Events throughout the month of October provide opportunities to build awareness for Laura’s House throughout Orange County and beyond
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this year, there are “31 Ways” in which the community can help Laura’s House build awareness for the programs and services that are available to individuals and families affected by domestic violence.
“Supporting Laura’s House during the month of October can be as simple as wearing a purple ribbon, skipping that morning cup of coffee for a week and donating the savings to support our programs and services, or donating an old cell phone through the Verizon HopeLine program,” said Andrea McCallister, Director of Development and Communications for Laura’s House. “For those who want a deeper connection to our organization, we have many volunteer opportunities, or they can attend events taking place this month throughout the local community.”
One of the month-long promotions for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Laura’s House is through Classic Kids photography in Newport Beach. During the month of October, members of the local community who donate $75 to Laura’s House will receive a mini sitting, and for donations of $175, they will receive a full sitting. Classic Kids is located at 219 Marine Avenue in Newport Beach, and for more information call (949) 642-0200.
On Saturday, Oct. 5, Laura’s House supporter Cindy Andrews will be hosting her annual Sweater Party for Laura’s House in Lake Forest, for more information or to RSVP, e-mail Cindy at cindyandrews1@cox.net.
Later this month, Laura’s House will be hosting an informational booth at the Ladera Ranch Fall Pumpkin Festival to be held on Saturday, Oct. 19 from Noon to 4:00 p.m. at Founder’s Park in Ladera Ranch. Laura’s House volunteer Mary Bentley, along with volunteers from the men’s and women’s tennis teams at Concordia University will be hosting the booth and handing out flyers and other information about Laura’s House.
On Thursday, Oct. 24, Verizon Wireless will be hosting a “Verizon Live Drive” for the Verizon HopeLine program at their Marina del Rey retail location. Join us for this high-energy event with Maria Quiban from Mommy Loves Tech, KTTR and a celebrity guest! During the event, Verizon will debut a PSA on teen dating abuse, featuring participants from the Laura’s House Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens (H.E.A.R.T.) program.
Laura’s House is grateful to Marilyn McGowan and Uncharted Journeys for teaming up with us to host the 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown, coming up on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lakeview Park, overlooking the Irvine Lake Recreational Area. The event will feature an adventurous morning hike through the backcountry trails of Silverado Canyon, led by honorary hike leaders Mike Boeck, Irvine Ranch Conservancy docent, along with Karin Klein, author of “50 Hikes in Orange County” and Thea Gavin, poet and barefoot hiker. Hikers will then enjoy a relaxing afternoon featuring a delicious all-you-can-eat Mexican buffet luncheon offered by Tacos & Co., wine tastings from local vintners including Cowboy Canyon Wines, Frisby Cellars, Giracci Vineyards and Farms, and Newport Beach Vineyards, and live country music courtesy of The Freightshakers. For more information and to register a team or individual online, visit http://beta.active.com/silverado-ca/hiking/races/canyon-country-hike-and-amp-hoedown-for-laura-s-house-2013.
Last but not least, the Blasdel/George families of Ladera Ranch will host their fourth annual “Haunted House” Benefit for Laura’s House on Thursday, Oct. 31, Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. The Blasdel/George Home is located at 6 Shepherd Ct. in the Covenant Hills Community of Ladera Ranch, and the community is invited to come and get spooked in their amazing haunted maze! In lieu of admission, cash contributions and donations of non-perishable food items and gently used clothing for men, women and children are encouraged. All donations will be given to Laura’s House.
To learn more about the “31 Ways” in which you can help Laura’s House in commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month, visit our online “31 Ways in 31 Days” calendar at http://www.laurashouse.org/news/2013/09/30-ways-in-30-days-for-domestic-violence-awareness-month/.