Mary Bono and Colleen Hughes to be feted at the Broadway-themed event
The third annual ‘New Beginnings’ gala to benefit Shelter From The Storm, the region’s only shelter serving survivors of domestic violence, will be held on March 28, 2015 at 5:30 PM at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The presenting sponsor of the gala is the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.
Bringing a new level of sophistication to the gala’s entertainment, event Chairperson Raymond McCallister has created a partnership with the renowned ‘Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS.’ The organization, which creates Broadway musical reviews for events across the country, will deliver a magical performance featuring talented cast members from award-winning shows such as Rent, Glee, Godspell, Chicago, and Wicked, to name just a few.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring this caliber of entertainment to the New Beginnings gala for a night our guests will not forget,” explains McCallister. “Unfortunately, the need for services provided by Shelter From The Storm has not diminished, so we’ve lined up some of the best talent on Broadway to raise money and help spread our message.”
The New Beginnings Gala celebrates the fresh start that survivors of domestic violence are able to receive through the assistance of Shelter From The Storm, while raising much-needed funds for the organization. Shelter From The Storm provides emergency shelter, counseling, case management, long-term transitional housing, and legal and social service advocacy for more than 2,000 women and children each year.
Being honored for their commitment to domestic violence survivors are former Congresswoman Mary Bono, who will be presented with the ‘New Beginnings Award,’ and Colleen Hughes, who will receive the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ for her work assisting victims of domestic abuse.
Mary Bono has been a dedicated supporter of the desert’s non-profit community for many years. Her support for Shelter From The Storm and her advocacy for victims of abuse have never wavered. While in Congress, Mary was never more than a phone call away. She made sure that Shelter From The Storm received its fair share of federal support. Were it not for Mary’s herculean efforts, Shelter From The Storm would not be able to offer victims and their children long term Transitional Housing.
Colleen Hughes is a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate for the Domestic Violence Response Team, helping law enforcement provide restraining orders against their abusers, and assisting with shelter services and safety planning.
Also performing at the Gala is award-winning vocal group Hookslide, billed as ‘The hard rockin’ cool groovin’ vocal revolution.’ Their performance is a high-energy mix of mind blowing vocal percussion, booming bass and four-part harmony that is unlike anything ever seen or heard in the desert.
Tickets for the gala are $250 per person, and tables and sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 760-674-0400 or visit shelterfromthestorm.com.
Shelter From The Storm fields more than 3,200 calls annually on its 24-hour Crisis Line, which brings many families to stay at their 70-bed emergency shelter. They arrive around the clock, 365 days a year, often fleeing for their lives. With 200 beds and five distinct program locations throughout the desert, Shelter From The Storm is the only facility of its kind in Riverside County.
