VALDOSTA — Elizabeth Smart was 14 years old when she was abducted June 5, 2002. 

She was held captive for nine months. Kidnappers threatened to kill her and her family if she tried to escape.

She was reunited with her family March 12, 2003; and now, she’ll soon be in Valdosta.

Smart is set to be the keynote speaker for the Anchored in Hope benefit dinner scheduled for March 19 at the James. H. Rainwater Conference Center.

Hosted by the Children’s Advocacy Center, a board of directors reception for table sponsors will begin 5:30 p.m. and general admission entry is at 6 p.m for ticket holders.

Table sponsors will be able to take photos with Smart during the reception, organizers said.

Ashley Lindsay, CAC executive director, said she believes Smart will bring awareness to the mission of the center.

“Her story is really just of resilience and how she manages her day-to-day life and how she’s gotten back to a normal life,” Lindsay said.

“She gives people hope, and she lets them know how they can overcome, how can they go from survivor to thriver and just be able to share their story and not let it hold them back.”

Smart is the founder of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation and author of “My Story.”

Following her speech, a video will highlight the CAC; and a professional from the child-abuse field will be presented the “Caroline’s Hope” award.

“We have to do that every year to recognize a professional who’s really dedicated their life to making sure that these children get to tell their story and that they get the help that they need,” Lindsay said.

General admission tickets are $125, and sponsor tables are $2,000. Deadline to purchase both is March 12.

Attire is business formal, and Andrew Agatston, CAC’s of Georgia chief executive officer, will be the master of ceremonies.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting eventrbite.com. Call (229) 245-5362 to sponsor. 

Amanda M. Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.