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REGION– The Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center (NMCAC) hosted its elegant Butterfly Ball fundraiser May 30 at the Uncommon Ranch in Grayling, bringing together supporters for an evening focused on healing, hope, and growth.
Guests dressed in garden attire enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, a multi-course dinner, live music, silent and live auctions, and a photo booth surrounded by butterfly-themed décor and watercolor artwork created by Houghton Lake artist Erika Snater.
NMCAC Executive Director Rebecca Yuncker shared updates on the Center’s expanding Roscommon facility, which will provide additional space for forensic interviews, counseling, and medical exams for children and adult survivors of sexual assault. More than $2 million has been raised for the project, including $1 million through federal appropriations secured by Elissa Slotkin.
Yuncker also introduced Eloise, the Center’s emotional support dog, noting the positive impact she has had on children receiving services.
Throughout the evening, speakers shared personal stories about how NMCAC helped their families heal from trauma. Music was provided by the Todd Renton Jazz Quartet and the RDS Blues Band, while auction items included sports tickets, travel packages, and themed gift baskets donated by local businesses.
NMCAC serves Crawford, Roscommon, Ogemaw, Otsego, Oscoda, and Iosco counties. In 2025 alone, the Center conducted more than 300 forensic interviews, over 1,000 mental health sessions, and helped secure 19 convictions through work with law enforcement and prosecutors.
