ORANGE BEACH — The Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center united the citizens of Baldwin County to stop child abuse.

BCCAC offers various services for those affected by child abuse in Baldwin County, including interviews, medical exams, family and victim support, therapy and court education for children.

"In addition to providing intervention services for abuse survivors, we are also in the schools providing child abuse prevention education through puppet shows and internet safety," said Nikki Whitaker, executive director of BCCAC.

On Nov. 2, at the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach, over 100 people gathered to support the BCCAC at the inaugural Fall Ball.

"The community was favorable towards the event," Whitaker said. "We were grateful for the positive support that was received."

The event, which brought in $31,500, was a way to raise money to support a cause, hoping to end child abuse.

"Fundraisers allow us the opportunity to raise money that it not specifically earmarked so it can be used for intervention and prevention services," Whitaker said. "It also allows us the time to talk about a subject that does not come up in everyday conversations."

The executive director added that Fall Ball and other events hosted by the BCCAC allow the opportunity to speak to the attendees about the Child Advocacy Center and a way to keep the community involved and engaged.

The event's guest speaker, Miss Gulf Coast Earth USA Haley Victoria McCluskey, shared her experiences with child abuse, offering encouragement to those facing similar situations.

"I actually went through the child advocacy center as a child," McCluskey said. "I would say that it is OK to be afraid. It is OK to be fearful, but you cannot let fear control your life."

She shared her motto, "She went on so strongly, despite her fear," and revealed it's tattooed on her spine.

"You know, it is OK to be afraid," she said. "But you can't let it control your life."