Safer Futures, Portage County’s ONLY domestic violence shelter and resource center, and a program of Family and Community Services, Inc., is hosting its ninth annual Hope in a Handbag fundraiser on October 19th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This year the event will be held at a new location. The Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center located at 215 S. Depeyster St., Kent, OH will be our host.
The event will feature a silent auction, including an array of new and gently used handbags, purses and clutches. Many of the donated items include high-fashion designer bags and classic vintage bags. For the past three years, Tina Fey, actress and former Saturday Night Live regular known for her impression of Sarah Palin, has donated to this worthy cause.
This year, Safer Futures is excited to announce that we will have a golf and villa package as a silent auction item that has been donated by four generous donors. The package will include a two day stay at a villa at Firestone Country Club along with a golf package for four. Thank you to our donors for this item.
Proceeds from the 9th Annual Hope in Handbag allow our experienced staff to continue to help men, women and children rebuild lives free from domestic violence in a comfortable and welcoming environment. In 2018 alone, Safer Futures received 552 crisis calls and accommodated families with 3,153 shelter nights. Assistance was also provided to over 975 people for protection order assistance.
For survivors in Portage County, Safer Futures is here to provide support, safety and security during the healing process.
“Putting a stop to domestic violence requires help and support from everyone within the community. Domestic violence affects all walks of life. Until everyone takes a stand and says enough, it will continue to affect individuals and children in our own community as well as others. We want to let our community know that we are here to help educate, promote awareness and provide 24-hour assistance whenever there is someone in need of the services we offer,” said Donya Buchanan, Director of Domestic Violence and Visitation Services for Portage County. “Continuing to improve upon the services we offer and maintaining our shelter 24 hours a day, seven days a week requires a lot of resources. That’s why we hope the community will continue to support this important event.”
Safer Futures is looking for event sponsors and donations of designer new and gently used handbags. To sponsor or donate, contact Donya Buchanan or Vanessa Jackson at 330-673-2500 or 330-296-2100.
Tickets for the event are $40 per person and can be purchased online at http:// www.eventbrite.com/e/9th-annual-hope-in-a-handbag-tickets-64309861527 or by calling Safer Futures. Tickets are available until October 11th and will also be available at the door. Reservations can also be made by calling Safer Futures at 330-673-2500 or 330-296-2100.
Family and Community Services, Inc. is one of the largest social service agencies in Northeast Ohio and has spent the past 75 years helping individuals of all ages. The agency has more than 71 programs, in 21 counties and is in two states. Last year Family and Community Services, Inc. assisted over 100,000 people.