Domestic Violence ~ Fundraiser of Sorts

Several months ago, I had the complete honor of befriending a pretty, very highly educated, successful young woman while I was at Starbucks, sitting at an outside table, enjoying one of my all time favorite things in the world ~ Grande Caramel Frappiccino with Caramel around the Cup ~ oh so yummy!!


As we got through talking, she shared some very personal stuff with me. I think she just needed an ear, after all, she'd just had the most horrible week of her entire life. And she didn't know what direction her life would go in the weeks to come.

"Julie" had recently been a victim of Domestic Violence, which resulted in her having to stay at a local Women's Haven for a brief period of time. She's a 36 year old woman who has been married to her high school "sweetheart" for 14 years. Both professionals....both basically "at the top" of their careers.

Did she see this coming? Nope. Had he EVER shown signs of Domestic Violence before? Nope. Clearly, something happened to make "Brett" snap totally out of the blue.

I'd met "Julie" three days after "the" night. "The" night that changed her life. She was still in a state of shock, confusion, devastation and felt totally lost. We talked.... we talked about her job... her career... "Brett"... their family... their dreams... their goals... and how everything about her life was now shattered. And finally, we talked about "the" night.

Fast forward to present time. "Julie" is at a much better place in her life with regard to this incident. Did she and "Brett" make ammends? Well, let's just say that she's forgiven "Brett". They've both been in counseling, and they've come to the conclusion that this act of violence on "Brett's" part has done irreparable damage to their marriage. Try as they might, it's something that just isn't salvagable. "Julie" has been forever scarred and cannot get the feeling of fear out of her system. As much as they love each other, after years of being married, it's all done.

A single act of violence has broken what was once a very sound, loving marriage.

I've learned many things from meeting "Julie". We share a common bond. (Perhaps more than just one) But one of the things I've learned is that a Women's Haven is an awesome resource for victims of Domestic Violence. I've had the opportunity to learn all about their services. How they help victims. It goes well beyond just giving women a roof over their heads. It's an organization consisting of a group of dedicated staff and volunteers who share their time by helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Their services are designed to empower and support women in their personal decisions. Women are given the opportunity to safety plan and regain control of their lives. Which is exactly what "Julie" did. Or is doing.

I had the opportunity to visit one of the local "safe houses" for women victims of Domestice Violence. They try and make it a very inviting environment for these ladies. Of course, most of these safe houses are run by non-profit organizations and rely on contributions and fundraisers.

I've decided to help out. I'm going donate products for the Kitchens in these safe houses. The way I'm doing this is by having a Pampered Chef Kitchen Show at a local Club House on Friday, August 6th.

All "free credits" earned will be used to purchase various Kitchen Items available from Pampered Chef. Now I know 95% of my blog readers don't know me personally, but YOU CAN HELP.

Please take a minute to browse this website: www.pamperedchef.biz/darcyd .

If you see anything you'd be interested in purchasing for yourself for your own personal use, or for gifts (Christmas is right around the corner you know ~ these make great Christmas Gifts) please email me directly at: cleverconfections@gmail.com

If you'd like to order items for the Safe Houses only, please email me at cleverconfections@gmail.com as well.

My goal is to reach at least a $500 show (which will give us $140 in free Pampered Chef product to donate). To date, I've received $92 in personal orders and $68 in product orders for the Safe Houses.

Any little bit helps!! Thanks for taking the time to help out if you can!! This is a cause I'm really starting to have a passion for and it means alot that I can share this with my readers!!

xoxoxo

Have a wonderful Saturday!!!