PROJECT SAFE TOURS
Women In Distress Jim & Jan Moran Family Center - 8:30-9:30am
Join us for this insider’s tour of Women In Distress and hear from our President/CEO, board members, staff and survivors.
January 8th
February
12th
March 12th
Contact 954.760.9800 X1235 or jstewart@womenindistress.org for more information or to RSVP.
WID Benefits from Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale Annual Raffle
WID is one of three proud beneficiaries of the Rotary Club Annual Raffle this year. 1st Place prize is estimated to be $37,500 (based on 1,500 tickets sold). Proceeds go to the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale 1090 Foundation, along with Junior Achievement, Boys & Girls Club and WID. The drawing takes place November 19th at 6:00 pm at Hugh's Culinary located at 4351 NE 12th Terrace, Oakland Park, FL 33334. Your raffle Ticket purchase is also your ticket to attend the event at Hugh's. Tickets are $100 each - WID will receive a portion of the proceeds.
To purchase your ticket in support of Women In Distress, make checks payable to : Rotary 1090 Foundation and mail to Women In Distress, PO Box 676, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302. Please include your name, address, phone number & email so we may send you your ticket.
Or contact Jennifer Stewart at 954-332-3459 or jstewart@womenindistress.org.
Benefit Performance for Women In Distress
The Center For Spiritual Living will host a Benefit Performance for Women In Distress Saturday November 22, 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 23, 7:00 p.m. The Performance includes David McBride in Concert with The Phil Hinton Quartet and a Guest performance by Debra Hampton. Tickets are $20 per person. Click here for more details.
Consider an ad in the program. Click here
Two Great Holiday Shopping events on December 6th!
Women In Distress Auxiliary 1st Annual Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, December 6, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Janet A. Boyle Auditorium at Women In Distress, Jim and Jan Moran Family Center
1153 S Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale (NW Corner of Davie Blvd. & Andrews Avenue)
Join us for shopping, food, fun & games for the entire family. for more information call Elizabeth at 954-547-4307 or email WIDA_treasurer@hotmail.com . A portion of the proceeds benefit Women In Distress Auxiliary, fundraising arm of Women In Distress.
and then, after shopping at the Bazaar visit
The Speckled Dog Pottery
Fourth Annual Holiday Open Studio Show, 1711 SE 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, (between Las Olas Blvd. and Broward Blvd. at S Victoria Park Road). 10% of the proceeds will be donated the The Children's Counseling Art Program at Women In Distress. Visit www.speckledDogPottery.com or contact Robbie@SpeckledDogPottery.com for details.
Men of Style Shopping Night - December 11th
Please join us to Shop For A Cause! Enjoy great food, drink sensations, live entertainment, and exclusive shopping incentives! Complimentary valet parking with advanced ticket purchase only. TIcket are available at Women In Distress, contact Lauren at lfrank@womenindistress.org OR visit the Galleria's Guest Services desk. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at event.
Help us recognize our "Man Of Style", long-time WID supporter, board member Ralph Campbell of McKinley Financial Services! Click Here for more event information.
SDC Appliance Angels Program
SDC to donate Used Kitchen and Household Appliances to Women in Distress
SDC Appliances will be launching its new SDC “Appliance Angels” program in partnership with Women in Distress of Broward County, announced today by David Glickman, Founder and CEO of SDC Appliances. Through the charitable program, SDC Appliances will be donating, on behalf of its customers, used kitchen and household appliances to Women in Distress shelters and their thrift shop in Broward County. The appliances will be placed either in the Women in Distress’s shelters, , a program participant’s home or the organization’s thrift shop. Proceeds from the thrift shop directly support Women in Distress services.
“We’re very excited to roll-out our new “Appliance Angels” program which will allow SDC Appliances and our customers to give back to those in the community that need our help,” said Glickman. “So often we remove refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, microwaves – you name it - that are still in great working condition, that it just seemed so perfect to donate them to an organization like Women in Distress that aids so many women and families in our area.”
