Elizabeth Smart To Serve As Honoree At Barbara Sinatra Luncheon

PALM DESERT, CA — Elizabeth Smart, who was abducted from her Salt Lake City home at age 14 and held captive for more than nine months, will be recognized at the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center's 2019 Champion Honors Luncheon next month.

Smart, now 31, will serve as the luncheon's headliner and conduct an on-stage conversation with Natalie Morales, NBC West Coast Saturday Show Anchor and Host of Access Hollywood.

Since her 2002 abduction, Smart has spent her adult life as an activist advocating stricter legislation regarding sexual predators and training for educators regarding child sexual abuse.

The luncheon is slated for Jan. 22 at the Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert and supports the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center in Rancho Mirage, which provides therapy and supports programs associated with child abuse and neglect.

Smart said she was "extremely honored to have been selected as the Champion Honoree" for the luncheon. "The Barbara Sinatra Center has impacted the lives of so many children and I am thrilled to be a part of this event to support the continued growth and efforts of this incredible organization," she said.

Event Co-Chair and Children's Center Trustee Hal Gershowitz added, "We are delighted Elizabeth is coming to share an up-close and personal glimpse into her story, the healing process and her emergence as a nationally recognized leader and advocate for issues related to child abuse."

Tickets are $150 per person. Those seeking tickets can contact the Children's Center at 760-773-1636 for more information.

"The efforts by Elizabeth to protect children from abuse is noteworthy and complements the mission of the Children's Center," Barbara Sinatra Children's Center Executive Officer John Thoresen said. "Natalie Morales has previously interviewed both Elizabeth and her parents, so we can expect a most enjoyable and revealing conversation."

— By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock