Posted on

Local Restaurants Join Forces to defEAT Domestic Violence

Campaign raises more than $13,000 for Shelter House

(FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.) December 19, 2016 – As Shelter House observed Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout October, six local restaurants stepped up to help the domestic and sexual violence center raise money and awareness.

The defEAT Domestic Violence campaign brought in more than $13,000 that will go toward lifesaving services for domestic violence victims.

Four of the restaurants – La Paz Restaurante & Cantina in Destin, Island Wing Company in Destin, Café Thirty A in Seagrove Beach and Redd’s Fueling Station in Santa Rosa Beach – chose to give a percentage of sales from the same weekday all month long. Café Thirty A donated 15% of sales from Wednesdays in October which amounted to $6,197 for Shelter House.

“Café Thirty A takes pride in being a good neighbor by supporting those in need in our community,” said café owner Harriet Crommelin. “We chose to help Shelter House because we believe in the great work they do for our community and their message. We will continue to step up and help out because we value our commitment to assist others.”

The Other End Restaurant & Beergarden in Destin held a one-night only event early in the month where everyone enjoyed live music, a silent auction and food and drink specials. At the end of the evening, Shelter House was presented with a check for $7,500 from the Bill and Dianne Campbell Community Charitable Trust.

Rounding out the campaign was Pizza by the Sea. The popular South Walton eatery donated a portion of sales on one day from all three of its locations.

“We are ecstatic to see the response from the restaurants and the community for this first-time event,” said Shelter House Executive Director Rosalyn Iovieno. “So much of the work Shelter House does is confidential. The defEAT Domestic Violence campaign gave us a wonderful opportunity to bring this issue to the public and let everyone know what we do and where survivors can find help.”  

Shelter House plans to make defEAT Domestic Violence an annual event every October.

Posted on

J. McLaughlin Summer Collection Preview to Benefit for Shelter House

(MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla.) May 24, 2016 – J. McLaughlin is hosting a Sip and Shop on June 5 to benefit Shelter House. Stop by the classic American clothier between 1pm and 4pm for refreshments and the opportunity to shop the new 2016 summer collection.

J. McLaughlin’s neighbor, Travinia Italian Kitchen, will also give back to Shelter House when you dine there between 11am and 2pm that same day. The retailer and the restaurant will both give 15% of sales to Shelter House.

J. McLaughlin and Travinia Italian Kitchen are located in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin in Miramar Beach.

Posted on

Rosemary Beach Foundation Presents 5th Annual Walk Her Way®

High heel FUN walk to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence

(ROSEMARY BEACH®) April 25, 2016  Whether you choose to parade in pumps, walk in wedges, strut in stilettos or stroll in sneakers, make plans to join us on May 20th for the 5th Annual Walk Her Way® presented by Rosemary Beach Foundation.

Men, women and children of all ages are invited to put on their fiercest footwear for a short walk through the streets of Rosemary Beach®.

“Walk Her Way is a fun way to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence,” says Malayne DeMars, Executive Director, Rosemary Beach Foundation.

Decorate your shoes (heels are suggested but not required); wear costumes to reflect your style and personality. Enter as a team with your family, friends and coworkers, or walk as an individual! Sign up for Walk Her Way at www.walkherway.com.

Stick around for the after party and awards in the Rosemary Beach Town Hall. One-of-a-kind “Shoe” awards created by Walton County teachers and students will be given for the highest heels, best costume, most spirit and more.

Attendees will enjoy live music by variety band Moody, pictures in Facetime Photobooth’s Airstream-inspired RetroBooth and food, beer and cocktails from Freshii, Bruno’s Pizza, Shades Bar & Grill, and Chaste 850. One-of-a-kind “Shoe” awards created by Walton County teachers and students will be given for the highest heels, best costume, most spirit and more. Walkers can also take a chance on winning fabulous prizes at our raffle or 30A Wine ring toss game.

“We are thrilled that Rosemary Beach Foundation is investing in Shelter House’s long-term sustainability through their continued support,” said Rosalyn Iovieno, Shelter House Executive Director. “The Foundation’s generosity helps ensure Shelter House will be around for many years to come to serve local women, children and men impacted by domestic and sexual violence.”

Walk Her Way® benefits Shelter House, the domestic and sexual violence center serving Okaloosa and Walton counties and Rosemary Beach Foundation, a nonprofit organization that offers community, educational and other charitable activities in Walton County.

2016 WALK HER WAY® SPONSORS: Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company, Rosemary Beach Realty, Rosemary Beach Trading Company, The Merchants of Rosemary Beach, Rosemary Beach Property Owners’ Association, 30A Collection by Rosemary Beach, Rent Gear Here, Klabzuba, Moonpize, Rent Gear Here, The Pearl, Schwarzkopf Family, 30A.com, SoWal.com, Beach TV

Posted on

Purses with a Purpose Raises Almost $20,000 for Shelter House

Money raised will help local domestic and sexual violence victims

(MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla.) April 8, 2016 – Women from across the Emerald Coast recently made their way to Grand Boulevard at Sandestin for Purses with a Purpose, a unique event benefiting Shelter House, the domestic and sexual violence center serving Okaloosa and Walton counties. The two-day event raised almost $20,000 to support programs and services such as a 24-hour rape and domestic violence hotline, emergency shelter, child advocacy, support groups and violence prevention classes.

