Salina, Kansas – The Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK), a local domestic violence and sexual assault organization, will hold an extraordinary event to commemorate its 13th Anniversary of its major fundraiser, the Festival of Trees, on Friday, November 20th at the Salina Country Club.

Held annually during the week preceding Thanksgiving weekend, area residents, local business owners, and supporters will gather for one of the most unique events in Salina. “We strive every year to exceed everyone’s expectations and are confident this year will be more memorable than last,” said Andrea Quill, Executive Director of DVACK.

The event showcases beautifully decorated themed trees and wreaths, all of which have been donated by local businesses in our service region and area residents. Additional items to be auctioned off include one of a kind, hand crafted quilts, dinner parties, sports memorabilia and unique home decor and holiday items. The evening is filled with Christmas music, a dinner buffet, and live and silent auctions in a fun and festive atmosphere. This event is the perfect way to start off the holiday season while supporting a worthy cause.

For 35 years, DVACK has been dedicated to reducing the incidence of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing life saving services to victims and their families and promoting awareness about the cause through education, training and dialogue. DVACK strives to make long lasting changes in our community and provides services to Saline, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Mitchell, Cloud, Ottawa, Jewell, Lincoln, Republic and Washington counties. All DVACK services are free and confidential. DVACK offers the following services: 24-hour hotline, emotional support and understanding, crisis counseling, emergency transportation, safe shelter, advocacy, domestic violence, sexual assault and survivors with disabilities support groups, referrals, assistance with protection orders, assistance with stalking orders, adolescent services (age 16 and up) including teen dating violence services, elder abuse awareness and prevention and economic advocacy services. DVACK also provides educational presentations to schools, churches, law enforcement, civic groups, professionals, and other public and private organizations.

“DVACK supports effective coordinated community responses, leveraging federal, state and local resources to address and prevent domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. Our communities are safer and more secure because of these efforts. We will continue to improve and expand services to victims in need. The community’s contribution sufficiently supports our local program to ensure the stability of services to victims,” said Andrea Quill, Executive Director of DVACK.

Last year the Festival of Trees generated over $80,000 for the agency, making it the agency’s most successful event ever, Quill said. As a result, the organization was able to purchase new carpeting for their emergency shelter. Many agency programs were able to continue because of the generous support of such a caring community.

“This community is incredibly generous and truly cares about the residents’ safety and well being. It is because of their support that we were able to serve so many victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. In 2014 our agency reached a total of 7,351 people in our community,” she said.

“Every item auctioned off at the Festival of Trees has been donated by the community, further demonstrating their commitment to help all victims of domestic and sexual violence,” she said. The outpour of community support is astounding and shows no sign of slowing down…It is amazing.

Community volunteers, agency staff and board members work tirelessly all year long to ensure the event is well received by increasing those in attendance as well as philanthropic support.

“My hope is to have more people attend the event than in years past. This is a great way to network, learn about our agency and to show your support for those afflicted by domestic violence and sexual assault.”

Auction proceeds will benefit victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in North Central Kansas.

WHEN: Friday, November 20, 2015
6:00-8:00PM: Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction
7:00PM: Dinner
8:30PM: Live Auction

WHERE: Salina Country Club
CONTACT: Andrea Quill 785-827-5862 ● www.dvack.org