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Social Media Scavenger Hunt Brings Positive Message to Teens

(DESTIN, Fla.) February 9, 2017 – Shelter House and Project Respect kicked off Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month by hosting Quest 4 Respect, a social media scavenger hunt for teens. Dozens of young people dashed around Destin Commons last Friday snapping pictures on Instagram. The pictures were based on clues that carried messages about healthy relationships and warning signs for unsafe relationships.

“Nearly 1.5 million high school students are physically abused by a dating partner each year in the U.S. Add in those who are emotionally and verbally abused, and the numbers are staggering,” said Rosalyn Iovieno, Shelter House executive director. “It is happening here, and we want teens to know how to identify red flags early in the relationship before the abuse begins.”

Adrian Hamilton, a sophomore at Fort Walton Beach High School, was the first to complete the scavenger hunt and won a prize pack that included a Destin Commons gift card, passes to Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill and a Shelter House t-shirt. All other teens that completed the scavenger hunt were entered into a drawing for additional prizes.

All Quest 4 Respect attendees received a Dating Bill of Rights wallet card and glow jewelry. DJ 30A contributed to the party-like atmosphere by spinning tunes throughout the event.

Follow Project Respect and Shelter House on Facebook and Instagram for more information on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and future events.

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Social Media Scavenger Hunt to Educate Teens on Healthy Relationships

(DESTIN, Fla.) January 23, 2017 – One in 10 high school students has been hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. As we recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February, Shelter House and Project Respect present a fun new event that will teach local teens about healthy relationships and warning signs for unsafe relationships.

Quest 4 Respect is a social media scavenger hunt starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 3 at Destin Commons. Cards with clues will take teens on an Instagram scavenger hunt throughout the shopping center where they will snap pictures for a chance to win prizes. Teens that finish the scavenger hunt will be entered to win a big prize pack with numerous items donated by Destin Commons restaurants and retailers. The party continues until 8 p.m. with DJ 30A, a photo booth, glow sticks and more.

“Many parents don’t realize it, but teen dating violence does happen right here in our community,” said Shelter House Executive Director Rosalyn Iovieno. “Shelter House and Project Respect work to educate teens about red flags in relationships and stopping the cycle of violence before it even starts. It is our hope that the positive messages teens receive at Quest 4 Respect will set them up for success in future healthy relationships.”

Quest 4 Respect is a free event for all teens. Pre-registration is not required. More information can be found on the Project Respect Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProjectRespectOW.

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Shelter House Announces New Signature Event, Palate & Palette: Five-Course Wine Dinner and Live Painting

Top Local Chefs and Artist Jon Moody Unite for Unique Evening

(SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla.) January 9, 2017 – Shelter House proudly announces its newest signature fundraising event, Palate & Palette: Five-Course Wine Dinner and Live Painting, to be held Saturday, January 28 at Arnett’s Gulfside Ranch in Santa Rosa Beach. The event’s presenting sponsor is Emerald Coast Title Services.

The evening begins with a Bourbon and Brews Hour at 6 p.m. with local craft beer and spirits by Grayton Beer Company and Timber Creek Distillery. The seated dinner and live painting begin at 7 p.m. within the rustic chic events barn. The featured chefs include Nikhil Abuvula of Roux 30A, Tim Creehan of Cuvee 30A and Destin Ice Market 30A, John Engle of The Gulf, Jack McGuckin of Bijoux and Dan Pettis of Fuel Restaurant and One20: A Modern Bistro. Each chef will present one course that will be perfectly paired with wines from Krutz Family Cellars of Sonoma County, California.

Artist Jon Moody, whose work has been seen on the hit television show “Empire” as well as recognized by the White House, will create a piece of art in front of the audience while they dine. At the end of the evening, guests will have the opportunity to take home Moody’s one-of-a-kind creation in an exciting live auction.

Special thanks to RSVP Events for event décor, STM Photography for videography, as well as all chefs, restaurants, and beverage sponsors.

Tickets for Palate & Palette are $125 per person and include the cocktail hour, dinner, wines and all gratuity. Tickets are available for purchase now at https://shelterhousepalateandpalette.eventbrite.com. More information can be found on the Shelter House Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ShelterHouseNWFL.

Shelter House’s other signature event, Purses with a Purpose, is scheduled for March 24-25 at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. More information on this event will be announced soon.

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Brunch and Bowl to Benefit Shelter House

(DESTIN, Fla.) January 3, 2017 – Shelter House presents Brunch and Bowl on January 21 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill at Destin Commons. This family-friendly fundraiser includes an indulgent breakfast buffet, unlimited bowling, silent auction, music and more.

Corporate teams are encouraged. Registration is $500 for teams and covers six bowlers, food and lane sponsorship for your business. A very limited number of spots are available for individual bowlers at $40 per person.

Registration for Brunch and Bowl is available at www.shelterhousenwfl.org. More information can be found on the Shelter House Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ShelterHouseNWFL.

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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.

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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.