Community HOPEs to end domestic violence
Local community members can show their support against domestic violence at Jackson Avenue Coffee as part of their Night of HOPE today.
Night of HOPE is a charity event for the HOPE of East Central Illinois, an affiliate of Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
The event will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dan Reible, owner of JAC, said he will be sponsoring Night of HOPE for his second year. Since he took over management, he said it has turned out to be the coffee shop’s biggest night of the year.
Reible said he is excited to be having a fundraising event for a charity that supports what he believes is a problem that people do not always see.
“We are really proud to have (HOPE) here,” he said. “It goes to a wonderful cause.”
HOPE is located in Charleston. Their mission is to empower persons to live independent, non-violent lives through the provisions of Housing, Outreach, Prevention and Education, said Pauline Cade, program director for HOPE.
“Our services include an emergency domestic violence shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, children’s programs, supportive counseling for all ages, community education, referrals and volunteer programs,” she said.
Friday night’s activities will include live performances from local musicians Motherlode, Reverend Robert and Some of Us. Poetry group, Speak Easy, will also be performing readings.
In addition to live entertainment, there will also be a raffle for a blown glass vase made by local artist Randy Turner of Larksfield Glass.
The raffle tickets are $5 or five for $20 and can be bought at First Neighbor Bank in Charleston or at the event itself.
The night will end with the announcement of the winners of the silent auction, Reible said.
The items have been up for bid since Sept. 23 in front of JAC and will continue to be until 9 p.m., when Reible said the auction winners will be announced.
Reible said food and drink will be available at JAC all evening. He said their bread bowl bowls are especially popular with customers for the event.
Admission is free, and all proceeds will go towards the benefit.
Ethan Stephenson can
be reached 581-7942
