31 Ways in 31 Days for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Posted on September 26, 2013
Do you know someone who may need the services of Laura’s House? Download our Resources card, print, and share! Click here.
Laura’s House Annual Gala “Step into the Roaring 20s” Raises $250,000
Posted on September 18, 2013
Nearly 250 guests gathered at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa on Saturday, September 14 to build awareness and raise funds to support programs and services that the organization provides to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence
Ladera Ranch, Calif., Sept. 18, 2013 – On Saturday, September 14, nearly 250 supporters converged on the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa for the Laura’s House annual gala, “Step into the Roaring 20s.” Dressed in attire inspired by “The Great Gatsby”, including bright and shimmery flapper dresses and headdresses, and more casual suiting for the men, as was common during the “Jazz Age,” guests raised more than $250,000 over the course of the evening to help fund the vital programs and services that the organization provides to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.
“We were very pleased to welcome so many of our supporters during the 19th Annual Laura’s House Gala,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “This is an exciting time for Laura’s House and we are very proud of all that we have accomplished and grateful for the ongoing support we receive through special events such as our annual gala, which helps us tremendously in our efforts to respond to the need within the community for domestic violence programs and services.”
Presented by Western National Group, the event’s Title Sponsor, “Step into the Roaring 20s” began at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception that included a selection of passed cold canapés and hot hors d’oeuvres including Seared Ahi on Wonton with Wasabi Cream Cheese, Brie Cheese and Red Grape Crostini, Miniature Beef Wellington and Filet Mignonette Point Reyes. Guests were also invited to enjoy signature cocktails from the martini luge including a traditional Cosmopolitan, Grapefruit Martini and “Dirty with Olives,” and a selection of red and white wines, cocktails and soft drinks.
During the cocktail reception guests perused a silent auction featuring more than 200 items including exciting travel and entertainment experiences, culinary adventures, and a “Wall of Wine” offering a seemingly endless selection of top-rated wines and tasting experiences from around the world. Volunteers from the National Charity League circulated during the silent auction, selling tickets for the opportunity drawing for a Tiffany & Co. Jazz Pendant.
Following the silent auction, guests were invited into the Grand Pacific Ballroom for the dinner and program, featuring Vikki Vargas, Orange County Bureau Chief for NBC4 as Master of Ceremonies. As guests enjoyed freshly baked artisan rolls with imported European style butter and Fresh Bibb Salads made with fresh Bibb lettuce, oven-dried tomato, aged Romano cheese, maple pepper bacon and chunky cucumber ranch dressing. Vargas introduced Margaret Bayston and Wayne Pinnell, Chair of Laura’s House Board of Directors and Gala Chair for “Step into the Roaring 20s,” who thanked event sponsors which included Verizon Wireless at the Platinum Level; The Jacqueline Glass Family and Wells Fargo at the Gold Level; Aitken, Aitken and Cohn, Haskell & White LLP, The Joe MacPherson Foundation, Michelman & Robinson LLP and The Thompson Foundation at the Silver Level; and table sponsors Agility, Applied Medical, Alliance Resource Group, Frome Foundation, Gerson Bakar & Associates, Knockout Productions and Rutan & Tucker LLP.
Dinner included Braised Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine Jus, served with Creamy Soft Potato, Carrots, Roasted Pepper and Asparagus. Following dinner, Margaret Bayston joined Wayne Pinnell on stage to present this year’s Crystal Heart Award to Wells Fargo for its commitment to corporate philanthropy, and contributions to Laura’s House. Dan Weeks, Vice President, Community Banking District Manager, accepted the award on behalf of Wells Fargo. “We are proud to have honored Wells Fargo for their exemplary roles as a long-time corporate partner of Laura’s House, and we are grateful to have them in our corner as we work together to end the silence of domestic violence,” continued Bayston.
