HAVEN Promenade of Hope Fundraiser Shares Vision for a Violence-Free Future

The next generation's vision for a violence-free future is behind this year's Promenade of Hope, a May 9 fundraiser that will benefit HAVEN, a non-profit that serves those affected by domestic and sexual violence.

"The Next Generation of Hope" will be held at GM Heritage Center, 6400 Center, Sterling Heights, and features a plated dinner, live and silent auctions and entertainment.

The event is the single largest source of revenue for HAVEN and typically raises more than $225,000 with hundreds of community leaders attending. Among them will be Farmington Hills resident Ron Wood, who said he joined the organization because he believes prevention of domestic and sexual violence is "an absolute need in the community, when you look at some of the statistics."

He said while about 1 percent of people in the U.S. are homeless, "33 percent are not safe in their own homes." 

Wood, who has served on the board for three and a half years, said the Promenade of Hope is the organization's premiere fundraiser, with Buick as the presenting sponsor. Celebrity host will be WXYZ-TV anchor Diana Lewis. 

"It's a really, really cool event," Wood said, adding this year's silent auction items feature tickets to the 2013 Super Bowl, use of a Corvette for a year and an autographed Detroit Lions helmet, among many other items.

But the event is also a solemn reminder that "domestic violence and sexual assault are crimes that occur regardless of race, economics or gender orientation," Wood said.

"You probably know of someone that has experienced something like this," he said. 

In addition to services for survivors, ticket purchases and sponsorships support prevention programs aimed at educating the community about domestic and sexual violence.

The 2012 Promenade of Hope Honorary Chair is General Motors Vice President of Global Human Resources Cynthia Brinkley. Honorary Hosts are Conway MacKenzie Chief Executive Officer Van E. Conway and Verizon Wireless Public Relations Manager Michelle Gilbert. Event co–chairs are Meg Gordy, Mary Ann Lievois, Deborah Roelofs, and Dave Sokol. 

Individual tickets are $150 and are available online at promenadeofhope.org or by phone at 248-334-1284 ext. 341.

One ticket to the event provides three days of emergency shelter for a mother and her child. A Bronze Sponsorship of $1,000 provides 190 survivors with assistance when filling out personal protection orders. A Silver Sponsorship of $2,500 provides nine assault and/or domestic violence victims a HAVEN court advocate while going through the legal process. A Gold Sponsorship of $5,000 provides 44 people with crisis intervention, referrals and support through our 24-hour crisis and support line.