Dear Friend,
POV held our annual Evening Over Violence gala on October 26, 2023, at the Taglyan Cultural Center in Hollywood. 275 supporters, community leaders, staff, and volunteers were there to celebrate this year's theme of Empowered Protection. It was quite a night!
The night began in Taglyan’s dazzling courtyard, where guests enjoyed cocktails (including our signature POV Pom Pom), walked the red carpet, posed for photos at our step-and-repeat and our branded photobooth, and tried their luck at our opportunity drawing.
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Board President Mayanka Melville opened the evening by introducing POV's mission and commitment to survivor services, prevention, and education.
Performance artist & activist Kristina Wong received the first honor of the night--the Social Justice Humanitarian Award presented by Glen Curado, founder & CEO of World Harvest Food Bank. Kristina stressed that "healthy families are happy families are happy communities."Â
Tony Porter, CEO of A Call to Men, was presented with the Visionary Humanitarian Award by A Call to Men's Chief Communications Officer Kimya Motley, for his efforts to transform society by promoting healthy, respectful manhood. Referred to as the "Denzel of the nonprofit world," Tony's work with men and boys has revolutionized the violence against women's movement.Â
This year, POV Executive Director/CEO Patti Giggans celebrated her 40th anniversary with the organization. She spoke about the evening's theme, Empowered Protection, and the vital need for education as a tool of self-empowerment for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. She also recognized POV staff & volunteers for their work in violence prevention, education, and survivor advocacy, met with much applause from the room!Â
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As always, Taglyan provided a delicious multi-course meal for the event, along with family-style appetizers and drinks. After dinner, guests enjoyed a musical performance by LA County High School for the Arts students Natalia Gonzalez & Margo Kuzina, singing individually in English and Spanish and ending with a powerful duet.
The next honoree was Debra Duardo, MSW, Ed.D., LA County Superintendent of Schools. Sheila Kuehl, former LA County Board of Supervisors, presented her with the Education Humanitarian Award recognizing her work to provide educational opportunities to all students, focusing on the underserved and marginalized. Dr. Duardo shared about her roots with POV, and how she continues to fight for every student in the County.Â
The final award--the Advocacy Humanitarian Award--was presented to sisters Senator Susan Rubio (CA 22nd District) and Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (CA 48th District), for the strides they have made to protect survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This award was presented by Ana Estevez, child safety advocate, and the mother of Piqui, a five year old boy who was murdered by his father in the middle of a custody dispute involving domestic violence. Ana spoke on her personal experiences with the Rubio sisters as advocates, culminating in the recent passing of Piqui's Law, an important step forward in protecting children from domestic violence.
Kristina Wong took the stage again with POV's very own Anne Bagasao to offer guests the opportunity to support our organization as we look to next year and beyond. Standing on a chair, Kristina helped to raise funds from the audience that will support the critical services POV provides. And lastly, the opportunity drawing winners were pulled, ending the evening.Â
And with that, another fantastic Evening Over Violence was in the books. This was truly a celebration of community, advocacy, and empowerment, and we thank everyone who supported this event and continue to support POV on our mission to end interpersonal violence.
If you were not able to make the event, or did not contribute in the room, there is still time! Help us meet our fundraising goal for Evening Over Violence and make a donation now to help sustain the work of POV.Â
Check out our photo gallery below for more snaps from the evening!
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Thank you to our sponsors!
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CONTACT
Metro Headquarters
1541 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.955.9090 office
213.955.9093 fax
213.785.2684 video
213.785.2749 video
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West San Gabriel Valley Center
892 N Fair Oaks Ave, Suite D
Pasadena, CA 91103
626.584.6191 office
626.584.6193 fax
626.243.7972 video
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