Laura’s House then welcomed one of our survivors to the stage, a successful fashion model and now talented author and speaker, who shared her testimony of how Laura’s House helped her after her husband abused her and her children. The survivor testimony was then followed with the debut of Laura’s House new “infographical” video, illustrating the impact the organization has had on the community since it was founded in 1994. As the video was presented, guests enjoyed dessert, which included Fresh Seasonal Berry Tart with Shortbread Crust and Fresh Vanilla Custard, alternating with Chocolate Crunch Cake featuring dark chocolate mousse, crunchy Rice Krispies and hazelnut feuilletine. Following dessert, Vikki Vargas returned to the stage to introduce auctioneer Joe Matthews who facilitated the “Rebuild a Life” auction to raise much needed funds to support the Laura’s House Emergency Shelter
The dinner and program concluded with the live auction featuring 12 tickets, and two parking passes for a luxury suite at the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves basketball game at Staples Center on November 11, 2013, donated by Bryan Cave LLP; a Lemon Quartz Cabochon pendant from the “9 to 5 Collection” with Tsavonte Necklace with garnets on a multiple strand silver chain, donated by Mark Patterson – Corona del Mar; a couples golf and spa retreat donated by The Resort at Pelican Hill, and including one round of golf for four players on one of two Tom Fazio designed championship courses, four 50-minute Amber Gold Signature Massages at The Spa at Pelican Hill and dinner for eight at the Coliseum Pool & Grill; “The Great Gatsby” cocktail party for 12 guests, including one server and featuring 10 bottles of premium wine from the Cellar of Bette & Wylie Aitken, floral arrangements by Studio Mix, Port and Brandy and a box of La Aroma de Cuba, Mi Amours Cigars; a men’s Corum Admiral’s Cup Chronograph 50mm Swiss Timepiece with 50mm vulcanized rubber case, black lacquered dial, automatic winding with chronograph function, black rubber strap with titanium tongue buckle, and water resistant to 30 ATM, donated by Corum; box seating and a $500 food allowance for 10 guests at Honda Center for the Bon Jovi Concert on October 10, 2013, donated by Mike Hayde and Western National Group; an 18-person Staples Suite with “Clipper Spirit” package including a team-autographed basketball for any game at Staples Center during the 2013-2014 season, donated by AEG/Staples Center; and, a Maui Adventure featuring round-trip airfare for two on Alaska Airlines, a two-night stay at the elegant The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, a two-night stay at the stunning Hotel Wailea Maui, a sunrise special bike ride for two down the Haleakala Volcano, two premium seats for a performance of Ulalena in Lahaina, Maui, two day train passes for the Sugar Cane Train, and two passes for a guided tour of the U.S.S. Missouri Battleship, donated by Alaska Airlines, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Hotel Wailea Maui, Haleakala Bike Company, Ulalena, Railroads of Hawaii, and the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc.
After dinner, guests were invited to enjoy dancing and lively, musical entertainment from the Sensation Showband.
Chair for “Step into the Roaring 20s” was Wayne Pinnell, who also chairs the Laura’s House Board of Directors, and is Managing Partner for the accounting firm, Haskell & White, LLP. Event committee members were Laura’s House board members Sandy Jacobson, Linda Grace Kearns, Linda Lewis, Kurt Ross and Casey Wolin, and community volunteers Ingrid Bobbitt and Donna Cippolla.
About Laura’s House
For nearly two decades, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to more than 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. 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 in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
# # #
Uncharted Journeys Teams Up with Laura’s House for 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown
Posted on September 16, 2013
Attendees will enjoy a day of fun and adventure in Silverado Canyon with a portion of the proceeds going to support the emergency shelter, transitional living center, counseling and community outreach programs that Laura’s House provides to the Orange County community
LADERA RANCH, Calif., Sept. 16, 2013 – To commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month taking place during October 2013, Uncharted Journeys is teaming up with Laura’s House, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence, while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, to host the 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown on Saturday, October 26 at Lakeview Park, overlooking the beautiful Irvine Lake recreation area.
“The Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown is a fun-filled event designed for the entire family, and we are pleased to partner with Laura’s House again this year to build awareness for how domestic violence impacts our community,” said Marilyn McGowan, Chief Exploration Officer, Uncharted Journeys. “Due to the success of last year’s event, we’ve received a tremendous response from members of the community who want to be involved this year. We are grateful to James Event Productions, Silver Moon Photography, Clif Bar and Tea of a Kind, as well as to the many vendors and sponsors who will be participating this year.”
The 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown will provide attendees with an opportunity to discover the natural beauty of Orange County during an adventurous morning hike through the backcountry trails of Silverado Canyon, led by Mike Boeck, Irvine Ranch Conservancy docent, along with honorary hike leaders 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 Giracci Vineyards and Farms and Cowboy Canyon Wines, and live country music courtesy of The Freightshakers.
During the afternoon festivities, hikers will also have an opportunity to learn more about Laura’s House during a short presentation by Laura’s House CEO and Executive Director, Margaret Bayston, and Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, who will share how in partnership with Laura’s House, Orange County Deputy Sheriffs and local police officers are being armed with the resources and information they need to improve the outcomes of domestic violence 9-1-1 calls. Karin Klein will also be selling and signing copies of her book, “50 Hikes in Orange County,” with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the books to be donated directly to Laura’s House.
