Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center (NPCAC) will host its 16th annual Champagne and Ice Gala on Saturday, February 14, at 6 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel in Minot. The Valentine’s Day event is the center’s most significant fundraiser and plays a vital role in ensuring children and families affected by abuse receive services at no cost.
NPCAC provides compassionate, high-quality care to children who have experienced sexual abuse and other crimes. The center relies on grants and community support to continue its work. NPCAC Executive Director Christal Halseth NPCAC shared that the organization has helped just under 600 children and their families in 2025, guiding them through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Christal Halseth shared, “Centers like this significantly reduce the trauma associated with child abuse and assist in holding offenders accountable and statistics show that without an advocacy center, a child will have to tell their story as many as 17 times.”
Jessica Erdmann, secretary of the NPCAC Board of Directors, echoed the importance of the organization’s mission. Erdmann, who has served on the board since 2019, said the staff at the advocacy center are the true heroes. She shared that the NPCAC believes every child deserves to be heard, protected, and supported. In 2024 alone, the center served 645 children and their families, helping reduce trauma while also holding offenders accountable.
This year’s gala will feature a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, followed by a keynote presentation from Gaelin Elmore, a former NFL player, former foster youth, and nationally recognized speaker. According to the press release, Elmore will share his story of resilience and hope, highlighting the life-changing impact caring adults can have on children facing adversity. His presentation will take place before the live auction.
An online auction will begin February 7 and conclude on February 14 at 8:15 p.m. Auction items include baskets donated by area businesses, an autographed Shaquille O’Neal Lakers jersey, a Franklin baseball glove signed by Sammy Sosa, autographed and framed photos from TJ Oshie, Taylor Swift, the Purple People Eaters, and Joe Mauer, as well as guitars autographed by Post Malone and Kelly Clarkson. The auction can be accessed through the Champagne and Ice page at npcac.cbo.io.
Tickets to attend the gala are $50 per person, and guests must be 21 or older. Gatsby-themed attire is encouraged, and a best-dressed contest will be held. Raffle tickets are also available for a Diamond Station necklace, bracelet, and earrings valued at more than $11,000. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased through NPCAC staff or board members.
“The Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center brings together a heroic team to fight for child abuse victims in our region while restoring hope and helping them focus on what really matters, being a kid. Plan to spend your Valentine’s Day with us and help us bring healing and justice to children and their families affected by abuse,” Halseth said in the press release.
Tickets for the Champagne and Ice Gala are available at npcacgala.cbo.io. For raffle ticket information, individuals can call 701-852-0836 or email christal@northernplainscac.org. Updates about the event will be shared on the NPCAC Facebook page.
