FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Juana Galeno
602-279-2900
juana@acesdv.org
SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS, ADVOCATES AND ALLIES TO BE HONORED
9th Annual Thrive Gala and Awards Dinner to Celebrate Their Work
(April 22, 2019 – Phoenix, AZ) The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence will honor sexual and domestic violence survivors, advocates and allies with awards in six categories at the Thrive Gala and Awards Dinner presented by PetSmart Charities on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale. The evening begins with an hors d’œuvres reception, unique raffle, and silent auction experience with live entertainment and dancing.
The following individuals were nominated by the community at large and will receive awards named after plants native to the Sonoran Desert that have adapted and thrive despite the harsh climate.
Allie Bones, Office of Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, will receive the Saguaro Award in honor of a lifetime dedicated to ending sexual and domestic violence.
BilliJoy Carson, Kick at Darkness, has been selected as the Three Heart Award recipient, which honors a sexual and/or domestic violence survivor who has turned adversity into triumph by creating positive change in the community.
Sarah Kent, one-n-ten, will receive the Cliff Rose Award, which honors a person for their efforts in sexual and/or domestic violence education, prevention and outreach to culturally specific and/or marginalized communities in Arizona
Patricia Madsen, Community Legal Services, will be the recipient of the Desert Sunflower Award, which honors a person’s non-traditional involvement in the movement to end sexual and/or domestic violence.
Sheronda Jordan, Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse, was selected for the Guara Award to honor an advocate’s outstanding efforts in providing direct services to victims of sexual and/or domestic violence in Arizona.
Representative Jennifer Longdon, Arizona Legislative District 24, will be given the Ocotillo Award, which celebrates a person who has identified an issue facing sexual and domestic violence survivors and has championed change to benefit victims.
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) works to dismantle oppression and promote equity among all people, focusing on increasing public awareness about sexual and domestic violence and enhancing safety and services for survivors. ACESDV was originally founded as the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1980, so that concerned citizens and professionals could unite in a statewide organization to end domestic violence. In 2013, the Coalition became the designated dual coalition to address both sexual and domestic violence in Arizona, thus becoming the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. ACESDV provides training and technical assistance to responders, service providers, and community members, engages in public policy advocacy and public awareness initiatives, and provides direct services through their Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline and online chat.
Funds raised from Thrive will support ACESDV’s mission which is to end sexual and domestic violence in Arizona by dismantling oppression and promoting equity among all people. More information can be found on our website: www.acesdv.org/thrivegala. Sponsorships and tables are available for the 9th Annual Thrive Awards and Dinner by calling 602-279-2900 or by emailing info@acesdv.org. Tickets for the Thrive Gala are currently available https://www.acesdv.org/get-tickets/.
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