Laura's House "Wine & Dine" Benefit Inspires Community to Stop Domestic Violence

    LADERA RANCH, CA, May 08, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Stories of domestic violence have been frequent in the media, with devastating acts of abuse reported daily. In 2014, nearly 1.4 million women and 700,000 men experienced some form of domestic violence, according to the Office for National Statistics. On Sunday, Irvine residents Laura Khouri and Michael Hayde hosted the fourth annual "Wine & Dine" event at their home benefiting Laura's House, a leading nonprofit dedicated to the prevention and education of domestic violence. The inspiring event brought together nearly 100 guests in support of a movement to end the silence of domestic violence, while raising funds for crucial programs and services.

"When the community gathers each year to raise awareness and funds for domestic violence prevention, it keeps us hopeful," said Margaret Bayston, executive director of Laura's House. "Important events like our Wine & Dine help Laura's House to generate much-needed support and allow us to shed light on this devastating issue, while directly changing the lives of those we serve."

The May 3 event was both festive and educational. Guests tasted more than 40 different wines while learning about Laura's House and its services.

"My husband Mike and I were honored to open our home to Laura's House supporters for this year's event," said Laura Khouri, Laura's House board chair. "As longtime supporters of Laura's House, we loved the opportunity to help this incredible organization raise critical funds for such an important cause, and we are proud to be but a small part to help Laura's House break the cycle of abuse in the lives of thousands of Orange County women and children."

Guests were led through a number of tastings, while enjoying live mandolin entertainment, gourmet food and a wine-themed silent auction. Funds raised will benefit Laura's House programs and services, including the emergency shelter, counseling and resource center, 24-hour emergency hotline, legal services, outreach and transitional housing programs.

Wine pouring stations were provided at no-cost by Cowboy Canyon Winery, Hamilton Oaks Trabuco, Giracci Vineyards, Vino Paraiso, the portfolio of Southern Wine & Spirits and Frank Murray's California Selections. Gourmet food was provided by Coastal Catering of the Island Hotel, including Italian inspired artisan breads, cheese and charcuterie, wood-fired artisan pizza and chocolates from Valenza Chocolatier for wine and chocolate pairing. Farmhouse tables and Italian-inspired decor provided by Signature Party Rentals, and audio provided by AK Johnston.

About Laura's House
The mission of Laura's House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.

For more than 20 years, Laura's House has served those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence. Over the past two decades, Laura's House has provided shelter and support services to more than 4,000 battered women and children and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to nearly 50,000 people. Connect with Laura's House on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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