Dr. G. Joseph Fitzgerald (Left), Audrey Mabrey (Center), Megan Miller (Right)
Hosted by Dr. G. Joseph and Elif Fitzgerald
The 1st Annual PureLife White Party kicked off the festivities on May 2nd at 5pm with distinguished and honored guests arriving in elegant and exquisite evening wear to support the national epidemic of Domestic Violence. Live music was provided by the sounds of Kafkasso with added entertainment, silent auctions, raffles and more for everyone to enjoy. RCS or “Religious Community Services” along with some of their special guests Alisa and Audrey were in attendance mingling amongst the crowd as the event started. People, companies and various groups had gathered for the 1st Annual PureLife White Party to support The Haven of RCS and this was going to be a night to remember. Bringing heightened awareness about domestic violence to the community and share a story or two so that others would know what some go through when they are living through these horrible experiences and letting each of these victims know that they are not alone in this fight.
Danica Lawrence & Jeff McAdams – Photography by Matt Bilancia at Lux Picture
Emceeing this prestigious event was Danica Lawrence, Channel 10 WTSP reporter who was accompanied by CBS reporter and fiancé, Jeff McAdam. Fun, laughter, smiles, and dancing along with some great food provided by Mike’s Pizza & Deli and William Dean Chocolates for everyone to enjoy throughout the evening were an added touch to an already electrifying evening. Devin Pappas, RCS Event Chair and Career Club representative; spoke to everyone and identified a little bit about what RCS does for these woman and children. She explained how vital the 6-week career club program is and how it is important for woman to be able to provide for themselves and their children outside of their violent situation. The only way that this Career Club survives is through the generosity of the donors that give clothing, shoes, and accessories to RCS. Devin goes on to say, “Many of the woman that arrive at the shelter come with only the clothing on their back. Many are just happy to be alive.”
Jeff McAdam (Left), Megan Miller (Center), Matt Bilancia (Right)
Audrey Mabrey, advocate and speaker, began to tell her story and created a silence that was yet to have occurred that evening. Everyone was sitting or standing, clinging to every word as she shared a story that just amazed everyone. Some had tears as they heard the horrifying story that Audrey spoke of while others rejoiced in her strength, determination and faith to stand before them with her head held high. Domestic violence is one of those things that many people never know that someone they know, might be a victim of. As some victims are just too scared to share with anyone for fear that things may get worse. In the end Audrey had the undivided attention of every guest in attendance, reminding them why everyone joined together that evening.
Domestic Violence is an ugly reality that often goes ignored for various reasons and the countless victims need to know that there is help, even in the darkest of times. Stand-up, open your eyes, speak up and help stop domestic violence before someone else gets hurt.
