Residents and celebrities tour Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center

People of all walks of life turned out for the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center open house at Eisenhower in Rancho Mirage on Sunday.

Visitors like actor and celebrity Dan Lauria toured the center. They learned how their participation in the 24th annual Frank Sinatra Invitational Golf Tournament will help abused children in the valley. In fact, more than 17,000 children have been treated at the center since it opened 25 years ago.

“It’s important to help the children, that’s what it’s about is the children,” Barbara Sinatra said Sunday.

The mission of the non-profit center is to counsel sexually, physically and emotionally abused children. Also, to break the generational cycle of abuse.

“What it does for the child, to know there’s someone out there that cares about them … well worth it!” said Lauria.

An example of how the center measures success and tracks a child’s progress is by using art and play therapy — allowing each child to draw how they feel. Paintings and drawings are hung along the walls of the counseling rooms.

“To see these kids when they first come in and see them a year later or 18 months later, it really rips you and gets to your heart,” said Lauria.

Each year the tournament raises upwards of $400,000 for the center. Thoreson told us their goal is to raise enough money so the foundation can one day support itself.

Sinatra told us her goal is to maintain the pledge that no child will be turned away for a family’s ability to pay.

“We want to continue that legacy,” said John Thoreson, the director of the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.