Members of AWP's Board of Directors catch the spirit!

In the words of the Four Seasons, "Oh, What a Night!" Celebrating good times was the spirit of the night at Spirit of '76, the 35th anniversary event for A Woman's Place (AWP). Held on Friday, October 14 at Occasions at New Hope, Pa., nearly 140 individuals came out to celebrate the 35 year legacy of commitment to ending domestic violence and building a community defined by safe and healthy relationships.

"I have never enjoyed a celebration quite like this," exclaimed Volunteer Event Chair Brian Mullane. "The cross sections of the community that came together to celebrate the incredible work and movement building that A Woman's Place has achieved is truly moving. I'm honored to have been a part of it." Photographs of the event are available online for viewing or download through AWP's website.

AWP Founding Mother MJ Kirkpatrick and Jaime Trakofler enjoy Spirit of '76.

The evening included a delightful cocktail hour with harp music provided by Pat Craig during which guests enjoyed a stunning exhibit of the history of AWP. During the delicious dinner catered by Memorable Affairs, guests watched the premier of AWP's new video featuring the voices of the community including two of AWP's four Founding Mothers, Beverly Frantz and MJ Kirkpatrick; Chief of Police David Mettin; Director of Public Safety Fred Harran; Sgt. Gail Jones; Jay Deppeler of Delaware Valley Forensics; Rev. Steven McComas; Rev. Ginny Miles; several clients; and others. The video can be viewed on AWP's website at www.awomansplace.org.

Melissa Bond, Elizabeth Moyer, and AWP Founding Mother Bev Frantz pose for a photo.

"If I had no one to help me, I don't know where I would be right now. So, when I tell you that A Woman's Place saved my life, I mean that. It seriously saved my life," shared an emotional but confident AWP Client and Supporter Tracy Wahsner. Wahsner triumphantly introduced the video to event guests in addition to sharing her personal story in the video.

AWP staff, volunteers, and Board members led guests to the dance floor to the sounds of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" reinforcing the hope and celebration that defines AWP and the Spirit of '76. Guests also enjoyed and bid on a silent auction and tested their intellect with AWP history in a trivia contest to win two tickets to AWP's Chocolate Lovers' Fantasy on February 11, 2012.

Board members Stuart Bush and Susan Dardes join the conga line to the song "Love Train" by The O'Jays.

The success of the evening, like the daily work of AWP, was a community effort. Special thanks go the event sponsors: St. Mary Medical Center; Barbara Lyons; Schiel Family Foundation; Ifeoma Aduba; Bee, Bergvall & Co.; Donna J. Byrne & Linda Collins; Catalyst 360˚; Susan E. Dardes & David L. Franke; Josh Goldblum & Deborah Fishman; Christopher & Kara Lewis; Pillinger Miller Tarallo, LLP; Frank Smith; Tam & Kyle St. Claire; Syngenius, Inc.; the Board of Directors of AWP; and the Senior Leadership of AWP.

AWP will be celebrating its 35th anniversary year through June 2012. As part of the celebration, AWP is inviting the community to join in signing a Declaration of Peace and Safety. Information on adding one's signature to the Declaration of Peace and Safety is available on AWP's website.
 

AWP is the only domestic violence community benefit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. AWP has provided free, private, confidential, and comprehensive shelter, service, support, advocacy, outreach, training, and education to victims of domestic abuse and violence and their children and the community for the past 35 years. The free, private, and confidential hotline (1.800.220.8116) is available 24-hours a day. You can access information about AWP and domestic violence at www.awomansplace.org.