The SDC “Appliance Angels” program is a great way for consumers to give back to the community, at no additional cost. When SDC Appliances installs newly purchased appliances into a customer’s home, SDC will remove the old appliances for free. If the appliances are still in good working condition, SDC will deliver and donate them to Women in Distress, on behalf of the company’s customers. Women and Distress will determine where the appliance is needed most -- in one of their shelters or facilities, a recipient’s new home or in its thrift store for the public to purchase. In return, Women in Distress will provide the SDC Appliance customer (from where the appliance was removed) with a receipt for their charitable donation. SDC Appliances will also be donating overstocked items from its warehouse to the organization.
“We are grateful for this partnership with SDC Appliances. The appliance contribution program will empower victims on their path to safe, independent living, enhance the experience for shelter residents and help raise funds for Women In Distress’ programs and services,” said Mary Riedel, President and CEO of Women In Distress.
SDC Appliances was founded in early 2006 by David Glickman, a well-known professional in the Designer Appliances field in the South Florida Marketplace for over 30 years. SDC Appliances supplies custom builders, general contractors, luxury residential developers, and consumers who expect and deserve Superior Service, Designer Options and Custom Solutions. David Glickman is respected nationally in the appliance industry for his unparalleled knowledge and ability to match projects and clients with the perfect products and styles. SDC Appliances distributes elite brands such as Sub-Zero, Wolf, Jenn-Air, Whirlpool, Miele, Electrolux, Alfresco, U-Line, Faber and TurboChef, just to name a few. For more information, call 954-612-2612 or please visit www.sdcappliances.com.
The 9th Annual Cindy Cusano Memorial Pro-Am Golf Tournament
Friday, January 23, 2009
The 9th Annual Cindy Cusano Memorial Tournament will be held to perpetuate the memory of Cindy Cusano. Cindy a 23-year-old beautiful, bright, compassionate and intelligent girl, died at the hands of her husband, a police officer. They were newlyweds. Cindy was among the thousands of silent victims of domestic violence. The fear and loss of control experienced by abused women was heightened for Cindy because of the professional role of her husband. The donation that you make in Cindy’s name will be used to help many other women who find themselves lost in the dark world of domestic violence.
Cindy was a graduate of Western High School, Broward Community College and attended Florida International University. One of her proudest moments was getting her Private Pilot’s License in 1994. She was working toward her dream of becoming a commercial pilot.
Cindy loved life, her family, children and animals. She was a beautiful person with an unbelievable smile. Cindy touched many lives and she will never be forgotten. At her parents’ home in Davie, she kept a small menagerie caring for her two horses, two Siberian Huskie dogs, a rabbit, cats and turtles.
Cindy’s sister Donna Wilkins, an LPGA Pro, and other LPGA Pros have committed their time and effort to the Cindy Cusano Memorial Tournament event and
future events.
Cindy’s parents John and Marie, and her 4 sisters Phyllis McCabe, Donna Wilkins, Susan Barnwell and Tricia Cusano, and brother John Cusano, would like to thank you in advance for your Support, your Donation and most of all, your Participation in this event. This annual event will allow us to remember Cindy, and help other abuse victims.
Format:
Scramble
4 Amateurs and 1 LPGA Professional
Woodlands Country Club
4600 Woodlands Blvd.
Tamarac, FL 33319
954-731-2500 Golf Shop Ext. 177
www.woodlandscountryclub.net
visit www.cindycusano.com for more information.
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Past Events and Community Contributions
WOMEN IN DISTRESS THANKS SUPPORTERS THROUGH A S.A.F.E SERIES RECEPTION AT LAVA TIKI BAR & GRILL
Women In Distress recently hosted a S.A.F.E. Series (Stop Abuse For Everyone) cocktail reception presented by the Cowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel on Thursday, October 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at LAVA TIKI BAR & GRILLE, 4000 South Ocean Drive in Hollywood. The complimentary event included recognition of Women In Distress supporters, Annual Impact Partners and members of the Project SAFE Giving Society.
