‘Night of Inspiration’ raises $28,000 for victims of domestic abuse

ST. GEORGE — “Night of Inspiration” held at St. George’s SunRiver Ballroom last weekend was a huge success on all fronts, Lindsey Boyer, executive director of the Dove Center, announced Thursday.

Dove Center’s event speaker, Mary Ann Broberg, capitalized on Sexual Assault Awareness Month | Image courtesy of the Dove Center, St. George News
Dove Center’s event speaker, Mary Ann Broberg, capitalized on Sexual Assault Awareness Month | Image courtesy of the Dove Center, St. George News

“Our objective was not just to raise funds,” Boyer said. “It was also about touching people’s hearts and changing the way our community members think and feel about breaking the silence of victimization.”

The event raised over $28,000 and attracted over 160 people including members of law enforcement, local politics and other community partners. Funds raised will go directly to support client emergency assistance; outreach and awareness efforts; personal protection class with self-protection for sexual assault survivors; and other expenses that are only partially funded by grant sources.

Boyer began the evening emphasizing that it takes a collective effort to reduce incidents of abuse. In Utah, one out of three people will suffer domestic violence this year.

“The first step to eradicating domestic and sexual violence is to break the silence,” Boyer said. “Too many still remain silent about their victimization.”

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Mary Ann Broberg, author of “Stolen Innocence, The Jan Broberg Story.” Chronicling her family’s horror of a child abducted and abused, and their journey from mere survival to wholeness and peace, Broberg was acknowledged by an immediate standing ovation, support for breaking the silence no matter how difficult.

In a unique approach to the traditional fund raising auction, Teri Koenig, vice president of the Center’s board of directors, served as auctioneer raising additional donations to cover services offered by Dove Center.   Bidders offered their support in overwhelming numbers to help the organization deliver services including education, prevention and intervention.  Silent auction items also attracted bidders during a social hour prior to the dinner and keynote.

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