Haven House Gala a big success

To the Editor:

On behalf of Event Co-Chairpersons, Suzanne Riffle and Bradley Minton, as well as the entire Board of Directors, I'd like to thank everyone who made the Haven House 30th Anniversary Gala such a huge success. The theme was "30 Years Strong" and the evening was dedicated to our founders, to our allies and to the young people who are taking a stand against rape and abuse. It was a first class celebration because of the sponsors and the many friends who came to congratulate us and show their ongoing support.

The only thing brighter than the glitz on many dresses was the opportunity to honor Judge William Clarkson for his decades of commitment to helping victims of domestic violence and stalking. Because of his willingness to partner with Haven House in offering court advocacy services to those who needed orders of protection, thousands of victims were informed and empowered to stay safely in their own homes and return to work and life, free of the threat of further violence. A gift was made to Haven House in his honor by the local bar association.

Our sponsors included Sterling Bank, Dental Arts-the Blaich Family, Bradley Minton, LLC, Hefner Furniture, Larry Hillis Dodge, Physicians Park Primary Care, Mr. and Mrs. Clark Allen, Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Riffle, Dr. Donna Almond and the Lucas Edington family. We'd also like to acknowledge Luecke Distributing and Donut House for their contributions to the gala. Special appreciation is extended to members of PBHS Students Against Sexual Assault, who so graciously greeted our guests and assisted us throughout the evening and to Speaker Todd Richardson for sponsoring a Resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and there could not be a more appropriate time to celebrate our community's work to keep the vision alive for 30 years and set us on course for the next 30. We truly understand that it is only through your unwavering support that any of our work has been possible. Thank you.

Mary Ann Allen

Executive Director

Haven House