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More than 300 community leaders gathered at the Oswald Durant Center on Feb. 21, raising over $146,000 to help prevent child abuse and support young survivors across Alexandria.
The Center for Alexandria’s Children hosted the annual glam rock-themed Banding Together benefit, featuring live music from Guilty Ghost and School of Rock in Alexandria.
The money will support coordinated abuse investigations, victim services, prevention education and community partnerships. The center brings together law enforcement, medical professionals, child protective services and advocates to limit trauma and improve outcomes for children and families.
The evening also honored three people whose work has strengthened protections and opportunities for Alexandria’s children.
Former Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne received the Champion for Children Award for more than four decades in law enforcement. Organizers highlighted his efforts to build public trust, advance restorative justice and help crime victims.
Burke & Herbert Vice President Joe Collum, now a member of the center’s board, presented the award. Collum said he met Lawhorne after reporting at age 30 that an uncle had sexually abused him from ages 12 to 16.
Collum credited Lawhorne with persistently pursuing a grand jury indictment and supporting him during the ensuing trial and sentencing. He also recalled Lawhorne calling to check on him while he struggled.
“Meeting Dana started my path towards healing,” Collum said, adding that Lawhorne had improved the lives of hundreds of other people.
John Porter received the Outstanding Dedication to Children Award. Porter, a lifelong educator and community advocate, previously served as principal of T.C. Williams High School and helped found ACT for Alexandria. He was recognized for decades spent expanding opportunities for young people and encouraging cooperation among schools and nonprofit organizations.
Debra Evans was named MDT Partner of the Year. As division chief for Alexandria’s Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program, Evans was honored for her leadership in victim-centered care and sustained commitment to survivors of serious and traumatic crimes.
Lawhorne praised Collum for publicly sharing his experience and emphasized the connection between accountability and recovery.
“You have to have justice, then the healing can start,” Lawhorne said.