“I would like to thank Marilyn McGowan and her team of volunteers for their commitment and dedication to making the 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown a success,” said Bayston. “By collaborating with local businesses like Uncharted Journeys, we are working to build greater awareness for how domestic violence impacts our community, while raising much-needed funds that help sustain our counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and community outreach programs.”
Featured vendors for the Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown for Laura’s House include Damsel in Defense, which offers self defense products to empower women; Moxxie Essential Care, maker of an artisan line of exceptional handcrafted, plant-based bath & body products that promote healthy skin while nourishing the mind, body and spirit; Trabuco Canyon Barrel Works, distinctive wine barrel creations; A Perfect Complement, showcasing unique jewelry; and, Wiki Wiki Shave Ice.
Registration for the event opens at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26. The 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown will begin with a warm-up line dance led by celebrity dance coach, Eric Romero, with the hikes starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Hoedown at 11:30 a.m. The event will feature two different hikes, a 3-mile easy to moderate hike for all ages, and a 5-mile moderate to strenuous hike for experienced hikers.
For more information on the 2nd Annual Canyon Country Hike & Hoedown, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CanyonCountryHikeAndHoedown. Registration for the event is available online at Active.com, and will close on Thursday, October 24.
About Uncharted Journeys
Uncharted Journeys is a unique adventure company offering innovative, inspirational, life-changing travel experiences for women of all ages who are seeking to discover themselves and the world around them. For more information, visit www.unchartedjourneys.com.
About Laura’s House
For nearly two decades, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to nearly 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. 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 in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
-###-
Laura’s House Addresses Teen Dating Abuse Among Middle School Students
Posted on August 28, 2013
Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens (H.E.A.R.T.) program expands focus to include tweens
LADERA RANCH, Calif., August 28, 2013 – During the 2012-2013 school year, Laura’s House, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe place in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, expanded its Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens (H.E.A.R.T.) program to include emphasis on middle school students. This expansion comes in response to growing awareness of how dating abuse affects tweens.
National Study Points to Rise in Tween Dating Violence
According to a recent study, “Prevention in Middle School Matters: A Summary of Findings on Teen Dating Violence Behaviors and Associated Rick Factors Among 7th Grade Students” by RTI International (RTI) on behalf of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Blue Shield of California Foundation, dating abuse is becoming more prevalent in middle schools. Some of the key findings from the report include 75% of those surveyed reported having had a boyfriend or girlfriend. Furthermore, within the six months preceding the study, more than 1 in 3 students surveyed reported being a victim of psychological dating abuse; nearly 1 in 6 reported being a victim of physical dating abuse; and, nearly 1 in 3, reported being a victim of electronic dating aggression.
“Sadly, we are finding that middle schools have become ripe for dating abuse,” said Marissa Presley, Bilingual Prevention and Education Specialist for Laura’s House. “At a time when young adults should be enjoying the waning years of their childhood and preparing for high school, a growing number of them are entering the world of dating, and facing the realities of dating abuse. As such, it has become crucial that we reach middle school students through our H.E.A.R.T. program and ensure that they become educated on healthy relationships and tactics for preventing teen dating abuse, as early in life as possible.”
In the last year, Laura’s House has reached 160 7th and 8th graders in workshops held at Venado and Lakeside Middle Schools in Irvine, Bernice Aires and Marco Forrester Middle Schools in San Juan Capistrano, and Yorba and Rancho Middle Schools in Orange.
Young Woman Moves Beyond Dating Abuse to Become Advocate
Laura’s House is grateful to have the help of tweens and teens who have experienced dating abuse, in speaking out against dating abuse as part of its prevention and education efforts.
One such example is Kayla, who is now in high school and experienced dating abuse while she was in middle school, when a relationship she was having with a classmate escalated to rape. She reported it to the school and local authorities, but due to rumors that the boy spread about her at school, she is now being homeschooled. As a result of her experiences with dating violence, Kayla was compelled to become and advocate for teen dating abuse prevention. When asked about her experiences, she said “My family and true friends supported me through the entire process, and because of what they have done for me, today I am able to look in the mirror and instead of seeing shame and humility, I see a strong woman and a survivor.”
The Role of Parents in Preventing Dating Abuse
Parents can help prepare their children to develop strong and healthy relationships by keeping the lines of communication open, and being vigilant of their children’s usage of electronic devices and online social media tools in their interactions with others.
