I LOVE my work family. In an effort to keep privacy for those in my life that I blog about, I end up not talking about others that often. Good stuff SHOULD be shared though, in my opinion anyway!
Last night I had an incredible opportunity to attend the 25th Anniversary Cabaret of a fantastic organization in Kansas City, Rose Brooks Center. The event was gorgeous, from the table settings and lighting to the food and entertainment. I attended with several of my coworker friends and it was a night to dress up and step out!
The fun part is that it was held at the Sheraton Hotel, formerly known as the Hyatt, in Crown Center. Stepping into the building all dressed up felt just like my prom, also held at the Hyatt. Only this time I didn't get with an icky boy!
For those of you that are unaware, Rose Brooks Center provides emergency shelter to women and children escaping life-threatening abuse. The also offer an array of outreach services, including police, court and hospital advocacy, individual and group therapy for women and children, and transitional housing. In 2012, Rose Brooks Center will become the first domestic violence shelter in our region to open its own pet shelter, as it has it has been reported that 71% of pet-owning women entering shelters said that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims. A child growing up in the US is more likely to have a pet than a live-at-home father.... how sad. 40% of abused women have also said that they are unable to escape abusive situations because they worry about what will happen to their pets should they leave.
The real life story given during the evening was definitely heart wrenching. A beautiful young woman fell into an abusive situation with her partner and her beautiful great dane laid upon her to try to stop the beating. Her abuser beat the dog and threw it outside in the rain, telling her if she called the dog back he would shoot it. She took the very brave step despite having a gun pointed at her to get in her car, get the dog and run away. Her dog most likely saved her life.
The evening was topped off by a fun, beautiful performance by none other than Kristin Chenoweth... on Oscar Sunday! How freakin' cool is that?! She was amazing. I thought she only sang Broadway / Opera type music but she really mixed it up a bit and sang a country song written by Lady A as well as some music from her new album which will definitely be joining my music collection!
Although it was tough to hear about the violence women and children still face every day in Kansas City, it was awesome to watch over $220,000 raised in just 10 minutes of the auction! That doesn't even count all of the private donations given throughout the evening! The center is well on it's way to it's expansion!
If you are interested in donating time or money to this beautiful cause, please click here. Rose Brooks Center
Happy Monday, friends!
Jen
Jen
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