More than 120 community members supported survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by attending the inaugural Casino Night Fundraiser event held by Verde Valley Sanctuary on Nov. 1, raising a $122,064 for the cause.
“Thank you to so many of the members of the community who joined us at our very successful Casino Night,” VVS Board President Pat Jansen said in a statement, adding that attendance for the Nov. 1 event at Sedona Golf Resort’s Juniper Bar and Grille “exceeded expectations” for the evening as live blackjack, poker, roulette and craps table crowds were “very enthusiastic.”
“We know that many were moved by the survivor who was brave enough to share her story with all of us. Her sincerity and gratefulness certainly inspired everyone in the room and validated the importance of our work together,” Jansen said, noting the generosity from regular donors in the room was “overwhelming.”
“Thank you so much for your continued support for the work that we do to provide safety, security and comfort to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to expanding our efforts together in the future,” Jansen said.
Attendees enjoyed hors d’ouevres, drinks and music while getting the opportunity to play live casino games throughout the evening, participate in a silent auction and a paddle raise. There was even a raffle.
Nearly half Casino Night attendees were new to the nonprofit, Jansen said.
“Thank you to those who may not have been very familiar with VVS before, but took a chance and learned about our organization, met some of our dedicated staff, and became familiar with our mission,” Jansen said. “We look forward to a continuing relationship with each of you.”
“It was a wonderful evening, and it was amazing to see everyone who has supported us for many years, and to meet some new faces who chose to support the important work we do with survivors,” VVS Executive Director Jessye Johnson stated in a press release
“The Verde Valley Sanctuary provides a safe haven, resources and hope for women and families escaping domestic violence,” said Caite Ecklor, Sedona Golf Resort director of events. “Their work is vital, not only in protecting lives, but also in rebuilding them with dignity and strength.”
VVS Development and Communications Director Brian Bergner Jr. thanked everyone who attended, and those who helped put on a very successful event supporting survivors.
“We’d like to thank all of our sponsors for the evening,” Bergner said.
Verde Valley Sanctuary began in 1993 as a grassroots organization with a leased modular home that slept six and has grown into a 28-bed emergency shelter with transitional housing options, a lay legal advocacy center, community-based advocacy support, a 24/7/365 crisis hotline at (928) 634-2511. VVS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and qualifying charitable organization for the Arizona Tax Credit. Visit VerdeValleySanctuary.org for more information.
