RESPOND, Inc. Turns 36
Anniversary Fundraiser to Benefit New England’s First Domestic Violence Agency
BOSTON – RESPOND, Inc., New England’s first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation, will host its RESPONDing to Domestic Violence at the Boston Harbor Hotel in Boston on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 6pm. The fundraiser will support RESPOND’s core services for victims of domestic violence, including emergency shelter for survivors and their children, a 24-hour crisis hotline, individual advocacy, legal support in local courts, children’s services, community education, and domestic violence support groups.
An extended cocktail reception to commemorate the occasion will feature an array of hors d’oeuvres, pastas, wine and desserts. The program will include live and silent auctions and an awards presentation. A week in St. Croix, a tour of the set of This Old House and a luxury weekend night for two at the Liberty Hotel in Boston are just a few of the items guests will have a chance to bid on. Shayna Seymour of WCVB Channel Five will be the evening’s host emcee and live auctioneer.
RESPOND is proud to recognize the following for their generous contributions and commitment to ending domestic violence:
New England GiveCamp: Jim O’Neil and Kelley Muir; for their thoughtful generosity and commitment to survivors of domestic violence. GiveCamp New England offered a platform for developers, designers, database administrators and social network specialists to donate their time and technical services to provide solutions for non-profit organizations resulting in over $100,000 in pro-bono services to date. GiveCamp continues to facilitate meaningful connections across sectors to inspire charitable giving, meeting the needs of social service and non-profit organizations. THE Development Team: Eric Greene, George Babey, Justin Babey, Evelyn Livant; for their dynamic and loyal commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism. THE Development Team created, designed and implemented a comprehensive website for RESPOND in only 48 hours, providing a life saving resource for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Eric, George, Justin and Evelyn embody the true meaning of community service, giving of their time and talent to end the tragic cycle of domestic violence.
Victoria Helberg, RESPOND Shelter Program Coordinator; for her tenacity, courage and dedication working to end domestic violence in Massachusetts and beyond. Believing that every person has the right to live free from threats and abuse, Victoria works tirelessly on the behalf of all survivors of domestic violence. Through education, intervention and prevention efforts, Victoria has helped hundreds of survivors find safety, access life saving services and rebuild healthy lives free of fear and victimization.
Founded in 1974, RESPOND has a 36-year history of providing life-saving services to survivors of domestic violence and their children, serving a total of over 65,000 individuals in need. In April 2008, after completing a major capital campaign, RESPOND opened a new 8-bedroom shelter. The new home is the only wheelchair accessible domestic violence shelter in the Boston area and doubles the agency’s capacity to provide confidential, secure housing for survivors and children seeking safety from abuse.
Tickets to the RESPONDing to Domestic Violence Gala are $125 per person and can be purchased by visiting www.respondinc.org/gala or by contacting Kristen Rice, Events and Outreach Coordinator at RESPOND, 617-625-5996, or kristen@respondinc.org . Corporate and individual sponsorships are also available.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, please call RESPOND’s 24-hour hotline at 617-623-5900. For more information on programs, volunteer opportunities or to make a donation please call 617-625-5996 or visit www.respondinc.org.
About RESPOND, Inc.
RESPOND, Inc., New England’s first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation, reaches over 5,000 survivors each year through free, confidential community and shelter-based services. RESPOND is based in Somerville and serves communities throughout Greater Boston and beyond with a special emphasis on Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Somerville, Cambridge, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn. Programs and services include an emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, individual and group advocacy, legal advocacy, community outreach and educational programs. Services are currently provided in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French. For assistance, please call RESPOND’s 24-hour hotline at 617-623-5900. For more information on volunteering or to make a donation please call 617-625-5996 or visit www.respondinc.org.
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Reporters or photographers interested in attending should contact Kristen Rice, Events and Outreach Coordinator, at 617-625-5996, or kristen@respondinc.org.
