An evening of domestic violence awareness and shopping on Friday, October 3rd
NASHVILLE, TN, SEPT. 26, 2008 — The YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee is teaming up with Tennessee Titans players and wives for a special event to raise awareness about domestic violence. This free and unique event will take place on Friday, October 3 rd from 4:00pm to 6:30pm at the Hill Center in Green Hills (4017 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville).
Titans players and wives scheduled to participate are Ken and Sandi Amato, Rob Bironas, Keith Bulluck, Kerry and Brook Collins, Ryan and Stacy Fowler, Cortland Finnegan, Vincent Fuller, Leroy and Christina Harris, Daniel and Jennifer Loper, Michael and Kat Roos, Josh Stamer, Paul and Kenyeih Williams and Titans alums Eddie and Taj George, Kevin and Andi Long, Benji and Tracy Olson.
Each participating store will have a Tennessee Titans player (and their spouse) signing autographs and visiting with patrons as well as passing out domestic violence awareness materials. In addition, fans can get autographs and visit with Tennessee Titans cheerleaders. The event is FREE and open to the public with proceeds from participating stores to benefit the YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter, a 52 bed facility for women and children.
"The YWCA of Nashville is a wonderful organization that helps women and their children in time of need," said Tracy Olson, wife of recently retired Benji Olson. "I was very fortunate to meet some of these women and families last Christmas and it truly touched my heart. I knew immediately that this was the place for me to be and where our help would be most needed. Domestic violence does not discriminate; it affects any race, age or income level. So we're asking fans to come out to our event to help stop the violence."
Participating Hill Center stores include: Monkee's, Popo Cool Kids Stuff, H. Audrey, yn(wine), Jake's House, Hemline, Merrell, E.J. Sain Jewelry, Jigsaw London, Johnson Murphy, The Cosmetic Market, J. McLaughlin, Swoozies and Pei Wei Asian Diner.
"I got involved in supporting domestic violence because of my college sorority's philanthropic efforts and I've continued to support it," said Jennifer Loper, wife of Daniel Loper. "The part that keeps me going and wanting to make more and more people aware of the problem is when I talk with someone who has been a victim before but is a survivor today."
The YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter is a 52 bed facility which includes counseling for women and children, case management and support groups as well as a confidential 24-hour Crisis Line for victims of abuse and their friends or family members. The YWCA helps families leave abusive households and start new lives. We provide free GED preparation to men as well as women and mentor middle school girls in some of Nashville's toughest neighborhoods. The YWCA exists to educate, encourage and break down those barriers that perpetuate racism, violence and hopelessness.
For more information on the YWCA, visit www.ywcanashville.org or call the 24 hour crisis hotline at (615) 242-1199.
