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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.

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All American Jeep Show Raises Money for Shelter House

Hundreds of Jeep enthusiasts turned out to support domestic and sexual violence victims

(CRESTVIEW, Fla.) November 18, 2015 – More than 500 Jeep enthusiasts turned out recently to the 2nd Annual All American Jeep Show at Old Spanish Trail Park in Crestview to show off their vehicles and raise money for Shelter House. The weekend-long event brought in $12,514 to support domestic and sexual violence victims in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

“I’m overwhelmed by all of the support from the Jeep community and the generosity of our local and national sponsors,” said event organizer Jeff Bullard, President of the All American Jeep Club.

“The funds they raised at this event will allow Shelter House to serve more women, children and men right here in our local community who are recovering from domestic and sexual violence,” said Shelter House Executive Director Rosalyn Iovieno.

Jeep show attendees were treated to a broad range of Jeeps on display, awards, a silent auction, Jeep poker run, bounce houses and a demonstration by the Crestview Fire Department.

Thank you to the presenting sponsors of the 2nd Annual All American Jeep Show: All American Jeep Club, Tattoos Forever, Lee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Summerlin Truck Outfitter and Elite Jeeps, Inc.

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Shelter House to Host 5th Annual Luminaria Run

Twilight race encourages runners to glow

(DESTIN, Fla.) November 17, 2015 – Shelter House will host a unique twilight run designed to shine the light on abuse in our community. The 5th Annual Luminaria Run to End Domestic & Sexual Violence, presented by Verizon Wireless and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., will take place on Saturday, December 5 at 4:30pm. Runners will start at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Destin and follow a course lined with more than 2,000 luminarias lighting their path.

The race includes 5k and 9k courses winding throughout the Indian Bayou neighborhood. The 9k distance represents that a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds in the U.S., and the luminarias symbolize how Shelter House and their community partners light the way to a safer place for victims of abuse.

“This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Luminaria Run,” said Shelter House Executive Director Rosalyn Iovieno. “It is encouraging to see support for the run grow each year as the community joins together to raise awareness of domestic and sexual abuse. All proceeds from the race go to help survivors of domestic and sexual violence right here in Okaloosa and Walton counties.”

Children are encouraged to participate in the run, and walkers are welcome. This family-friendly event will have a “sweet finish” at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. featuring confections, s’mores, hot cocoa and more as well as Bubba Gump’s famous gumbo.

This is a twilight race starting at 4:30pm. Runners are encouraged to wear reflective gear, and a prize will be awarded for the best lit runner. Glow packs are available for purchase during online registration and the day of the run.

Registration is open now with the following prices: adults, 5k – $30; 9k – $45. Children ages 3 through 12 are $10 for the 5k and $15 for the 9k.

Packet pick up begins on Friday, December 4 at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Destin from 5pm to 7pm. On-site registration and packet pick up will be open on race day from 2pm to 4pm at Bubba Gump.

Luminary bags will be labeled and placed along the course in honor or in memory of loved ones. Bags are available through a $10 donation to Shelter House and can be purchased at the Shelter House office in Fort Walton Beach or on-site the day of the race.

Shelter House would like to thank this year’s run sponsors: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Verizon Wireless, Destin Commons, SoWal.com and Sandprints Photography. Additional sponsorships are available.

To register, please go to www.shelterhousenwfl.org. For more information on the race, sponsorships or luminary bags, call Shelter House at 850-243-1201.

Last year’s Luminaria Run drew more than 360 runners and raised over $20,000 to help keep abused women, children and men in the local community safe.

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4th Annual Walk Her Way Draws Record Crowd

High heel walk raises awareness and turns heads

(ROSEMARY BEACH, Fla.) September 10, 2015 – More than 220 men, women and children put on high heels and took to the streets of Rosemary Beach earlier this summer for the largest Walk Her Way yet. Now in its fourth year, the Rosemary Beach Foundation event brought awareness to domestic violence and raised $30,000 for Shelter House and Rosemary Beach Foundation.

Led by Village Brass Band, walkers strolled around town showing off their favorite pair of high heels, decorated shoes and fun costumes. Unique shoe-themed awards designed by Walton County students and educators were presented at the after-party.

“Walk Her Way continues to grow each year. We are thankful for the overwhelming support from our sponsors and the community,” said Rosemary Beach Foundation Executive Director Malayne DeMars.

Walk Her Way is not just a fun walk. It also carries a serious message about respect and healthy relationships with a display of Shelter House’s Clothesline Project, a touching exhibit that allows adult and child victims of domestic violence to tell their story through words and art, at the start and finish lines.

“We are grateful to the Rosemary Beach Foundation for providing Shelter House with vital funding and for increasing awareness of domestic violence,” said Shelter House Executive Director Rosalyn Iovieno. “Seeing such a positive response from the community again this year leaves me hopeful that through Walk Her Way more people now know that resources exist right here in our local area to help survivors of domestic and sexual violence and that more people will join us in our vision of all relationships violence-free.”

Thanks to 2015 Walk Her Way sponsors: Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company, Rosemary Beach Property Owners Association, The Merchants of Rosemary Beach, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Bud & Alley’s, Warren Averett, August + Brill, Sea Oats Beach Service, George and Dianne Lindahl, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Bamboo Bicycle Company, Moonpize, Grayton Beer Company, Bombora Sun and Surf, the Schwarzkopf Family, 30Avenue, Rosemary Beach Trading Company, Rosemary Beach Realty, Tamara and Carl Tricoli, Henderson Barrett, Perspicacity, 30A.com, 30A TV, SoWal.com, Beach TV, Sixpence Productions and J. Conley Images.