In addition to recognition of Women In Distress supporters, the brief event program includes updates on the Agency and words of inspiration from a member of WID's self-esteem group. Donnah's Fund supporter, Carol Halperin of the Valencia Palms Needlepoint Club, presented the Agenc with several afghans made with love that will be given to residents at WID's shelter.
The S.A.F.E. Series is one of many Women In Distress events that takes place during October which is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “With a significant increase in domestic violence incidents and related homicides this year, it is more important than ever that we spread the message that there is no excuse for abuse.” said Mary Riedel, President and CEO of Women In Distress. “We thank the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel for stepping up to host this important event.”
HSMAI and Women In Distress have recently developed a great partnership. The HSMAI annual charity event and gala in June resulted in our Chapter’s donation of $5000 to Women In Distress (WID). At this month’s luncheon meeting on October 15th, HSMAI made the official presentation with our “large check” photo. Look for it to appear soon in the local press.
In addition to the check photo, HSMAI conducted a clothing/accessories drive for WID. The meeting attendees responded very well to the call for donations with a “truck load” according to Jennifer Stewart, Director of Development for WID. Previously at the August meeting, HSMAI collected 87 cell phones during our cell phone “drive” which were given to WID. HSMAI is happy to be a small part in helping to work to stop domestic violence.
10th Annual SAFEWALK-RUN
Click here to learn more about the 10th Annual SAFEWALK-RUN5K
 
Pack-Rat Portable Storage
Special thanks to Pack-Rat for donating a portable storage unit for use at Women In Distress!
Sterling Bank collects clothes for WID!
Citrix Employees - making a difference and a positive impact!
On August 4, Citrix employees participated in a team building exercise that involved building bikes and riding through an obstacle course. Employees generously donated the 7 bikes, along with helmets to the children at
Women In Distress.
   
Thanks to Washington Mutual for Supporting WID through the
Grand Opening of their Newest Hollywood Branch!
By donating $25 for each new account opened at the Newest WaMu Hollywood Store -
WaMu recently donated $4,250 to Women In Distress
Women In Distress thanks VALPak.
Once again, ValPak has demonstrated their neverending community support by donating space to Women In Distress in the August ValPak mailing. This generousl donation will help Women In Distress reach thousands of South Florida homes.
JM Family Enterprises Delivers Donations to the WID Blooming Sales Thrift Store
Associates from JM Family Enterprises, Inc. recently cleaned out their closets for a clothing drive organized by the company’s TOPS Charity Committee to benefit Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc. (WID). Dedicated members of the TOPS committee— which stands for Teamwork, Opportunity, Performance and Spirit and coordinates volunteer opportunities for finance associates at JM Family— delivered more than 50 boxes of gently used clothing to Women In Distress’ Blooming Sales Thrift Store. The boxes of children’s and adult’s merchandise were presorted, allowing staff and volunteers to make the goods available to WID participants and shoppers in record time.
This donation drive, which was valued at $2,500, was coordinated by Tina Smith, a senior financial analyst at JM Family. In addition to its philanthropic endeavors, TOPS – which is made up of innovative and forward-thinking finance associates dedicated to building a world-class finance organization—also holds quarterly CFO updates, an annual CFO conference, events and training and development sessions.
“It is important to all of us at JM Family to make sure that the hard-working non-profit organizations in our area have the resources they need to serve our community,” said Karen Sylvester, WID executive board member and JM Family Human Resources director. “We are happy to be able to do our part in helping Women In Distress to reach their goals.”
Blooming Sales Thrift Store is a vital part of Women In Distress. In addition to raising money to support services to victims, the store serves as a valuable resource for program participants. “WID participants who are getting back on their feet receive a voucher to pick out items at Blooming Sales for things they need to start over at no cost to them,” said Diana Thompson, WID Blooming Sales Thrift Store Manager. “Additionally, the Store raises more than $400,000 annually to support WID services.”
