Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Jully Black is headlining Yellow Brick House's 17th annual Break the Silence Gala on May 6.
For the second year, the York Region shelter for abused women and their children is hosting the gala virtually, said executive director Lorris Herenda.
As well as award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Black, the evening features Layne the Auctionista as MC, as well as stories from survivors and "their journey and how they succeeded after leaving an abusive relationship with the support of Yellow Brick House services,” Herenda said.
A fund-a-need segment highlights how important donations are for women and children at Yellow Brick House and encourages attendees to support a specific service or need.
“I think people like to really relate to how their donation, how their support, helps women and children. So instead of just saying ‘donate to Yellow Brick House and support our services,’ people like to quantify it in some cases, so that’s exactly what we did," Herenda said. “We took a look at what our families that come to us need and prepared those packages so that people can say, 'yes I’m donating $150, for example, and that’s going to provide a night of safety for a woman or child'.”
The different packages are listed on the event website and include items like $25 for children's winter clothes, $50 for groceries for a new home, $100 for trauma counselling, $250 for family court support, or even $4,000 for a month of safety.
“It’s quantifiable, it’s measurable and it really gives an individual the feeling of having supported a family directly,” Herenda said.
There will also be a silent auction in which participants can bid on items online. You will first have to register for the event, however, there is no cost to attend the virtual event.
“Really, the only cost for an individual is their one hour of time to join us on May 6 to watch the event and really enjoy and, if they’re so inclined, to bid on the silent auction items, make a donation or participate in the live auction," Herenda said.
The gala aims to raise $150,000 and so far $3,380 has been raised. It is Yellow Brick House's signature event and largest fundraiser of the year.
“Our second event is the Step in my Shoes walk that happens sometime in November. That does raise some funds for us but it’s really more about increasing public awareness and increasing public engagement about the issue of domestic violence,” Herenda said.
This year's event is taking place May 6 from 6:45 to 8 p.m. Tickets are available online and you can also donate with registering for the event.
