Stand Tall with Sarah's Inn Raises over $121,000 to Break the Cycle of Domestic Violence

Community non-profit Sarah’s Inn broke its own fundraising record after raising more than $121,000 at Stand Tall with Sarah’s Inn, the domestic violence agency’s signature annual fundraiser. Purple lights and decorations representing Domestic Violence Action Month set a festive atmosphere for the over 250 supporters who attended the October 18 event.

“Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, guests, and volunteers, this year’s Stand Tall with Sarah’s Inn fundraiser was our most successful yet,” said Executive Director Carol Gall. “As a result of ongoing community support, all services at Sarah’s Inn are free for the women and children we serve.”

Located at the newly opened WIRE in Berwyn, the event featured a premiere showing of a video clip by Ogilvy & Mather which explores the issue of domestic violence and how programs at Sarah’s Inn make a difference. Emceed by Lisa Parker of NBC5, the event’s program also included testimonials from two students at Oak Park and River Forest High School about Sarah’s Inn’s violence prevention initiatives.

“Sarah’s Inn has taught me a lot about the underlying complexities of domestic violence,” said student speaker Sammy Levy. “At whatever college I end up attending next year, I hope to be active in a group working against domestic violence. While I understand that dating violence is a huge issue on college campuses, I hope to be a voice that works against it.”

Guests enjoyed savory hors d’oeuvres catered by locally owned restaurant Autre Monde, a signature cocktail featuring Tito’s Vodka, craft beers from Two Brothers Brewery, wine from Little Black Dress, and desserts donated by Silverland Bakery, Sugar Fixé Pâtisserie, and Turano Baking Company.

“The incredible success of this event was the result of a strong, dedicated team rallying behind the cause to break the cycle of violence,” said Event Chair Kim Green. “Our event committee, the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, our sponsors, and our donors all contributed in important ways. With the over 50 new donors to Sarah’s Inn that resulted from this event, it is clear that many in the community share our mission.

Sarah’s Inn is grateful for the generous support of our event sponsors. Visionary Level: Kevin and Linda Conway. Benefactor Level: Anonymous; Bob and Loretta Cooney. Associate Level: Bill Barry; Catharsis Productions; Comcast; Paul Gearen; Marion Street Market; Patricia C. Petrick. Partner Level: American Westbrook Insurance, Inc., Mary O’Neill Bresnahan; Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, Inc.; Bigane Paving Co.; David and Dale Clarke; Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest; Karen and Rick Dale; Development Solutions, Inc.; Werner and Laurie Huget; Kidzaw; Carol A. Matusak; Carol Dr. Harold and Mary Duffy Pelzer; Diana and Bruce Rauner; Brandon and Nichole Schulman; Don, Diane and Janel Sutkus; Les Trilla; TrueGivers, LLC, Tim Hunnewell; Village of Melrose Park, Mayor Ronald M. Serpico.

Founded in 1981 by Oak Park residents, Sarah’s Inn works throughout the socioeconomically diverse region of Chicago’s West Side neighborhoods and Western suburbs. Services and initiatives focus on ending relationship violence through domestic violence crisis intervention, community education, and violence prevention programs for youth.