It was a day of inspiration, appreciation and hope for the future as nearly 200 supporters of Laura’s House, a Southern California organization dedicated to the prevention and education of domestic violence, gathered at the Balboa Bay Resort on April 29 for the inaugural ‘Brighter Futures’ luncheon.
Chaired by Laura’s House advocate Donna Pickup, the luncheon highlighted the critical community work of the nonprofit organization and honored those who have helped Laura’s House advance its mission to rebuild the lives of families affected by domestic violence.
Each luncheon table was hosted by a significant community leader or
local designer and featured personalized décor inspired by the theme of providing brighter futures for Laura’s House families.
The event featured touching moments and included inspiring remarks from a domestic violence survivor and Laura’s House graduate, who suffered years of verbal, psychological, financial and physical abuse from her former husband until she filed for legal separation and enrolled in Laura’s House Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing, successfully completing both programs.
“We are grateful for the opportunity our inaugural Brighter Futures Luncheon presented to honor and thank our dedicated supporters because without them, rebuilding violence-free lives for families would not be possible,” said Margaret Bayston, Laura’s House CEO and executive director. “Unfortunately, every nine seconds, a woman is beaten by her intimate partner, and more community support is needed to prevent – and end – domestic violence.”
Nationally recognized healthy relationships expert, author, psychotherapist and Laura’s House board member Dr. Jill Murray was the luncheon guest speaker. She discussed the importance of prevention and education, and how to stop the cycle of violence before it begins.
Laura’s House also presented Brighter Futures Awards to those who have made extraordinary efforts to provide
brighter futures for families served by Laura’s House. Honorees included the Decorative Arts Society of Newport Beach, which has been a loyal supporter of Laura’s House since 2005. The membership group of community-minded women and men have donated more than $250,000 to assist domestic violence victims.
Also honored was Nicole Prusty, a 12-year-old Laura’s House ambassador who spreads awareness about domestic violence by educating and encouraging her peers to get involved with the nonprofit.
The event included an opportunity drawing with gifts from Barclay Butera Interiors, SoulCycle Newport Beach, Bacara Resort & Spa and others. Luncheon guests enjoyed an artisan boutique featuring jewelry by James Kanan and hand-woven pashminas by Teji Singh, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Laura’s House.
For more information, visit LaurasHouse.org.
