Fundraiser gives families inside venue for Clinton Square Tree Lighting:
It’s that time of year again and as many die-hard Syracusans know, the annual Clinton Square Tree Lighting Ceremony marks the official start to the holiday season. Many families enjoy the crisp cold evening despite the outdoor temperatures. However, McMahon-Ryan Child Advocacy Site is again hosting an opportunity for those families to come in out of the cold at the 11th annual Sounds of the Season party on Friday, Nov. 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Clinton Exchange Building overlooking historic Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse. This semi-formal event includes great food, live holiday music, arts & crafts for the children and even a visit by Santa. Tickets are $100 per person, $150 per couple, and children under 16 are free. McMahon-Ryan, Onondaga County’s only non-profit child abuse support center, will also be honoring Christine Larkin, retiring assistant director of the Children’s Division, Onondaga County Department of Social Services, with the annual Catherine Senska-Haas Award for contributions and accomplishments that improve the lives of abused children in Onondaga County. Senska-Haas was the first recipient of the Sounds of the Season Award in 2006 and a tireless advocate for children. Also honored at the event with a service award will be Artie and Linda Schilling who have raised over $78,000 through Artie’s Party at the Syracuse Nationals event over the past two years. Tickets are available on the Web site at mcmahonryan.org or by calling the organization at 701-2985. About McMahon-Ryan Child Advocacy Site:
The McMahon-Ryan Child Advocacy Site provides direct support for children who are victims of physical or sexual abuse as well as professionals working to address the issue of child abuse. The Site seeks to make a difference by providing a centralized location for coordination of the multiple disciplines within Onondaga County working on behalf of abused children.