“Since it began six years ago, Purses with a Purpose has brought in more than $73,000 for critical services,” said Rosalyn Iovieno, Shelter House Executive Director. “Not only did 300 shoppers attend this event, more than 40 Shelter House volunteers gave over 200 hours of their time to make it happen. We had more shoppers and raised more money than ever before. This tremendous support from the community enables us to help more women, children, men and pets whose lives have been touched by violence.”

The Friday night party offered shoppers the opportunity to bid on designer handbags from Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kors and more. They were also treated to food from Travinia Italian Kitchen and wine as well as a purse fashion show with models impacted by domestic violence, including Shelter House advocates, volunteers and survivors. The fashion show was emceed by Laura Holloway of The Storyteller Agency and featured hair and makeup by Pin Up Girls Hair Studio and music by Rock the House.

In addition to over 1,000 purses for sale and auction, Purses with a Purpose also featured scarves, jewelry, wallets and more were up for sale. Saturday shoppers snapped up the remaining purses at deeply discounted prices while enjoying muffins and mimosas.

Shelter House would like to thank the 2016 Purses with a Purpose sponsors: Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Pin Up Girls Hair Studio, Rock the House, Travinia Italian Kitchen, 5 Star Photo Booth, The Storyteller Agency, Appleseed Expeditions, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Flip Flop Realty, Mara Fiorentino, MD, Primp Salon, Serenity by the Sea, Massage Envy and Panera Bread.

Shelter House accepts purse donations throughout the year at its program office located at 16 Ferry Road, SE in Fort Walton Beach. For more information about Purses with a Purpose or future events, please contact Shelter House at 850-243-1201.

Posted on

Shelter House announces details for annual fundraiser, Purses With A Purpose

Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (February 8, 2016) – Shelter House Domestic & Sexual Violence Center will host their sixth annual Purses With a Purpose event March 11-12, 2016, in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin in the 560 building, corner storefront, next door to Altar’d State.

Festivities begin Friday at 6:00 p.m. with an exciting silent auction featuring over 100 purses, including brands like Kate Spade, Michael Kors and Vera Bradley, as well as sunglasses and other accessories. Attendees will also enjoy hors d’oeuvres by Travinia, wine, an interactive photobooth by 5 Star Photobooth, DJ services by Shane Keller of Rock the House and a fashion show featuring hair and makeup services by Pin Up Girls Hair Studio & Spa in Destin. Avid purse shoppers can purchase a VIP ticket to enter the event 30 minutes early (5:30 p.m.) for an exclusive preview of the silent auction and the opportunity to immediately purchase their handbag or accessory of choice before the event officially begins.

Tickets are now available on the Shelter House website, www.shelterhousenwfl.org. General admission tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 or at the door for $15. VIP tickets are $20 when purchased in advance, or $25 at the door, based on availability.

The fundraiser continues Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with free admission to view the remaining handbags and accessories, with discounts up to 50% off. Attendees will enjoy complimentary mimosas and fresh baked muffins.

To date, Shelter House has raised more than $50,000 through Purses With A Purpose. Shelter House is actively seeking sponsors and new or gently used handbags and accessories for the silent auction. Individuals or businesses interested should contact Whitney Lee Ladwig at 850-974-2002 or whitneyleeladwig@icloud.com.

Posted on

Shelter House Receives Economic Empowerment Grant

Allstate Foundation supports financial education for survivors and community

(FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.) January 31, 2016 – The Allstate Foundation recently awarded Shelter House a grant for $30,625 to continue its economic empowerment program. Shelter House first received this grant in 2009, and has since earned recognition and offered training to other domestic violence centers on its innovative programs.

“Financial abuse and domestic violence often go hand in hand,” said Rosalyn Iovieno, Executive Director of Shelter House. “Learning about financial tools and strategies empowers survivors to establish new lives with safety plans for themselves and their money.”

Tactics that abusers use to exert control include restricting the victim’s access to money, ruining the victim’s credit, forbidding her to work or even harassing her on the job causing a spotty work history. Shelter House advocates in the WAM! (Women and Money) program work with survivors on budgeting, building savings, repairing credit scores and more through the economic empowerment courses. Shelter House also works with the children of abuse survivors so they learn early in life how to handle their own finances.

While the programs for domestic violence victims are a major focus, Shelter House offers workshops that are free and open to the public as well. The agency will hold public workshops on April 4 and June 25. For more information, call 850-243-1201.