The Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center is a place that offers safety, support, and hope to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, violent crimes, loved ones of homicide victims, and more.

All services within the shelter are free of charge. To help make these services possible, D/SAOC holds an annual major fundraiser, commonly called the cake auction.

Every spring, staff and volunteers work together to auction off hundreds of items to raise as much money as they can.

“Our goal this year is to raise $30,000,” said Leah Bair, program development director at D/SAOC. “We do receive state and federal funding, but this is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we rely on this money to fill the gaps in the budget.”

All items for the auction are donated by family members, community partners and local businesses.

Prior to COVID, each auction item was paired with a cake when the auction was held in person. After COVID and having to make the auction all online, the cake portion was taken out, but there is still a surprise for those that purchase items from the online auction.

Along with the auction, there will also be a $500 cash raffle. One ticket is $5 or five tickets for $20. Tickets for the raffle are available for purchase online.

“With all the recent budget cuts and possibly more to come, this money is very important to continue providing free and confidential services to victims,” said Bair.

D/SAOC serves men, women, and children in 20 mid-Iowa counties. The shelter in Fort Dodge acts as a safety net for victims of sexual assault, violent crime, and domestic violence.

Bair said there are a few ways to reach out, if needed, and that everything is completely free and confidential.

“You can call our toll-free number at 888-356-2005 or at our office at 515-955-2273,” she said. “There are people on the other end of the line that are going to be able to help with all sorts of situations.”

For those unable to bid on auction items but who would still like to help D/SAOC, there is a list of needs on their website at www.dsaoc.com.

“Toiletry items and personal care items are always needed,” said Bair.

The annual cake auction will take place online from April 3-7. To participate, visit https://cakeauction2025.givesmart.com.

New items are added daily to the auction.

For more information regarding the auction, follow them on Facebook at Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center or call the office at 515-955-2273.