October 6, 2021 – Plano, TX – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis donated $50,000 of forfeiture funds in honor of Ashley Estell and her parents, Dick and Diana Estell to Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC). The funds will be used to install “Ashley’s Corner” at CACCC’s new, second, full-service facility, The Speese Campus, located in McKinney, Texas.
In 1993, the Estell family’s seven-year-old daughter Ashley was abducted and murdered. Since their tragic loss, Ashley’s parents, Dick and Diana Estell have been passionate advocates in the fight against child abuse, and Mrs. Estell has served on both the Advocacy Center’s Board of Directors and the Advisory Council for many years. In 1995, the Texas Legislature enacted Ashley’s Laws, which changed how Texas punishes and tracks sex offenders. Other states have modeled their own legislation after Ashley’s Laws, which continue to protect countless children across the nation.
“Ashley’s Corner” will be a dedicated reading corner in the Activity Center at the new facility which is currently under construction. The Activity Center is where children and family members visit as they wait to receive the vital services the Center has to offer.
As DA Willis presented the donation, he expressed his deep admiration and respect for the Estells, who “turned a parent’s worst and unending nightmare into something that protects countless children nationwide.” CACCC’s CEO Lynne McLean said, “We so appreciate DA Willis and his office for protecting children and for holding their abusers accountable. This generous donation made in honor of the Estell family is incredibly meaningful for them and for us.”
The Speese Campus will be located in McKinney at Heritage Drive and Harroun Avenue and is planned to be fully operational by Fall 2022. For more information, please visit www.caccollincounty.org/expansion.
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