CENTER FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS RAISES MORE THAN $205,000 FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT & ELDER ABUSE SERVICES

Center for Community Solutions (CCS), a non-profit agency that offers a complete range of sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse prevention and intervention services, today announced that its 14th annual “Tea & Tonic” event raised the bar for community involvement by grossing more than $205,000 in contributions.

Nordstrom was the title sponsor of this year’s event while TJX Companies served as the presenting sponsor. Premier sponsors included The California Endowment and HD Supply Facilities Maintenance; contributing sponsors were Cubic Corporation, The Frame Maker, ProFlowers, Riviera magazine, Sycuan and Viejas. Additionally, supporting sponsors included BenefitPro; Club Pilates; Cyndi Benson; Law Offices of David W. Brody; Liza Boyer & Henry Engel; MDK Insurance Services; Mintz Levin Cohen Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.; Law Offices of Amy Rypins; The Patricia and Christopher Weil Family Foundation; Tabor Communications; and Union Bank.

The afternoon tea attracted nearly 600 attendees including local businesses, dignitaries, community leaders and philanthropists. Steve Atkinson, co-anchor for Channel 10 news, served as master of ceremonies.

The highlight of the event was a heartfelt and engaging keynote by Marlee Matlin, an Academy Award and Golden Globe winning actress, author and activist. She shared her personal experiences of enduring child molestation and intimate partner abuse, which she describes in her 2009 autobiography, “I’ll Scream Later.” Marlee’s courage in telling her own story and conviction in breaking the cycles of violence that impact our society brought the capacity crowd to its feet for a standing ovation.

Also included in this year’s program, CCS presented its Courage Award to Crystal Harris, a well-respected advocate for crime victims who set out to change an unjust law after being ordered to pay legal fees and spousal support after suffering a brutal rape by her husband. Crystal teamed with San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, CA Assemblymember Toni Atkins and a host of community organizations including the law firm of Mintz Levin to sponsor a bill that prohibits anyone convicted of a violent sexual felony from receiving financial awards from the separate property of a spouse. The bill passed the legislature unanimously and has been signed into law.

CCS also recognized the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation as its Volunteer Organization of the Year for its ongoing generosity in supporting the agency, especially in recent years when additional government funding cuts threatened the continuation of critical prevention and intervention programs. Additionally, CCS honored Amy Rypins, a three-term Board President and tireless ambassador for the agency. As this year’s Volunteer of the Year, Amy was applauded for her commitment, ingenuity and consummate networking skills, which have proven invaluable in helping CCS expand its programs and services over the years. Amy also has been recognized as the Statewide Rape Crisis Center Board Member of the Year by California’s Statewide Coalition on Sexual Assault (CALCASA).

“This annual event holds a special place for everyone at CCS because it gives us the opportunity to recognize the many community supporters who play invaluable roles in helping us make our communities safer,” said Verna Griffin-Tabor, executive director of Center for Community Solutions. “The overwhelming support for our programs and services takes us one crucial step closer to ending the cycles of violence that impact our city.”

Proceeds from the “Tea & Tonic” benefit CCS’ full range of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse programs, including emergency response teams, a 24-hour hotline, two emergency shelters, victim advocacy, two transitional housing programs, case management, court accompaniment, clinical services and legal services. CCS operates the only rape crisis center in the city of San Diego while providing an array of prevention programs, such as community education and self-defense instruction.

About Center for Community Solutions

Founded in 1969, Center for Community Solutions, assists more than 11,000 women, men and children affected by sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse each year. CCS operates the only Rape Crisis Center in the City of San Diego along with a 24-hour bilingual crisis helpline as well as hospital and court accompaniment services for rape survivors. CCS provides two 24-hour emergency shelters and transitional housing programs for victims of domestic violence and their children.