A Safe Place gala celebrates Voices of Courage
On Saturday, Oct. 16, more than 200 attendees gathered virtually for the 12th annual "Unmask the Violence: Voices of Courage" virtual gala benefiting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. The event raised more than $100,000.
While the event was virtual due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, the evening was filled with stories of courage told by survivors, musical and dance performances, including an appearance by "The Voice's" Todd Kessler, and a special performance of "I Can See Clearly Now" sung by children who are victims of domestic violence.
While guests enjoyed the evening from the comfort of their homes, there was no shortage of personal touches added to the event, including a curated selection of wine and a culinary experience provided by Primo Gurnee, all delivered to guests ahead of the event.
"As a child who was raised in a home with domestic violence, A Safe Place holds a special place in my heart," gala co-chair Patty Anderskow said. "My years as gala co-chair, and seeing the change we can make by getting involved, is remarkable."
The focus of the 12th annual Unmask the Violence Gala was "Voices of Courage," which honored the voices of survivors of all ages. Through touching testimonials and stories of immense courage and bravery, guests witnessed firsthand the ways in which A Safe Place provides support to clients during every step in their journey.
During the virtual event, three worthy community advocates were honored for their ongoing leadership and true spirit of volunteerism that advances the rights of victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.
Michael Strauss, who serves as vice president on the board of directors for A Safe Place and who is a driving force in advocating for victims in the legal system, was given the Betty Toser "Angel" Award.
The Honorable Michael Nerheim, judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Lake County, was awarded the Joyce Fitzgerald Award.
Medline received the Partners in Caring Award for the continual support of the mission of A Safe Place and survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
"Domestic violence is a pandemic that impacts every economic level," said A Safe Place board member and gala co-chair Michael Strauss.
"It does not matter where you live or how educated you are. It impacts all of us directly or indirectly. My hope is that this event, and others like it, will help to put an end to this horrible cycle of violence. This is why my family dedicates ourselves to the cause of A Safe Place."
The Unmask the Violence Gala is the largest fundraiser of the year for A Safe Place, Lake County's sole provider of services exclusively addressing domestic violence and human trafficking in the Chicagoland area.
All proceeds support the organization's lifesaving programs and services for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking and their children, including crisis support, housing, legal advocacy, counseling, community outreach, and education to prevent future abuse. Last year, A Safe Place served more than 32,000 people.
Sponsors of the event included Autohaus on Edens, Aon, Jonathan Hughes, JBS Foundation, Libertyville Bank & Trust, AbbVie, Sen. Melinda Bush, Consumers Cooperative Association, Dawn Rogers, The Law Offices of Robert Ackley, Christy & Corey Noland, Nancy & Ron Liace, Consumers Credit Union, DLX Chairs, Palmer Consulting, Power Construction Company, Schlesinger & Strauss LLC, Tom Toser, Charlie & Jody O'Connell, Judith Rosowicz, Cynthia Mattia-Goldberg, Gerard Notario, Joby Orlowsky, Mohan Ramalingam, and Kevin & Alisa Stevens.
Learn more about A Safe Place at www.asafeplaceforhelp.org.