While raising funds for abused and neglected children this weekend, one organization also will honor three women who have made a difference in the community.

The Children’s Center for Hope and Healing will hold its annual Gala for Hope and Healing from 7-11 p.m. Saturday at Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green St., Gainesville.

During the gala, the center will also honor longtime volunteers Madge Burch, Evanda Moore and Lyn Orr.

"This is our fourth gala, but it’s the first time that we’ve honored anyone in the community. We celebrated our 25th anniversary a couple of years ago and that got us thinking about our past and the history of the center," said Rebecca Davis, children’s center executive director.

"During that process, we got a real appreciation for some of the people who have done so much for this organization. (Moore) was one of the founding board members and (Burch and Orr) served on our board later in time.

"All three of these women have played phenomenal leadership roles and have done all kinds of service work for this organization. Over the years, they’ve been key volunteers."

Tickets for the gala are $75 per person, $125 per couple, with proceeds benefitting the Gainesville-based center’s mission to stop the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

The event will include live music by Daddy-O-Strut, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.