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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

Posted on September 30, 2016

Laura's House has many fun activities to mark this month and we encourage you to learn more about each of these by attending one of our events or hosting one of your own.

**Domestic Violence Awareness Month Activity Ideas**

Invite Laura’s House to speak at your school.

During the school announcements over the PA system, have teachers, counselors, and the principle state a teen dating violence fact.

Conduct a Purple Ribbon Campaign.

Supply students with Purple Ribbons.

Get approval to Purple Ribbon your campus trees.

Make large purple ribbons for teachers to put on their doors.

Paint your school with DV/TDV facts.

Collect donations for the Laura's House Resale Store.

Gently used clothing for men, women and children.

Create a teen dating abuse PSA to be played at your school.

Hold a poetry/rap slam.

Organize a TDV walk for your school.

Speak with the head coach and encourage him to ask all players during February games to wear purple socks. Encourage a sock company to sponsor the games.

Respect Week: each day for a week during the month of October, designate a way to show support by encouraging students to wear – purple shirts, nails, hoodie, sunglasses, scarf, etc...

Dance Marathon to raise funds for Laura’s House.

**Domest Violence Awareness Month Events**

**2ND ANNUAL SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA** *Saturday, October 8, 2016 | 10 - 8pm*
Shop at the Outlets at San Clemente's 2nd Annual Shopping Extravaganza in support of Laura's House and save on your favorite brands! Enjoy a private catered lunch, wine and beer tasting, entertainment and more. Purchase your Ticket and designate your funds to go to Laura’s House today!

**CYCLE FOR A CAUSE AT LOCO CYCLE - RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA** *Saturday, October 15 | 10:30am*
Ride to End Domestic Violence More info.

**LADERA FALL FESTIVAL**
Ladera Ranch hosts its Fall Festival and Laura’s House will be treating guests to Laura’s House temporary tattoos

**LUNCHBOX (A WAXING SALON)** *Costa Mesa & Laguna Niguel*
During the entire month of October, LunchBOX donates $1 for each guest who receives an eyebrow wax or makeover at the Laguna Niguel salon at 23866 Aliso Creek Road or the Costa Mesa salon at 435 E. 17th Street, Suite 2 to Laura's House. Guests who choose to match the donation at checkout receive 50% off two signature products: BodyBUFF salt scrub and BodyWHIP beauty butter. Learn more here.

London Calling: Laura's House Gala Raises More Than $650,000 for Vital Domestic Violence Services

Posted on September 27, 2016

'British Invasion' gala unites community leaders, honors dedicated supporters

LADERA RANCH, Calif., Sept. 27, 2016 - Saturday marked a “brilliant” evening of celebration and solidarity under the proud gaze of the Union Jack as more than 300 guests gathered at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach for the 22^nd annual Laura"s House gala. British fashion, style and music, complete with a Mick Jagger impersonator, filled the venue in support of the domestic violence nonprofit as its 'British Invasion' themed gala raised more than $650,000 for domestic violence victims with emergency shelter, community programs, legal advocacy services and more.

“Laura's House is tremendously proud to have served more than 50,000 victims of domestic violence and their families over the past 22 years,” said Margaret Bayston, Laura's House CEO and executive director. “By continuing to share our message, provide a lifeline to families and with the continued support of our incredible community of backers, we will one day live in a world where domestic violence does not exist.”

One of the evening's most powerful moments was Karen Stine's personal story of survival. Marrying the man of her dreams at 18, Stine endured manipulation, violence and abuse for eight years - until a violent episode led her to find strength. With the help of co-workers, Stine left her husband and rebuilt a life free of his control. She now works as a grants and contract administrator for Laura's House, and continually encourages others to live violence-free lives. She recently celebrated 18 years of service with the nonprofit.

During the program, two Laura's House supporters were recognized for their contributions to the nonprofit. This year's Corporate Crystal Heart Award was accepted by Urban Decay Cosmetics Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer Wende Zomnir. The prestige cosmetics brand headquartered in Newport Beach is a dedicated Laura's House partner. In 2015, Urban Decay Cosmetics donated $50,000 to the nonprofit as a part of its Ultraviolet Edge initiative to empower women and to encourage them to be unique. Zomnir declared another significant contribution to Laura's House in 2016.

Pam Jacobson, founder The Healing Sanctuary, was honored with the 2016 Crystal Heart Award for her company's unwavering support and service to Laura's House. The Healing Sanctuary focuses on the rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit and provides a multitude of pro bono services to Laura's House staff, including yoga, stress management and self-care education. These valuable services are then taught by Laura's House staff to domestic violence victims so they can find hope and healing as they rebuild violence-free lives.

“This annual event is so important each year, and helps Laura's House sustain its life-changing programs for families affected by abuse,” said Laura's House Board President Laura Khouri. “Unfortunately, the statistics are staggering, and nearly 12 million women and men annually continue to be victims, but together, we can stand against domestic violence.”

Before the inspiring program, guests celebrated with British cocktails, classic rock 'n' roll tunes and a silent auction display filled with luxury experiences and items. A poignant video highlighting the tireless work of Laura's House volunteers, who contribute 16,000 hours annually, kicked off the evening's activities.

Following another successful gala, Laura's House will continue its important work - as a lifeline to domestic violence victims - throughout October to commemorate domestic violence awareness month. Advocates are encouraged to get involved in a host of initiatives and fundraisers by visiting www.laurashouse.org.

Presenting sponsors for the 2016 gala are Laura Khouri and Michael K. Hayde. Double Platinum sponsors include Argyros Family Foundation, The Jacqueline Glass Family, The Joe MacPherson Family, Nancy and Geoffrey L. Stack Family Foundation, Urban Decay and Verizon. Platinum Album sponsors are The David Ball Family, Laura & Mark Feld, Neudesic, Pacific Hospitality Group, Park Newport Apartments, Dick and Donna Pickup, The Thompson Foundation and Haskell & White LLP.

About Laura's House

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 to empower individuals and families affected by abuse.

Over the past 22 years, Laura's House has provided shelter and support services to nearly 5,000 abused men, women and children and 24-hour crisis intervention, counseling, life skills education, and legal assistance to nearly 52,000 people. Connect with Laura's House on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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