A Very Good Report About The
Held April 18th
Building on the success of the 2007 Gala, four hundred and eighty (480) Shelter House supporters gathered at the Willmar Holiday Inn for food, entertainment, insights about domestic violence, and fundraising.
Over $30,000 was raised to support the Shelter's domestic violence activities in Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Meeker, Renville, and Swift counties.
In an evening filled with many highlights, the first-person report by Danielle (last name withheld to protect her safety) stood out in its stark contrast to the gala atmosphere. Danielle painted an emotional, but realistic picture of the life of a survivor of domestic assault and sexual abuse.
Rather than focusing on the trauma of abuse, however, Danielle gave her story an uplifting, redemptive twist as she emphasized her current professional involvement in crime victim services and efforts to promote collaborative community responses to interpersonal and intimate partner violence today. In telling her own story, Danielle showed how survivors of abuse and violence can be empowered to help others.
Her presentation gave the audience a first hand account of why there is “hope for tomorrow” when survivors access help and community organizations work together to deliver safety and a variety of companion services to women and children.
Repeating her successful effort in 2007, Kristine Duininck, of Fladeboe Auctions, encouraged the audience of faithful supporters to up their bids for the sake of the women and children who receive Shelter House services.
Watch this page for pictures and a more detailed report about the 2008 Gala.
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