Child Abuse Survivor and Author to Speak at 2026 Circle of Friends Luncheon
Event raises funds for child abuse treatment and prevention programs
PONTIAC, Mich. - CARE House of Oakland County will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their Circle of Friends Luncheon on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to prevent abuse, protect children, and promote healing through advocacy, education, and treatment. This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Yvonne Sandomir, a survivor of child sexual abuse who wrote an acclaimed memoir about how she overcame her trauma.
Seeking to serve as a voice and inspiration for others who survive abuse, Sandomir will speak to the lessons from “The Invisible Girl: A Memoir” and “What, Who, Why, Where, How, When, Plan – A Parent’s Guide To Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse” to the event audience. She plans to help empower CARE House supporters to break the silence around childhood sexual abuse and to take actionable steps toward prevention, healing and resilience.
CARE House will host a preview party on January 28th at 6 p.m. at the home of Linda Schlesinger-Wagner to give supporters an opportunity to meet Sandomir privately. Tickets to the preview party and luncheon may be purchased together or separately with all proceeds to benefit CARE House programs.
“In addition to the work with do with survivors inside CARE House we’re also committed to our prevention programs,” said Blythe Tyler, President and CEO, CARE House of Oakland County. “Yvonne’s message will help more community members understand the power of education and prevention to help break the cycle of abuse.”
The Circle of Friends Luncheon is generously supported by the Edw C. Levy Companies, Lois Shaevsky, Bank of Ann Arbor, Feldman Automotive, Chris and Jennifer Granger, Magna International, the Trott Foundation, Farbman Group, Idyll Farms, Sigma Associates, Thrifty Florist and Brooke and Gino D’Agostini.
Ticket prices for the Circle of Friends luncheon start at $150. Luncheon tables, preview party and ticket packages are also available for purchase. For detailed ticket and additional sponsorship opportunities, contact CARE House at (248) 332-7173 or visit www.carehouse.org.
About CARE House of Oakland County
CARE House of Oakland County has worked to protect children in Oakland County since 1977 as its only Child Advocacy Center. Founded through a partnership with law enforcement and the Junior League of Birmingham, professionals and volunteers originally worked together to create child protection law in the State of Michigan.
In 1989, it began using the forensic interview process, shaping the future of how the community responds to child abuse and neglect. Following national best practices, CARE House continues to add programs that treat survivors of abuse and keep kids safe through prevention. This dedication to children comes from the organization's core belief, It Shouldn't Hurt to be a Child. Members of the community who are interested in donating or learning more about CARE House can visit www.carehouse.org.