10, Julia, 8, and Joey, 3. They are members of Marvin United Methodist Church. Mrs. Conflitti received her bachelor of science degree from Texas A&M University.

 “Tyler is a great place to raise a family. By volunteering you can really become a part of the community,” Mrs. Conflitti said.