Seeds of Change Gala supports domestic-violence shelter

Maricopa’s biggest social event is drawing near, and the chance to attend is growing smaller.

The 18^th Annual Seeds of Change Gala is 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in the ballroom of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort & Casino, 15406 North Maricopa Road. Tickets for gala, themed “A Masquerade Ball,” are $125 per person.

Last year, the gala attracted about 400 guests and raised more than $70,000.

Proceeds benefit the Maricopa Women’s and Children’s Domestic Violence Shelter, which is operated by Against Abuse Inc. The group has been serving Pinal County for more than 40 years.

“All of the money we raise stays right here in the city of Maricopa,” said event chair Torri Anderson. “It funds our women’s and children’s domestic-violence shelter. But it also funds our outreach programs for those families where it’s safe to be in their own home, so we can still do our outreach programs for them and make sure they are taken care of and to be sure they are getting the services they need.

“It’s very rewarding for those of us involved with this event that the community comes together for a common event and a cause. That is especially true for a cause like domestic violence and abuse that a lot of people don’t really like to talk about.”

Anderson said the event is nearly sold out. She added the local business community has been generous in its support.

“We have 35 sponsors this year, which really helps us keep our costs down so we really can maximize the money we raise that night,” Anderson said. “I hope the entire city knows these services are available. We have so many new city members that don’t know these services are available. We have a beautiful home and do have the space to keep them safe.”

The masquerade gala will feature live music by Jazz band Touch of Class, DJ Alex Ortega, a silent auction, live auction, dinner and dancing. Guests are encouraged to wear formal attire along with their mask.

While the event is among the social high points of the year, Anderson wants people to remember the cause being supported and the changes funds raised have enabled AAI to make.

“When I first got involved with them, the only shelter (in Pinal County) was in Casa Grande,” Anderson said. “Against Abuse provides a place where women can go with their whole family as a place to recover. They let mothers bring all their kids up to age 18, both male and female, because they realize the whole family needs counseling.

“It’s about healing the whole family, not just providing a sleepover,” she added. “They are helping heal dysfunction and breaking the cycle of abuse.”

Against Abuse has taken a proactive role in providing a family focused, culturally sensitive continuum of prevention and intervention services to individuals and families in need of services.

Key corporate sponsors include: InMaricopa, Maricopa Monitor, Karsten’s Ace Hardware, Orbitel Communications, Global Water, Against Abuse Inc., Copa TV, American Family Insurance, A Touch of Class, AZ-Ry’s Landscaping, Maricopa Amps Magazine and Maricopa Lifestyle Magazine.