[quote_box_right]IF YOU GO
What: Great Gatsby Seeds of Change Gala
When: Feb. 29, 6 p.m.
Where: Province Town Hall
20942 N. Province Parkway
How much: $50
Benefiting: Against Abuse
Info: SeedsOfChangeGala.org[/quote_box_right]Against Abuse Inc. hosts its 15th annual Seeds of Change Gala Feb. 29 to fund maintenance and operational expenses for its Maricopa shelter for women and children, La Casa de Paz.

The event will be held at Province Town Hall. Tickets are available for $50 and will be limited to 300 guests.

“It’s always been a way for businesses to come together and network and share their passion of helping the community with one common goal,” said Torri Anderson, Gala chairperson and Against Abuse board member. “And that’s what the shelter does.”

This year’s gala, advertised as a “Great Gatsby Gala,” is Roaring ‘20s themed. Costumes are welcome, and the night will include food, DJ, raffle and silent auction.

The first gala was held in February 2006 and raised $60,000 to fund construction for the Maricopa shelter. Against Abuse Inc. received a $300,000 donation from the Ak-Chin Indian Community for completion.

Now, funding goes directly to upkeep and operations.

“To keep the building open, it takes about $100,000 a year,” Anderson said. “That can go up or down depending on if a waterline breaks or a freezer goes down. That’s what we plan on for people, salaries, light, electricity, kind of everything for an entire year.”

Against Abuse Inc. has provided services and support for survivors of violence in Pinal County since 1981. Fundraising for the organization in Maricopa began in 2005, and the Maricopa emergency shelter was opened in 2015. Against Abuse has been continuously raising awareness of local resources for survivors of violence.

After years of selling out, those considering attending are advised to purchase tickets early for the 21-and-older event.

“People can come up in their Great Gatsby outfits, have a good time and support a cause that’s near and dear to your heart,” Anderson said.

This story appears in the February issue of InMaricopa.

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