Donations are accepted for Blooming Sales Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1372 N. State Road 7. Please 954-975-7425 for information.
THE BE A HERO CAMPAIGN CREATES UNEXPECTED RESULTS
 
Local Businesses Raise Supplies and Awareness
The Be A Hero Campaign, organized by Crossroad Comics and Christine Marie Communications, was created to support Women in Distress’ annual school supply drive to aid children affected by domestic violence. School supplies were dropped off at Crossroad Comics during the month of June to be distributed to students for the 2008-2009 school year. The campaign had fantastic results with unexpected residual effects.
The Be A Hero campaign was well received in the community and successfully raised needed materials. According to Karen Skidmore with Women in Distress, the campaign raised awareness about domestic violence and Women in Distress resulting in several businesses offering their professional services to benefit the organization.
“We feel strongly about making contributions to the community. It’s always gratifying to make a difference to a child,” says Alan Green, owner of Crossroad Comics.
A small gesture makes a heroic difference. Women In Distress shelters and counsels approximately 250 children each year. Many of the families arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs. “The Be a Hero Campaign ensures that the children served by Women In Distress are ready for school and ready to learn,” said Mary Riedel, President & CEO of Women in Distress. Crossroad Comics and Christine Marie Communications plan to continue working together to create campaigns that have a positive impact on the community.
Crossroad Comics is a family-oriented comic book and gaming store located in Lauderhill, Florida. Owner, Alan Green, is dedicated to enriching the lives of children by encouraging literacy and promoting family values. Mr. Green, as a child, discovered his love of reading through comic books and believes comic books still have the power to introduce young children to literacy. Crossroad Comics sells comic books, games, action figures, and toys. Crossroad Comics is located at 4952 N University Dr., Lauderhill, FL 33351.
Christine Marie Communications (CMC) specializes in strategizing and executing all aspects of marketing and promotion. CMC provides services necessary for increasing brand awareness and market share such as marketing planning, corporate communications, copywriting, collateral design, and corporate identity. No two company’s needs are alike. CMC tailors a marketing strategy to fit a client’s needs. CMC believes we are all connected and strives to be an agent of change contributing to a more positive world in which to work and live.
WOMEN IN DISTRESS COMMEMORATED THIRD ANNUAL WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY - Public Candlelight Vigil and Ceremony
Sunday, June 15, 2tions and communities to raise awareness about a devastating problem that affects an estimated 2.1 million older Americans each year.
To commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Women in Distress of Broward County Inc. held a candlelight vigil and ceremony on Monday, June 16 at 7 p.m. at the Jim and Jan Moran Family Center, 1153 S. Andrews Ave. An informational fair with resources and literature on elder abuse proceeded the ceremony.
“Every person, no matter how young or how old they are, deserves to be treated with respect and has the right to be safe from harm and abuse,” said Erica Herman, Director of Social Change at Women in Distress. “Educating seniors, caregivers and the public is critical to preventing elder abuse, and our goal is to not only raise awareness but to let victims know there are resources available to help them.”
Prohibited by Florida law, elder abuse is generally defined as any knowing, intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.
Too often elder abuse victims are forced to suffer in silence, and the devastating consequences can include loss of independence, homes, life savings, health, dignity and security. Anyone who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited should immediately report such knowledge or suspicion to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
Community and Corporate Leaders Honored For Making A Difference One Person At A Time: Second Annual Women In Distress Starfish Luncheon
Over 300 guests recognized this year’s honorees at The Second Annual Starfish Luncheon with Women In Distress (WID) on May 14th, 2008 . Under the leadership of event co-chairs, Gale Butler (AutoNation, a Maroone Company) and Melinda Lee (BankAtlantic Foundation), and auction chairs, Hal and Lois Herman, the event raised more than $80,000. The funds raised will support emergency shelter and support services for victims of domestic violence and their children in Broward County.
