Stronger Together!, an annual benefit for Safe Connections that aims to engage and empower women and girls, kicks off later this week with a weeklong virtual celebration that concludes with the main event on Saturday, April 24.
Safe Connections, founded in St. Louis more than 40 years ago as the Women’s Self Help Center, has grown to be one of the region’s largest organizations fighting to end domestic and sexual violence, and advocating for survivors.
In the past year, increased incidents of domestic violence and abuse have been reported across the country as stay-at-home orders left victims isolated and trapped at home with their abusers at the height of the pandemic.
Cynthia Danley, chief development and marketing officer of Safe Connections, says proceeds from the event will support the organization’s programs that are designed to help prevent and end domestic and sexual violence, as well as help victims reclaim their lives as survivors.
“All services are provided free of charge to those we serve, including crisis intervention, support services, individual counseling and prevention education,” Danley said. “(We) continue to have event attendees and supporters genuinely passionate about Safe Connections. They understand how the pandemic has exacerbated incidents of domestic violence and how important it is to help domestic and sexual violence survivors.”
A silent auction and raffle event begins at noon on Friday, April 16, via Facebook Live on Safe Connections’ homepage. Raffle prizes include a chance to pick a seven-night vacation for up to six people in either Lake Tahoe, Nevada or Steamboat Springs, as well as luxury items like designer bags and jewelry.
The main event, the 14th annual Stronger Together! celebration, will take place on Saturday, April 24, at 10 a.m. via a Zoom gathering, and will include messages of hope, love and reflection, as well as the announcement of raffle winners.
This is the second year in a row that the popular event has gone virtual due to safety concerns in light of the ongoing pandemic.
“Fundraising events are much easier when you have a captive audience,” Danley said. “Going virtual has its challenges and opportunities. It’s challenging to still have a fund-a-need option, but an opportunity is that you can invite others outside of the St. Louis area. You may also have more attendees since they don’t have to travel anywhere and may feel more comfortable attending remotely.”
For more information on Stronger Together!, including tickets for the virtual April 24th event, as well as access to the silent auction and raffle, click here.
Gazelle Magazine is a proud media sponsor of the 14th annual Stronger Together! event.
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