By Greg Chandler, IRI

Last week, IRI was the Presenting Sponsor for the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Benton County’s annual Cherishing Children dinner and award presentation attended by more than 900 people. Hosted by Walmart CEO Doug McMillon and his wife Shelley, CAC’s Cherishing Children event has raised money for services created to assist and support child abuse victims.   IRI has been honored to be the Presenting Sponsor for last four years.

As a proud resident of Benton County, it was an honor to attend the event on behalf of IRI and hear one of the speech’s delivered by IRI’s own Eloise Odgers.

While each year’s event has been memorable and very meaningful, this year’s went above and beyond as child safety activist and ABC News contributor, Elizabeth Smart captured the crowd with her personal story of survival and recovery.  It was truly awe-inspiring and a poignant reminder of others’ immense struggles and triumphs and the role community plays in protecting and healing.

IRI’s participation in the event was a highlight for me personally and, I believe, for everyone involved, as we all agree it is an important and worthwhile cause that we look forward to participating in for years to come.

To learn how you can give back to CAC, visit www.cacbentonco.com or search for a CAC in your area to support.