Northshore Conifer posted on April 21, 2010 15:18
Olivia Ruby a resident of Mandeville and a student at Fontainebleau High School is hosting a fundraiser to raise money to benefit The Children’s Miracle Network, Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana and her personal foundation, Having a Voice, Saving a Spirit . The event will be held at the Fleur de Lis Event Center, 1645 N. Causeway, in Mandeville, on May 17, form 7-10 p.m.
Ticket prices are $40.00 for adults and $30.00 for students. The evening will include a cash bar, fashion show, auction, and passed hors d' oeuvres. Tickets will be $40.00 for adults and $30.00 for students.
Proceeds will benefit Children's Miracle Network, Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana, and my personal foundation Having a Voice Saving a Spirit/ Prevention of Child.
If you cannot attend but would like to make a donation, please email me at wendy@amplifyresources.org or call 504.289.1602. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated by all the children you would be helping through this fundraising effort. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Olivia is the current Miss Port City’s Outstanding Teen, and her platform is Child Abuse Prevention. She is an official spokesperson for Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana, which is a local subsidiary of Prevent Child Abuse America. She travels around Louisiana telling her story and educating parents and children about the signs and symptoms of child abuse.
Olivia’s personal foundation, Having a Voice, Saving a Spirit became her passion when she was 12. At the sentencing of her abuser, Olivia promised one of the other victims of his abuse that she would never stop singing. She also realized that one voice could make a difference for many. At the age of 9 Olivia was abused by a trusting adult, her vocal teacher, she was brave enough to speak out and stopped 40 years of abuse. Her perpetrator had been violating children for over 40 years.
Her abuser is now in jail. Olivia feels that by telling her story she can educate and help other children speak out or prevent this from happening to them.
Telling her secret saved over 50 other children that were being or had been abused for over a 40 year period. The foundation was created so that funds could be distributed to children that have been abused and want to pursue a hobby or talent but have no means to pay. The funds will also be available to children that do not have the means to pay for extended therapy. “Children are Special Gifts, and no one has the right to hurt them in any way! It is my mission to help stop the abuse!” (Olivia)
Olivia was also diagnosed with a rare liver disease at the age of 4 and spent many weeks at children’s hospital and is still treated there today. Children’s Miracle Network is the official platform of the Miss America System. Children’s Hospital of New Orleans was a second home to Olivia from the age of 4 until she was 14. Her condition is now very stable and she only requires monthly visits. “I love hildren and paying it forward is the least I can do”. (Olivia)