Against Abuse Gala to Shine a Light on Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The 19th Annual Against Abuse Inc. Seeds of Change Gala will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Ak-Chin Resort and Casino. This event promises an evening filled with dinner, dancing, and crucial fundraising for a vital local cause.

Gala chairwoman Torri Anderson emphasized the mission of Against Abuse Inc., stating that the organization aims to provide services, support, and education for those affected by family dysfunction and violence, both past and present.

Established in 1981, Against Abuse Inc. offers social and behavioral health services across Pinal County. The nonprofit is committed to educating the community about family violence and resources available to help those in need.

Moreover, Against Abuse Inc. actively provides family-focused, culturally sensitive prevention and intervention services. Presently, the agency operates two crisis shelters in Pinal County, with plans to expand services in Maricopa to ensure the safety of women and children.

The Maricopa crisis shelter, founded in October 2005, was bolstered by the first Seeds of Change Gala in February 2006, raising over $60,000 to establish a building fund. Anderson recalls, “We sold 350 tickets and were thrilled to support the shelter.” All proceeds directly contributed to the Maricopa Shelter Building Fund, supported by a generous donation of land for construction.

The gala committee is comprised of dedicated volunteers who work year-round to bring this event to life. Anderson expressed enthusiasm about the momentum, remarking, “The completion of our Maricopa shelter marked a significant phase for Against Abuse Inc.”

Funds raised from the gala now focus on operating expenses for La Casa de Paz Maricopa. The event’s title, “Seeds of Change Gala,” reflects the agricultural history of Maricopa and the transformative impact that nurturing change can have within the community.

Anderson shared, “Our hope is that we are planting positive seeds for the future of our community.” Tickets for this year’s event are nearly sold out, encouraging potential attendees to secure their spots soon at SeedsofChangeGala.org.

“We are proud to volunteer our time and fundraising efforts for Against Abuse,” concluded Anderson.