As this project is so near and dear to her heart, Totty spent five months redesigning the center pro bono. Through her fundraising efforts, she was able to raise $24,000 for the project. With services combined, it was $50,000 redesign. She strived to create a center that would be both comforting and uplifting, as those who enter need a safe place of healing. Through a generous variety of donations, Dawn’s design skills, and other helping hands, the vision has been achieved.



“Everyone was a child once. Some have had a beautiful, childhood experience, but others have not. My main objective is in some small way to restore some joy for these sweet children – joy that has been lost through abuse. Creating a calm and happy healing environment is a good place to start,” expressed Dawn.

“This is the biggest and most important project I’ve ever completed in my career since the day I started working at 16 years old. Designing and being project manager for the Children's Center has taught me a multitude of lessons - particularly lessons in human nature. I’ve learned that generally people are kind and generous. When people heard about these hurting children, they were happy to assist me in so many ways – they volunteered their time and monetary donations,” she continued.

The Children's Center which has been at this location since 2018, really caught Dawn’s eye. She had a deep desire to redesign the facility, but would need the green light first.

“In a nutshell, I found out about this facility and it really weighed on my heart to elevate and beautify the space, so that it would be much more child friendly and welcoming. I set up a meeting with the Chief Detective of Marion Co. I went in for our meeting, offered to waive my service fees and to do my own fundraising. He jumped at the opportunity,” she recalled.