Gingerbread House Getting New Audio/Video Recording Equipment Thanks to $5,000 Donation

Every year, the Run With the Nuns motorcycle rally raises money to support children's health programs in our community.  The committee's last rally was this past October, and today, member Dana Smelser handed over a $5,000 check to Gingerbread House.  The facility interviews abused and neglected children, to help build cases against their offenders.

"The work that the Gingerbread House does is pretty incredible, and heart-wrenching at the same time," Smelser says.  "And we have such a need for them, that the need outpaces often their ability to keep up with their technologies, and the things that make them able to do what they do."

Gingerbread House Executive Director Jessica Miller says the money is going toward the purchase of new audio and video equipment, which is vital in documenting these child abuse cases.

"Unfortunately, we see over 700 children a year.  That's over 60 new cases of child sexual abuse per month," says Miller.  "Last year alone, 727 children.  And so our recording equipment has to be top-notch to be able to continue that particular caseload."

Both ladies say they wish there wasn't a need for such a facility.  But the work they do there is incredibly important to our local kids.  If you want to help out, Sister Sharon Rambin -- Run with the Nuns Coordinator -- tells me Gingerbread House is always in need of kids' underwear and socks, for kids ages 2 through 14.  But any clothing or monetary donation is helpful.

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH DANA SMELSER HERE:

HERE'S AUDIO FROM TODAY'S PRESENTATION: