SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The local non-profit organization, Family & Children’s Center, announced in recognition of April being Child Abuse Prevention Month, it will host its Spotlight Dinner on Thursday at the Four Winds Casino Resort where the special guest speaker will be Ken Carter, whose story inspired the film "Coach Carter."

Regarding Carter, the organization states on its website:

"Known for locking his undefeated basketball team out of the gym to focus on academics, Coach Carter’s message of accountability and empowerment mirrors the mission of Family & Children’s Center: helping every child and family unlock their full potential in a safe, supportive environment."

The dinner serves as one of the non-profit's main fundraising events which supports programs aimed at preventing child abuse before it happens.

Roxanne Ultz, Executive Director of Family & Children’s Center, stated, “April is a time to recognize both the challenges families face and the responsibility we all share in supporting them. We know that when families have access to guidance, encouragement, and practical resources, they can thrive. This event brings our community together to invest in child abuse prevention, so that every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, supported, and valued.”

The prevention-focused programs include home visiting, parenting education, and early childhood development services.

The non-profit states each year it works with over 700 families and households.

You can still buy tickets for the dinner or become a sponsor online. Tickets start at $300. The dinner starts at 6 p.m., Thursday.

ABC57's Brian Conybeare will be the event's emcee. Tune in to ABC57 News at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, for a live interview with Coach Carter.