BOSTON, March 27, 2015—Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley, Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans, and nearly 275 volunteers will climb Boston’s tallest building tomorrow in support of young victims of abuse, neglect, and sexual exploitation.

Suffolk prosecutors and victim advocates, Boston Police officers, and others will scale the 60-story stairwell of the John Hancock Tower for the second annual Ginormous Climb, a vertical charity run to raise funds for and awareness of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County.

Indy, a facility dog who provides comfort to young victims who testify to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, wears a cape decorated with the names of abused children as he prepares to take part in the Ginormous Climb, a vertical charity run up the stairs of the John Hancock Tower. The event will benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County, which coordinates services to young victims.

At last year’s inaugural Ginormous Climb, Conley and about 220 other volunteers from all walks of life raised $55,000 in pledges supporting the CAC’s work and clients – a total that far exceeded their $40,000 goal. This year, they’ve set their sights on an even higher target of $75,000.

“With more volunteers raising more money for abused kids, this year’s climb has already surpassed last year’s,” Conley said. “Every one of these climbers is a hero to the kids who benefit from the Children’s Advocacy Center.”

The CAC is a “one-stop shop” for children who have been abused, neglected, or exploited – oftentimes by the very adults entrusted to care for them. It acts as the hub connecting children and non-offending caregivers with police, prosecutors, medical and mental health clinicians, social service providers, and others, reducing the number of times a victim must disclose the abuse and limiting the number of agencies he or she must visit for services. The CAC’s multidisciplinary approach reduces victims’ stress and improves the outcomes of their cases in more than 1,000 referrals each year.

The Ginormous Climb will take place Saturday, March 28, at 200 Clarendon St. in Copley Square.  The event is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Media are invited to attend.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.