'Women Helping Women' event raises $106,000
Something was definitely different about the ninth annual "Women Helping Women" event at Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center. Along with more than 425 women who attended the annual luncheon and awareness building fundraiser, which aims at reducing the threat of sexual assault and abuse in northern Chicago area, about 75 men took part in the eye-opening event, and took a stand against rape and incest. Together they helped raise awareness of the silent crisis of sexual abuse while also raising $106,000 net to support ZCenter's vital work.
Sponsored by Wolters Kluwer, this year's "Women Helping Women" event, dubbed "A message for our husbands, sons, brothers, fathers" was truly an inspiration for everyone who attended, including the guest speakers -- both of whom were men. Keynote speaker Chuck Bartels, director of Global Social Responsibility for ManpowerGroup, shared the podium with a courageous 16-year-old male survivor named Alejandro. Together they gave voice to the 1-in-5 men who are survivors of sexual assault and abuse by the age of 18.
"We need to be part of the solution," Bartels told the many men in attendance as they stood in a show of unity throughout the packed event. "When we leave here today, the women and children in our lives - and the community - will know this is not just a women's issue.? Bartels said men could help fight sexual assault and abuse by modeling respect for women each and every day of their lives, and having a healthy appreciation for the beauty and wonder of human sexuality."
Torrie Flink, executive director for ZCenter ZCenter.org and Melissa Forman co-host of WCIU-TV's "You and Me This Morning" joined in the effort by calling upon men to GET INVOLVED in reducing sexual assault and abuse because they can make a difference for the safety of their own children and loved ones. In addition to inspiring messages, "Women Helping Women," event featured guided tours of ZCenter, 4275 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee, a fun silent auction/raffle, and a gourmet box lunch.
This marks the fourth straight year Wolters Kluwer wolterskluwer.com has generously agreed to serve as event underwriter in an effort to help introduce everyone to ZCenter, a place where survivors of sexual abuse can heal and to mobilize the community against sexual violence.
"I can't say enough about the wonderful love and support that our center has received from Wolters Kluwer," said Torrie Flink, who has served as ZCenter's executive director for more than two decades. "They help us all year long, but Women Helping Women is really their signature event, and it has become a regional phenomenon bringing attendees from all over greater Chicagoland."
About Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center - ZCenter provides survivors of sexual assault or abuse with comprehensive, confidential, services at no charge including: medical and legal advocacy, emergency room and police sensitivity training, 24-hour crisis hotline and crisis intervention services, and counseling for both individuals and groups. Zacharias Center's education department also provides prevention education to thousands of school children each year.
To find out more about the services provided by and the volunteer opportunities available at Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, visit ZCenter.org, become a Facebook fan at http://www.facebook.com/ZCenter1 or call (847) 244-1187. If you or someone you know needs help, call Z Center's 24-hour hotline at (847) 872-7799.
About Wolters Kluwer - With its U.S. headquarters in Riverwoods, Ill, and global headquarters in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, Wolters Kluwer wolterskluwer.com is a market-leading global information services company. Professionals in the areas of legal, business, tax, accounting, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and healthcare rely on Wolters Kluwer's leading, information-enabled tools and solutions to manage their business efficiently, deliver results to their clients, and succeed in an ever more dynamic world.