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On Wednesday, April 24, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company sales associates and their clients gathered at AnQi By Crustacean for a luncheon and fashion show presented by Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza, and featuring Laura’s House the designated charity partner

LADERA RANCH, Calif., May 17, 2013Laura’s House, a non-profit organization whose mission is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families effected by abuse, is pleased to have been selected as the designated charity partner for a luncheon hosted by Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC, on Wednesday, April 24 at AnQi by Crustacean at South Coast Plaza.

The luncheon drew more than 100 attendees, most of whom were women, and included The Ritz-Carlton sales associates and their clients from the travel services, meeting and event planning industries in Orange County. During the event, guests dined on a selection of AnQi’s lighter luncheon fare including a Duet of Chicken Meatball with Sweet and Spicy Kochujang and Shrimp Ocean Roll with Zucchini, Eggplant, Wakame and Quinzoa; a choice of Tuna Tataki Salad with English Cucumber, Bean Sprout and “Matsuhisu Style” Dressing or Roasted Chicken Salad with Five Spiced Game Hen, Cashew, Black Radish and Coconut Dressing; and, a Duet of Mixed Fruit and Jasmine Sorbet for dessert. Guests also enjoyed a fashion show featuring designs from Hugo by Hugo Boss, Robert Graham, Maje, Karen Millen, Reiss, Sandro and Elie Tahari.

During the event, Laura’s House was recognized for its efforts to “end the silence” of domestic violence. Former Laura’s House board chair and long-time supporter, Laura Khouri, presented attendees with an overview of the shelter, counseling, education and community outreach services provided by Laura’s House to the local community.

“We are delighted to partner with Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza and Laura’s House in ‘shining a light’ on domestic violence,” said Karen Sheldon, Corporate Director of Global Sales Organization, West Coast for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “Domestic violence is an issue that effects 1 in 4 women, yet it still remains one that many people are afraid to talk about. Through this luncheon, we are pleased to have both fostered the conversation surrounding domestic violence, and educated attendees on its prevalence here in our community.” At The Ritz-Carlton, we believe our global company should be aligned with the issues that are important to the communities where we operate and always strive to make a difference.

In addition to featuring Laura’s House as the charity partner for the luncheon, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company donated $5,000 in hotel stays to be auctioned off by Laura’s House at upcoming fundraising events. Laura’s House also benefited from a portion of the proceeds from purchases made at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza by luncheon attendees from April 24 through April 26.

“We would like to thank Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, for helping us build greater awareness for the programs and services we provide to the individuals and families in our community who are effected by domestic violence,” said Margaret Bayston, CEO and Executive Director, Laura’s House. “Events like these are instrumental in helping us share our message with audiences, such as the travel services industry, that we might not otherwise have access to, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to broaden our community outreach efforts among this delightful and influential group of individuals.”

About Laura’s House

For nearly two decades, Laura’s House has provided residential shelter and support services to nearly 3,500 families, and counseling, life skills education and legal assistance to over 40,000 individuals. The mission of Laura’s House is to change the social beliefs, attitudes and the behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence while creating a safe space in which to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.

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