Laura's House HOPE Golf Tournament Raises More Than $70,000 For Domestic Violence Survivors

    LADERA RANCH, CA August 15, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Laura's House, a Southern California nonprofit dedicated to providing domestic violence education, prevention, shelter and counseling services, hosted its third annual HOPE Golf Tournament at the scenic Marbella Country Club in the, rolling hills of San Juan Capistrano. The Aug. 10 event, sponsored by South County Auto Group, raised more than $70,000 - funds critical to the Laura's House Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing Programs; the 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline; Legal Support Services; and Counseling and Community Education Programs.

Following the competitive golf tournament, golfers and Laura's House supporters gathered for a dinner reception and awards program led by event chair Monica Timpe. The evening also featured inspiring remarks from domestic violence survivor and Laura's House graduate Tanya Smith*.

Smith, of Orange County, suffered more than a decade of verbal, psychological and physical abuse from her former husband. He monitored her every move and used isolation and financial control to exert his dominance. For six years, Smith had just 42 cents in her bank account. She was forced to leave her career and was distanced from family and friends. Fearing for her life and those of her children, she filed for legal separation in 2012 and sought Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing through Laura's House, successfully graduating from both programs. She shared her story with more than 100 supporters to provide personal insights into her experience and other families currently suffering abuse. Smith gave special thanks to the generous sponsors and attendees for enabling these services to be available to the community, as well as Laura's House staff and volunteers whom she credits for helping her through her difficult journey.

"A domestic violence incident happens every seven seconds, it has no boundaries and affects thousands of Orange County families," said Margaret Bayston, CEO and executive director of Laura's House. "While there's still so much work to be done, our annual Golf Tournament presents an opportunity for supporters to unite, take action and envision a world free of domestic violence."

The evening concluded with an awards ceremony and special presentation to San Juan Capistrano-based Fluidmaster, which was recognized for its outstanding philanthropic spirit, volunteerism and community support. Committee members in attendance were Patrick Lustig, Mike Zalke, Dawn McKahan, Sera Chalayan, Debra Corley and Deanna Gilpin.

2015 HOPE Golf Tournament Silver Sponsors: South County Auto Group, Active Captive Management; Bronze Sponsor: Ernst & Young; Platinum Foursome: Aitken Aitken Cohn, Ally Financial, Auto Trader, California United Bank, Danny's Detail, Debra Corley, Finish Master, Fluidmaster, Hittelman Strunk Law Group, The Timpe Group - Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, TD Ameritrade, IPS, TravisMathew, Rutan & Tucker, The Rand Group and Jerry Harrington.
* Name was changed to protect her identity.

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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