October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and that means benefits, talks and awareness campaigns will be popping up in the region over the next several weeks.
In an effort to raise awareness for and curb domestic violence, one such fundraiser will take place early next month in South Fork. According to the Valley Courier, it’s being held by Mrs. Southwest Colorado 2012, MoJones and The Shaft Restaurant.
The fundraiser, which will take place on Oct. 1 from 6 p.m. until midnight, will be at The Shaft Restaurant. There will reportedly be a silent auction to help raise funds. Proceeds will go to the San Luis Valley Break the Cycle Scholarship.
The silent auction will be held first, with winners to be announced at 8:45. Then, MoJones from Creede will be playing in the dining area until the end of the evening.
Mrs. Southwest Colorado 2012’s platform is dating and domestic violence awareness.
Nationally, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is heavily involved with various events in the month of October. According to its website, Domestic Violence Awareness Month began in its earliest form in October 1981 with the first Day of Unity.
It was designed to bring together advocates for battered women across the country to end violence. It eventually evolved into a week filled with activities at local, state and national levels. The first official Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed in October 1987.
We’ll bring you more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month as October approaches.
Source: Valley Courier, “Benefit dinner, auction planned,” Sept. 12, 2011