WID honored those making a difference in Broward County, one person at a time, one life at a time. The Starfish Honorees included:
- Corporate Citizen: AutoNation
- Community Leader: John Primeau
- Community Volunteers: Ira and Sara Jane Drescher
Special recognition was also given to presenting sponsors JM Family Enterprises and Sun-Sentinel. Other corporate supporters included BankAtlantic, AutoNation, Great Florida Bank, Publix, WaMu, Memorial Healthcare, Roof System Services, Comcast, Vista Healthplans, Floridian Community Bank, Christine Marie Communication, and Toshiba.
Long time Women In Distress supporter Randy Rogers served as the event’s Emcee. In addition to an impressive silent and live auction, silver starfish necklaces, provided by Miss Katie’s Charm School, were sold as mementoes. Guests also received starfish themed note cards which included the inspiring starfish story on the back, along with the WID logo, so that everyone could spread the message. Gale Butler recognized the talented student musicians from the Dillard Center for the Arts who performed at the luncheon, and she then elaborated on WID’s new Social Change Department and the outreach to which they are committed in Broward’s schools, and throughout the community. She highlighted an important initiative of Women In Distress – to educate, change perceptions and advocate for non-violent standards of behavior, so that domestic abuse and dating abuse is unacceptable by anyone, anywhere, at any time in any way.
Women In Distress President and CEO, Mary Riedel, closed the program by launching a new WID awareness initiative, the “Pledge Campaign”. She challenged everyone to learn more and join in. “We are very excited about the potential reach of the Pledge to End Domestic Violence campaign which has been launched under the leadership of board member Wendy Croquet,” said Mary Riedel, President and CEO of the agency at the Starfish Luncheon on May 14th. To learn more about this campaign and get involved, please visit: www.pledgetoenddomesticviolence.org.
At the conclusion of the day, Starfish Honoree, Sara Jane Drescher, commented that, “The Starfish Luncheon was beyond anything I could ever have dreamed of. I know that through Donnah’s Fund we are not only saving lives we are saving generations. Donnah would be so proud of what we are doing”. It was an inspirational day for all.
Co-Chair Gale Butler, Honoree John Primeau, Honorees
Ira and Sara Jane Drescher, Honoree Audrey Ring, Co-Chair Melinda Lee, WID President Mary Riedel
Silent Auction Chairs Lois and Hal Herman 
Signature Grand hosts celebration for Mary Riedel,
new CEO of Women In Distress
Over 100 community leaders and advocates gathered at the Signature Grand on Thursday, May 1st to celebrate prominent community figure, Mary A. Riedel, APR, ABC, in her new role as Chief Executive Officer of Women In Distress of Broward County. Previously the Director of Major Gifts at Nova Southeastern University, Riedel officially assumed her new position with Women In Distress on March 31, 2008.
“This is a major step for our organization and we are thrilled that Mary has accepted an opportunity to lead our efforts to end abuse in South Florida,” said Carol Molnar, Chairman of the board of directors of Women In Distress of Broward County. “Mary is a very well-respected member of the community and someone who has contributed significantly to so many wonderful causes and organizations throughout the years, including serving as a past board member and chair of Women In Distress.”
Riedel commented that, “The community, supporters, staff and volunteers have made me feel so welcome at Women in Distress,” The mission to make our community a safe place for everyone is a cause that we all can embrace. As a longtime volunteer and supporter of Women in Distress, it is a privilege for me now to be in this new role leading the staff of the organization and working with the Board.”
Presenting sponsor, Signature Grand, created an unforgettable atmosphere, with additional support from Comerica Bank, McKinley Financial Services, and Valley Bank.
 
Commisioner Kristin Jacobs Joe Stepenovitch, Judge Martin Dishowitz, Judge Robert Rosenber
and Mary Riedel with Linda Stepenovitch and Arlene Pecora
Mary Riedel with Holly Bodenweber, Dr. Silvia Flores,
Marianne Ferro, and Cindy Levin
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