Dear Friends of 180,

Thank you for making 180’s Annual Celebration a terrific success! What a wonderful night for 180 Turning Lives Around! With a sold-out room filled with outstanding supporters and overflowing hearts, the evening raised over $330,000 to support 180’s life-saving mission.

Keynoting the event was First Lady Tammy Murphy who spoke about her involvement with 180 over the last 16 years. She discussed the critical need for 180 services, as on average, two sexual assault survivors come forward to 180 each and every day. It was an honor for me to be joined by former 180 Board President, now Governor, Philip D. Murphy who spoke movingly about Honoree Dorothea Bongiovi and her commitment to nurturing body and soul through the work of the JBJ Soul Kitchen. Noted was Dorothea’s special support of 180 and our mission including: helping to build 180’s new safe house, providing meals to families and hosting our annual community event at the Soul Kitchen which brings awareness to the issue of domestic violence.

Speaking on behalf of Honoree Impact 100 Jersey Coast, Deirdre Spiropoulos joined with co-founder Heather Burke to highlight the special synergy that their organization and 180 Turning Lives Around shares. Both 180 and Impact 100 Jersey Coast began with a small group of women who decided to make a difference in their community. With the award of Impact’s inaugural grant, 180 opened the Family Justice Center of Monmouth County, a one-stop shop for critical services needed by victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Many of the guests wore denim to highlight April’s National Sexual Assault Awareness month and Denim Day (click here to learn more). Board President, Bob Fouratt opened the evening’s program by welcoming guests and thanking Presenting Sponsor, Carol Stillwell and Stillwell-Hansen, Inc., and Community Hero Sponsor, Verizon. Major event sponsors included Crum & Forster, Rick and Ana Blank and BTIG, The Diaco Family, The Sahakian Family and The Hovnanian Foundation (see below for complete sponsor listing).

Many thanks to all of our guests and sponsors, Event Chair Siran Sahakian and all Committee Members, Board, staff and volunteers. We are so grateful to you for your dedication which makes our work possible.

Sincerely,

Anna Diaz-White
Executive Director
180 Turning Lives Around, Inc.

PS: Did you know that your employer may match your personal gift to 180? Many of our donors have contacted their employer and already this has raised an additional $25,000 for 180! Please let us know if you have any questions and thank you again for your support!

 

Photos compliments of Aimee Burns