Men called for support at Women Helping Women luncheon

The Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, northern Chicago area’s only rape crisis center, is hosting its 9th annual Women Helping Women luncheon fundraiser.

The event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, June 10, will feature speaker Chuck Bartels, director of Global Social Responsibility for MANPOWER, Inc.

Bartels will join ZCenter Executive Director Torrie Flink, and Melissa Forman, co-host of WCIU-TV’s “You and Me This Morning” who will return for the third straight year as event emcee.

Together, they will call 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.

The event also will feature guided tours of Zacharias Center, 4275 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee, a silent auction/raffle, and a gourmet box lunch.

To reserve a group or company table — or — buy individual tickets for $125 (all but $15 is tax deductible) call Betty Duncan at (847) 244-1187, ext. 37 or visit http://bit.ly/ZCWomenHelpingWomen.

Event sponsorship opportunities are still available by contacting Joe Howard jhoward@zcenter.org, and ZCenter would appreciate donations of items for the silent auction.

This marks the fourth year Wolters Kluwer will serve as event underwriter in an effort to help introduce everyone to Zacharias Center.

“I can’t say enough about the wonderful love and support that our center has received from Wolters Kluwer,” Flink said. “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.”

Zrinka Allen, director of Human Resources for Wolters Kluwer, said the company is proud of its continued support of the luncheon.

“We hope to help raise awareness of abuse against women and prevent it, as well as clarifying the need for more people and companies to contribute to support their vital programs and services,” Allen said.