One of the tastiest fundraisers this community has traditionally experienced is the annual cake auction conducted by the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center.

Each year, bakers try to outdo each other with elaborate cakes that went on the auction block along with all kinds of other goodies. The delicious extravaganza was the primary fundraiser for D/SAOC.

At least it was the primary fundraiser for D/SAOC until our new nemesis, COVID-19, came along. Last year’s cake auction was canceled due to the pandemic. And unfortunately, this year’s version has also fallen victim to the pandemic.

The need for D/SAOC’s services, however, remains urgent.

D/SAOC offers safety, support and hope to adult and child victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and violent crime. It does the same for the families and friends of homicide victims.

It operates a shelter in Fort Dodge for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Its services include counseling, court advocacy and support groups.

D/SAOC serves 20 counties in north central Iowa.

Providing all those services requires money, and the government is not going to pick up all of the bill. That’s why the cake auction was so important. And that’s why it is so important for individuals and businesses to support D/SAOC with donations now.

To make a donation, go to www.dsaoc.com.

Doing so will help to make a difference for people, perhaps including our friends and neighbors, who are in a crisis situation.