SafeSpace Celebrates 40 Years of Saving and Changing Lives
Stuart, Fla. – To celebrate the organization’s 40th anniversary of helping victims of domestic violence become survivors, SafeSpace along with presenting sponsors Joe and Margaret Richebourg Temple, will be hosting a birthday bash event including cocktails, dinner, entertainment and chance to win some unique prizes on Saturday, October 19, at 6:00 p.m. at Treasure Coast Lexus in Fort Pierce.
“We are excited to celebrate SafeSpace’s four decades of transforming lives for the better and look forward to sharing this milestone with the many donors and volunteers who help to make the important work we do possible,” said Terri Hamrick, SafeSpace CEO. “We are grateful for the support of the communities we serve and will continue to build upon the impact SafeSpace has made on the Treasure Coast.”
When SafeSpace was founded in Indian River County in October 1979, it was the beginning of an incredible journey to provide safety and support to thousands of domestic violence victims and their children. A 24-hour hotline and an emergency shelter were established within the first year. Over the next ten years, SafeSpace expanded to St. Lucie and Martin Counties and secured its reputation as the local area experts in providing domestic violence services. Signature fundraising events including Every Woman is My Sister, a gala celebration featuring well known guest speakers sharing their stories of survival and success, and Walk A Mile In Her Shoes®, a prominent and impactful event featuring individuals walking one mile in red stilettos, as well as the opening of a Thrift Shoppe in 2010 helped to raise necessary funds and increase awareness about the organization and its mission. Since then, many new projects and programs have been implemented such as the Injunction for Protection Program offering legal services to SafeSpace program participants; Economic Justice/Empowerment Program, assisting survivors of domestic violence with financial literacy and independence; and a Nursery Room project, an age appropriate space in the emergency shelter created for moms to spend time with their infant and toddler children.
“SafeSpace keeps victims of domestic violence safe and gives them a voice of courage. This birthday bash is an opportunity for the community to support the important work we do as the only certified Domestic Violence center in the tri-county area. We hope to continue to garner support in an effort to protect the victims we have yet to reach,” said Emmelis Keaney, SafeSpace Board Member and 40th Birthday Committee Chair.
“It's been a wonderful community legacy, and we plan to keep growing and evolving! Our progress and success in providing so many vital programs and services have been the result of the community coming together to help victims of domestic violence find the courage to leave and the empowerment to thrive,” said Tracy Levy, SafeSpace Director of Development.
Tickets for the 40th Birthday Bash are $200 per person and must be reserved by October 7. For more information or to secure your attendance, please call 772-223-2399 or visit www.SafeSpaceFL.org/events.
Sponsorships are currently available for businesses, organizations and individuals who want to support the mission of SafeSpace. For more information contact Janet Farnan-Dyer at 772-223-2399 or jfarnan-dyer@safespacefl.org.
SafeSpace appreciates the generous support of its sponsors to date, which include: Joe & Margaret Richebourg Temple, Lichtenberger Foundation, Coleman Family Foundation, Wong Family Foundation, Bob & Carmen Stork, Keaney Financial Services Corp, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Shaun Kelly Feinsinger & Paul J. Feinsinger CPA, Audi Stuart, Patricia Stewart, Joan & Reed Smith, Law Office of Jason D. Berger PA, Joyce & Stephen Page, Carol & Bob Myers, Janie & Jimmie Tighe, Linda & Ray Hengerer, Tom Bakkedahl, Mickey Hernandez & Cindy Dolan, John & Cynthia Kucyk, Richard Boga, and Gregory Burke FAIA,NCARB.