Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Share in the magic

Advocates benefit gala will enchant


By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

Advocates volunteers Kylee Elliott, left, and Anna Lingbloom pose with the Honda Element being raffled off at the Advocates? Gala. Photo by Willy Cook

Do you believe in magic? Here's proof: A committed group of folks built a shelter for abused women and children in a seemingly perfect small town. Over the years many women took shelter there and were helped. Children were cared for, fed and clothed. Lives were saved. The community saw positive results, how it was needed and they supported its efforts. Now that's magic. It's also the essence of the work done at the Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence.

On Sunday, June 26, the Advocates prove they believe in magic at their 8th annual gala event at Carol's Dollar Mountain Lodge in Sun Valley. Event chairs are Torene Bonner and Brian Furlong. Along with Board President Charlotte Unger, the event has been planned in an entirely new way.

The Advocates will also celebrate the magic of transformation and gratitude. Among those with a story to tell is Hailey resident Jen Colver. A client and now a board member of The Advocates, Colver became the first person in Idaho to participate in the Face to Face and Give Back a Smile Project sponsored by The American Academy of Facial Reconstructive Surgery. Extensive dental and facial repair were donated by physicians in Boise and in Ketchum to fix damage inflicted on Colver's face by an abusive partner. Colver's story is highlighted by the support and guidance she has received from the Advocates' staff members before, during and after the long procedures.

Today, she is committed to giving back to the community by advocating for women's shelters and, in particular, halfway homes for women trying to break the cycle of abuse. Colver will share her story with the audience following the live auction emceed by Larry Flynn.

Among the auction highlights are a Santa Barbara week on the beach; a Mariners weekend in Seattle for four; Raymond Weil diamond and white gold lady's watch; a director's wine cellar; a barge trip for two in France's wine country and a Scotland golf week.

As well, there will be a silent auction, cocktails and "ample hors d'oeurves," according to board member and event coordinator Joanie Whitcomb. After the live auction, Las Vegas entertainer Fielding West performs his celebrated form of comedy and magic in a specially created cabaret. Champagne and specialty deserts will be served.

"Our fabulous Fielding West will not disappoint," Whitcomb said. "He's a delight."

For the evening's finale, someone will drive away in a brand new 2005 silver and slate blue Honda Element EX. Raffle tickets are on sale now by calling 788-4191. Only 500 tickets are being offered at $100 each.

Tickets for the gala are $150 for reserved seating and can be purchased by calling 788-4191. Tickets should be purchased as soon as possible as the event is expected to sell out. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited and the dress code is Ketchum Black Tie Optional.

Based in Hailey, The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence, founded in the early 1990s, is the only domestic violence and sexual assault program in the Wood River Valley. Annually they serve more than 500 women and children. They now offer bilingual programs, community programs, legal assistance, support groups for women and children, a child care center, a supportive thrift shop, a 24-hour help line and emergency assistance.




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