Partners Against Violence Announces its Annual Fundraising Gala: United & Strong

The Americana-themed fundraiser aims to raise $25,000

Aug 17, 2023 – San Bernardino, Calif. – For the past 48 years, Partners Against Violence (formerly known as San Bernardino Sexual Assault Services), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been supporting survivors of sexual assault and violent crime in the community. The organization offers services such as crisis response via its 24/7 crisis hotline, counseling to survivors and their families, and accompaniment with survivors to medical exams and law enforcement appointments. They also act as advocates for survivors and educate the community through prevention programs and training for local law enforcement, schools, and businesses. Proceeds from the fundraiser are essential to supporting these programs.

The United & Strong Gala benefiting Partners Against Violence will be held Friday, Sep. 15, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the Historic Iomosa in Alta Loma. This festive gala is set to be an evening of fun, a celebration of community, and a night of support for survivors. Guests will enjoy music, libations, a family-style dinner, and a Brewster's Ice Cream sundae bar. They will hear from special guest speakers, Chief Rachel Tolber of the Redlands Police Department, District Attorney Jason Anderson of the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office, and Special Guest, Keynote Speaker, Volunteer/Advocate/Survivor Karen Bergman.

This year’s silent auction will feature gift cards for local businesses, themed baskets, and jewelry. Guests will also be able to participate in the live auction, featuring wine-tasting gift cards, dinner with a private chef, and custom-designed fashions. All funds raised support the many programs and services we offer free of charge to survivors affected by sexual violence in our community.

“This event is vital to our cause”

“This event is vital to our cause,” said Michelle Cates, Executive Director. “The funds raised help us provide counseling, advocacy, and accompaniment to survivors, staff our 24/7 crisis hotline, and provide educational and prevention programs to our community.”

It costs Partners Against Violence $50 to provide supplies and clothing needed for one Survivor's forensic exam, $75 to provide one hour of counseling, $100 to provide advocacy for one Survivor during their court case and legal processes, $150 to provide one art healing session for a Survivor, and $500 to provide one 6-week prevention education series in the community.

The United & Strong Gala, on Sep. 15, will start at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $130 per person. Tickets can be purchased at www.partnersagainstviolence.org/united-strong. Partners Against Violence is also still accepting sponsors for the event. Information about the event and sponsorship opportunities can also be found at www.partnersagainstviolence.org/united-strong.

About Partners Against Violence

Partners Against Violence provides support for Survivors of sexual assault and violent crimes. All of our services are confidential and available at no cost to Survivors, their significant others, and family members. We are partners committed to building healthy relationships, families, communities, and generations that are free from violence.