FORT LAUDERDALE, Friday, May 18, 2012 – On May 9, 2012, 500 guests joined Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc. at the 6th Annual Starfish Luncheon Presented by Wells Fargo. The event raised $160,000, which will provide 1,702 nights of shelter, as well as basic needs, therapy, counseling, children’s services and transitional assistance to victims of domestic violence.

Chaired by Gale Butler (AutoNation, Inc.) and Jen Klaassens (The Wasie Foundation), the annual Starfish Luncheon was inspired by the popular starfish story by Loren Eiseley and honored individuals in the community for their dedication and significant contributions to Women In Distress.

This year’s honorees were: Jason and Katina Taylor, The Community Foundation of Broward, The Sunshine Lady Foundation and the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program, as well as, James A. Cummings, Inc.

In addition to those honored at the event, a survivor of domestic violence was presented with the special Starfish Award in honor of all those who seek safety and shelter at Women In Distress. This year’s honoree was a true inspiration to victims of domestic violence and soon will achieve her dream of becoming an Engineer.
 
Those in attendance were treated to a special performance by the Our Lady of Lourdes Academy choir joined by twenty survivors of domestic violence. Attendees were also able to enjoy a silent auction with items donated by supporters such as The Miami Dolphins, Elite Island Resorts, Sweeter Days Bake Shop, The Miami Heat, Goodyear Rubber & Tire, and more.  Guests also participated in a raffle to win a stay at Atlantis Paradise Island, courtesy of Kerzner International.
 
During the program, event sponsors were acknowledged for their generous support in helping keep families safe. This year’s sponsors included: Wells Fargo, AutoNation, Inc.,
JM Family Enterprises, Inc., SE Toyota, Signature Grand, Sun Sentinel, Comerica Bank, James A. Cummings, Inc., Patriot Risk Management, PermaPlate, Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., The Wasie Foundation, Bank of America, Baptist Health South Florida, Circle of Friends Foundation, Holy Cross Hospital, Lorraine Thomas, Pollo Tropical, Memorial Healthcare Systems and PCA Delta.
 
“We are so pleased to have the support of such an amazing group of individuals and organizations. On behalf of the families we serve, to everyone who attended or supported the Starfish Luncheon, we thank you for making a difference,” said Mary Riedel, President and CEO of Women In Distress.
 
For more information and high resolution versions of the pictures attached, from the 6th Annual Starfish Luncheon Presented by Wells Fargo, please contact Madelyn Reus at mreus@womenindistress.org

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