2023 Mardi Gras Gala
Saturday, March 11th 6:00-10:00pm
Laissez les bons temps rouler!“Let the good times roll!”
For the last 50 years, donations made to Victim Assistance Program have directly impacted victims of crime and trauma in Summit County. With the increase in violence in our community over the last year, our service utilization has increased exponentially. The strong support of generous donors like you allows us to continue important services such as 24-hour crisis intervention, advocacy, and education to thousands of victims and the professionals who serve our community.
On Saturday, March 11, 2023, over 400 guests will join us in reminiscing about past celebratory times while creating new and lasting memories during our annual Mardi Gras Gala, presented by Leppo Rents. Guests will enjoy a gourmet meal, an open bar, and live & silent auctions, while helping us reach our fundraising goal of $150,000. The Quaker Station venue may be new, but our Bourbon Street extravaganza will remain the same lively event as always. A Huge Thank You to our Royal Sponsor, Leppo Rents!
Please direct any questions regarding Mardi Gras sponsorships, auction items, program ads, or any other inquiries to mardigras@victimassistanceprogram.org or 330-376-7022 ext. 212
How You Can Help
BECOME A SPONSOR:
Various sponsorship levels allow you or your business to showcase your support for Victim Assistance Program. After reviewing the options, determine which level compliments your needs or speak to us about a customized sponsorship.
DONATE ITEMS:
Our Mardi Gras Committee is on the hunt for online silent and live auction items that will garner high bids! Not only will event attendees be bidding, but the entire community will be trying to outbid each other as well. Specific donated items are being sought to create themed baskets! We think the popularity of your business will boost bids and help us reach our fundraising goal! Silent Auction Items are rolling in now, check out Let’s Roam and Adventures from Scratch who have donated a package worth $700! Scavenger Hunts by Let’s Roam
PURCHASE A PROGRAM AD:
Our professionally printed program booklet, viewed by over 400 guests, is a compilation of event details, awardee highlights, bidding instructions, and an abundance of advertisements. Your ad will be seen by government officials, criminal justice professionals, business owners, community members, and social service agencies.
Be sure to check out http://bidpal.net/MG2023 one week prior to our event to start bidding on items! We will recognize Sponsorship and Auction donations on our bidding platform and in other event publicity. Thank you for being our partner and for helping victims of crime and trauma move from hardship to healing. We greatly appreciate your support!
Bernard I. Rosen Community Service Award
Terri Heckman – CEO Emeritus BWS and RCC for Summit and Medina Counties
Terri Heckman is the recently retired CEO of the Battered Women’s Shelter and Rape Crisis Center for Summit and Medina Counties, her leadership and advocacy started at a young age.
Landmark legislation in 1984 created the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), opening new doors and establishing support and benefits for those impacted by crime. Terri seized the opportunity that VOCA created, accepting her first job at the YWCA Rape Crisis Center. From 1985–1995, Terri led the YWCA Rape Crisis Program with her advocacy, community outreach and commitment to professional collaborations. Comprehensive victim services tied to community volunteerism, drove her to expand the program to a larger systems-change orientation.
By 1995, Terri was presenting to groups throughout the United States, opening hearts and minds to the rights of victims and the need for a community to respond together. When Terri accepted the Executive position at the Battered Women’s Shelter in 1995, she had 19 employees and 48 emergency beds for female victims of family violence. At the start of 2022, the organization had just under 100 employees, an annual operating budget of $6 million and 170 beds for men, women, and children.
When the YWCA announced they were closing their doors in 2005, Terri led the exciting and successful merger of two critical non-profit organizations. The Rape Crisis Center put an additional $2 million dollars of victim services into Terri’s capable hands. In 2016, with the City of Akron, they obtained an old nursing home that had enough room for 41 family suites, providing victims with updated, private space, as well as offering rooms for senior and male victims. This new shelter facility was opened as a pet-friendly facility, with children’s playrooms, homework areas, a beauty shop, clothing room, a computer training center, and a commercial kitchen. Terri partnered with a local marketing firm to rename the campus as the Center for Hope and Healing and within two years entered into a partnership with Huntington Bank, adding to the name which is now known as the Huntington Center for Hope and Healing.
