Wine fundraiser benefits A Safe Place
On Friday, July 16, more than 150 women and men joined A Safe Place from the comfort of their homes for the fifth annual Wine, Women & Shoes Event benefiting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
While the event was virtual due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, the evening was filled with wines from various California vintners, charcuterie made by local food artist Liz Turnbaugh of MyCharCUTErie, a silent and live auction and, of course, a moving story of "going from fear to fierce" from a survivor of domestic violence.
A Safe Place is a provider of services exclusively focusing on domestic violence and human trafficking victims in Lake County. Through multifaceted programs and services, A Safe Place assists victims and their children in transforming their lives after domestic violence and human trafficking, prevents future abuse by addressing its root cause through abuser intervention programs, and educates the community about domestic violence and how everyone can be involved in its end.
Last year, A Safe Place touched more than 36,000 community members.
"We are honored and humbled by the overwhelming support for our fifth annual Wine, Women & Shoes," said Damaris Lorta, chief development officer of A Safe Place. "It is exciting to see the community rally together during such unprecedented times."
The evening was also highlighted by the volunteer "Shoe Guys and Gals," who represented A Safe Place by raising more than $12,000 in the community before the night of the event.
"As a male, I believe it is critical to be a part of all efforts to end domestic violence," said Shoe Guy Carlos Argueta, chief of staff at A Safe Place.
"That includes, not just working for A Safe Place, but also participating in our events and fundraisers and encouraging other men to do the same. It is another way to support victims/survivors of domestic violence."
Sponsors of the event included Medline; Autohaus on Edens; Cycle Logistics; PEER Chain; Gurnee Police; Christy Noland; TASK Insurance; Legacy Wealth; Wintrust Bank; The City of Waukegan; Northshore Gas; and Arlene Lencioni.
"Our mission is centered on supporting the public health of our communities, including crisis response within public health," said Karen Frey, senior philanthropy manager at Medline Industries.
"Medline is proud to be a longtime supporter of A Safe Place for their dedication to the betterment of Lake County."
A Safe Place thanks all of their sponsors, donors, volunteers and guests for making their fifth annual event a great success.