Eastside Domestic Violence Program (EDVP) is marking its 30th anniversary as one of the premier programs in the nation advocating for victims of domestic violence, and providing services to return them to safety. Its “World of Hope” dinner and live auction on May 5, 2012 at Bellevue’s Meydenbauer Center, promises to be one of the most significant events in EDVP’s history.
“We have such amazing support from the community, and this is one of our largest fundraisers to support our programs,” said Barbara Langdon, EDVP Executive Director. “Not only do we want to fill the Meydenbauer Center to celebrate 30 years of service, but we are making a major announcement that signifies where our agency has been, and where we are headed in the future.”
In fact, Honorary Co-Chairs for the “World of Hope” dinner and auction are no less than Gov. Chris Gregoire and First Gentleman Mike Gregoire. “As Governor, I have seen a dramatic increase in the need for domestic violence services,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “I have met with victims, children and families living in fear and hopelessness. For many, even the most basic safety net can mean the difference between life and death.”
EDVP answered 10,716 crisis line calls and worked with 5,179 local victims of domestic violence last year. Since 1982, EDVP has served more than 115,000 victims and their children, helping them escape from abusive homes and relationships.
“We’ve seen an increase in traumatic cases, where families are barely holding on,” said Langdon. “The 2012 World of Hope dinner and auction will raise funds that provide critical services to families in desperate need.”
One of EDVP’s clients, Stacy, will share her story during the dinner about domestic violence in her family. After years of physical and emotional abuse, Stacy reached a new low when her husband kidnapped her oldest son, and took him to another state. The mother of three, and now a college student, gives EDVP credit for literally saving her life and those of her children.
“Without the services of Eastside Domestic Violence Program, I don’t know how I would have survived or kept my family together,” said Stacy. “This program has forever changed my life.”
This year’s dinner and live auction on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th St. in Bellevue, will be hosted by KOMO news anchor Molly Shen. Auction Chair Brinette Rounds promises a sensational evening, beginning with a VIP reception, then a gourmet dinner paired with fine wines, followed by dancing. “We will be encouraging high-energy bidding on fantastic travel destination packages, unique getaways, and other items not otherwise available for purchase,” said Rounds. “We give special thanks to our supporters whose generosity will create a World of Hope for victims and families in need. Join us for this memorable evening!”
To register for the ‘World of Hope,’ please visit edvp.maestroweb.com, or call Tiffany
Solack at 425-562-8840, ext. 249. Tickets are $150 per person, or a table of 10 is $1500.
For more information, please contact Kelly Becker, EDVP Development Director, at kellyb@edvp.org, or call 425-562-8840, ext. 253.
EDVP is the largest provider of domestic violence services and confidential shelter in North and East King County, Washington, and is a nationally recognized leader in the field. Since 1982, EDVP has provided safety, support and access to education and training for more than 115,000 victims and their children. To learn more about domestic violence, visit EDVP at www.edvp.org. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, call EDVP’s 24 hour Crisis Line at 425-746-1940 or 1-800-827-8840.