Laura's House Groovy Gala Raises $530,000 Toward Services for Domestic Violence Victims

    LADERA RANCH, CA, September 23, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Wearing disco fashions and boogying to the groovy sounds of the '70s, more than 300 domestic violence advocates gathered on Sept. 16 at the Island Hotel Newport Beach to celebrate the Laura's House 23rd annual gala themed "Saturday Night Fever at Club Laura's House." Emceed by NBC 4 Emmy-winning reporter Hetty Chang, the successful soiree raised more than $530,000 for services benefiting domestic violence victims, including the Laura's House emergency shelter, community programs, legal advocacy services, prevention and education outreach programs and more.

The evening began with a cocktail reception that included a silent auction filled with unique experiences and luxury items such as a three-night stay at the Grand Wailea in Maui, Anaheim Ducks tickets, Kendra Scott jewelry, an Urban Decay beauty basket, Caribbean adventures and more. Setting the tone for the evening, guests were welcomed with a fun photo opportunity, followed by nostalgic performances of pop hits such as "Boogie Fever" and "Staying Alive."

"This event is critical in raising funds to support victims of domestic violence and their families, and to offer them a chance at a better life," said Laura's House Board Member and Gala Chair Laura Khouri. "It is also eye-opening and helps us realize that abuse affects so many people in our community, including people close to us - family members, neighbors, coworkers and others we would not necessarily suspect. More than ever, it is vital that we end the silence of domestic violence to educate and empower victims with the resources available to them."

Laura's House awarded its 2017 Crystal Heart Award to Erik Cadle and Adrian Vasquez from Irvine-based Western National Group, for their dedication and help in remodeling Laura's House newest site, the 2,200-square foot Domestic Violence Advocacy Center (DVAC) accommodating the Laura's House fast-growing legal team, and offering therapeutic services, workshops and groups. Cadle and Vasquez mobilized their network and donated countless hours and weekend time to transform the office into a beautiful, safe and peaceful haven for Laura's House clients to address their issues with therapists and legal advocates.

Casco Contractors, a company run by Laura's House board member Cheryl Osborn, was honored with the 2017 Corporate Crystal Heart Award for unwavering and generous support of the nonprofit. Throughout the years, under Osborn's leadership, Casco Contractors conducted major improvement projects at Laura's House's emergency shelter, transitional living facility and at its San Juan Capistrano and Lake Forest resale stores.

"We are grateful for our supporters who go above and beyond to help us in our mission of ending domestic violence," said Margaret Bayston, Laura's House CEO and executive director. "With their help, we have served nearly 55,000 people in need of shelter, counseling or legal assistance. Domestic violence does not discriminate and can happen to anyone, regardless of income, education, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. Our goal is to empower domestic violence survivors, but also to change once and for all the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence."

During the program, three emotional recordings of survivors calling 911 for assistance, one from a woman and two from children, were played for the audience, a reminder that domestic violence remains a prevalent issue for the entire family within our community. Attendees also heard a first-hand testimony from a survivor who shared her personal story of survival and experience working with the Laura's House legal team. Bayston, Adam Dodge, legal director, and Jennifer Ponce, prevention education manager, also highlighted the areas of rapid expansion and the need for additional support in these areas, as Laura's House continues to meet the needs of our community.

The program also included a live auction with fabulous prizes such as box seats to Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and Janet Jackson concerts at the Honda Center, luxurious Maui getaways, and a special appeal 'Rebuild a Life,' directly funding programs and services provided by Laura's House. The opportunity drawing winner captured a weekend getaway in a Tesla. Following the program, the fabulous disco Sensation Showband started the dance party with guests onstage for a fun rendition of the "YMCA."

Presenting sponsors for the 2017 gala are Laura Khouri and Michael K. Hayde. I Will Survive sponsors are Nancy and Geoffrey Stack. Night Fever sponsors are the Julia and George Argyros/Argyros Family Foundation and the Lisa Argyros/Argyros Family Foundation. Dancing Queen sponsors are The Jacqueline Glass Family, Haskell & White LLP, The Joe MacPherson Foundation, David Stone & Aileen Karstofsky, The Thompson Foundation and Verizon Wireless. How Deep Is Your Love sponsors include The David Ball Family, Norman & Sadie Lee Foundation, Neudesic, Park Newport Apartments, and Donna and Dick Pickup. Celebration sponsors are Patty Cyr, Laura and Mark Feld, Frome Family Foundation, Hittelman Strunk Law Group LLP, Pat & Rick McAuley, Rutan & Tucker LLP, US Bank and Casey & Tim Wolin.

Throughout October - domestic violence awareness month - Laura's House is inviting advocates to become involved in various initiatives and fundraisers by visiting http://www.laurashouse.org.

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.

Over the past 23 years, Laura's House has provided shelter and support services to nearly 5,000 abused men, women and children and 24-hour crisis intervention, counseling, life skills education, and legal assistance to nearly 55,000 people. Connect with Laura's House on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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