A Night of Advocacy: Capturing the Brave Ball for The Care Center
There are nights behind the camera that feel different—moments where the art of photography transcends the frame and becomes part of a larger, vital narrative. Recently, I had the honor of volunteering my photography services for The Care Center’s Brave Ball in Oklahoma City, and I am still moved by the profound impact of that evening.
Patrons of this cause mingling the night away
The Light Behind the Lens: Why I Captured The Care Center’s Brave Ball
The numbers are bleak. But I believe that education in the social media space can reach children who are being abused.
Photography is often about capturing beauty, but sometimes it is about capturing the necessity of light in dark places.
Recently, I volunteered my time to photograph the Brave Ball for The Care Center in Oklahoma City. It was a night of immense elegance, draped in the blue hues of Child Abuse Awareness Month. But beneath the beautiful decor and the sophisticated atmosphere, there was a gravity to the evening that resonated deeply with me.It is difficult to talk about the statistics. The numbers are staggering—roughly one in seven children will be abused by someone they know and trust. It is a reality that is as prevalent as it is painful. Because this topic feels so dark, it often happens in silence, hidden away by fear and shame.
But staying silent does not make these things disappear. It only allows the cycle to continue.
I believe we have a responsibility to pull these conversations into the light. The more we talk about these issues, the more we empower children to speak up. Whether it is a feeling of being "weird," uncomfortable, sad, or hurt, our children need to know that they have a voice—and that if the first person they tell doesn't listen, they must keep telling adults until someone hears them. The last thing a child should ever lose is their hope.
Why I’m Proud to Support The Care Center
Capturing the Brave Ball wasn’t just about documenting a gala; it was about standing behind an organization that provides that essential hope in our state. The Care Center does the heavy lifting, providing both intervention and the education needed to prevent these tragedies from happening in the first place.
I am honored to have used my art to help tell their story. This evening was a testament to what happens when a community refuses to look away. It was a beautiful reminder that while the problem is heavy, the resolve to fix it is stronger.
How You Can Help
Education is our most powerful tool. If you are looking for ways to get involved, protect children in your own circle, or support the vital work of The Care Center, I encourage you to explore these resources:
CARE CENTER’s main page: https://carecenter-okc.org/
If you’d like to donate: https://carecenter-okc.org/support/donate/
The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and operator of the National Sexual Assault Hotline: https://rainn.org/
To everyone who attended, donated, and stood in the "blue light" for our children that night: thank you. Your investment is changing lives.