“Parents need to be aware of how their children are communicating with their friends and boyfriends or girlfriends,” continued Presley. “Often, parents will ask me how their children are dating when they are being dropped off and picked up immediately after school, and the answer is in the hallways, under the bleachers and on social media. For tweens especially, it is critical that parents check their child’s texts, incoming and outgoing, and monitor the frequency of text and phone calls from their cell phone; review photos stored on their cell phones; and, look at social media posts on a daily basis.”
In addition to being aware of their child’s online activities, there are other signs that a child may be experiencing dating abuse. “Parents should look for unexplained physical marks including cuts and bruises; changes in behavior or personality, including sadness, moodiness, anxiety or depression; loss of interest in activities or friends; difficulty sleeping and/or a loss of appetite; a sudden drop in grades; and, even running away,” said Presley.
New Website Helps in the Education and Prevention of Teen Dating Abuse
Recently, Laura’s House launched a new Website with funding from a Verizon Wireless HopeLine® grant, that provides the H.E.A.R.T. program with a robust online presence. The colorful and dynamic Website, which can be viewed at www.laurashouse.org/lhteen, offers a number of interactive features designed to reach today’s tech-savvy tween and teen populations.
These features include digital postcards that address dating abuse and provide tips and encouragement to tweens and teens that find themselves in an abusive relationship; online pledge cards that enable teens to take a “virtual” stand against dating abuse; a quiz feature that lets tweens and teens assess whether they are being abused by their dating partner, or if they are the abuser; music, news and current events; podcasts, and other informative resources that can help tweens and teens become educated about dating abuse.
More information on the programs and services offered by Laura’s House, including the H.E.A.R.T. program, is also available at www.laurashouse.org.
About Laura’s House
For nearly two decades, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to nearly 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. 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 in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
# # #
Laura’s House Nets $20,000 from 1st Annual HOPE Golf Tournament
Posted on August 27, 2013
To help build brighter futures for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, 85 golfers took to the greens at Marbella Country Club in San Juan Capistrano on Monday, August 12
Ladera Ranch, Calif., August 27, 2013 – Laura’s House, a nonprofit whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence, while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse, today announced that it netted $20,000 during the 1st Annual The HOPE Tournament: Building Brighter Futures for Families Affected by Domestic Violence. The charity golf tournament took place on Monday, August 12, 2013 at Marbella Country Club in San Juan Capistrano, with 85 golfers participating.
“We would like to express our heart-felt thanks to South County Collision, and our event committee, for all of their hard work in making The HOPE Tournament such a huge success,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “This golf tournament is a shining example of the ways in which the community is continually coming together, through events and other endeavors, to support our organization in fulfilling its mission to ‘end the silence’ of domestic violence.”
The HOPE Tournament began with registration, a putting contest and box lunch, followed by a Shotgun Start. Contests included a four-player scramble, along with “Longest Drive,” “Closest to Pin” and “Hole-in-One” contests. The event culminated with an awards reception featuring wine and spirits, hors d’oeuvres, as well as music.
Participants in The HOPE Tournament and their guests also participated in opportunity drawings and a silent auction featuring a Vizio flat screen TV; gift certificates to local restaurants including Harlow’s, Zinc Café and Javier’s Cantina; an auto detailing package from South County Collision; two Scotty Cameron Putters; and gift certificates to local golf courses including Marbella Country Club and the Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club.
Event committee members for the 1st annual charity golf tournament included Matt West, 1st Enterprise Bank; Mike Zalke, Sierra Sales; Danny Ruffo of South County Collision; Patrick Lustig, Owner, South County Lexus; Teresa Kelly and Dawn McKahan, Creative Package McKahan, Inc.; John Medler, Christine Moore and Tina Lowry.
Sponsors for The HOPE Tournament were South County Collision at the Silver Level ($5,000); and, 1st Enterprise Bank, Alliance Resource Group, AutoTrader, Danny’s Detail, FinishMaster, and South County Lubricants at the Platinum Level ($1,200). Tee and Green Sponsors were The Timpe Group at Morgan Stanley; The Rand Group at Morgan Stanley; Active Capital Management; Audi Mission Viejo; BonTerra Consulting; Canterbury Consulting; KwikKopy; Lutzky Associates Development, LP; and, PPG Paints, Friedmann & Friedmann Insurance Services, Inc. sponsored the insurance underwriting for the event.
All proceeds from The HOPE Tournament will be used to support 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.
About Laura’s House
For nearly two decades, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to more than 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. 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 in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.
# # #