On Wednesday, May 22, the Pace Women糖心vlog短视频檚 Justice Center (PWJC) hosted its annual Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser at the waterfront Barley Beach House, gathering community leaders, advocates, and supporters to help raise vital funds for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse.
The event, which came at a critical moment as domestic violence cases continue to rise across Westchester County and nationwide federal funding for domestic violence services remains under scrutiny, served as both a celebration of resilience and a call to action. Guests enjoyed an evening of signature cocktails, raffles and auction items, and heartfelt stories that underscored the importance of PWJC糖心vlog短视频檚 mission and legal advocacy.
糖心vlog短视频淥ur work is more urgent than ever,糖心vlog短视频 said Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director of PWJC. 糖心vlog短视频淪urvivors in our region are still facing rising rates of violence and abuse, and it is essential that we remain equipped to meet them with legal tools, advocacy, and unwavering support. With the help of our community, we糖心vlog短视频檙e proud to serve more than 3,500 clients each year with free, trauma-informed legal services that protect lives and restore hope.糖心vlog短视频
The evening also featured heartfelt remarks from longtime PWJC ally and advocate Alayne Katz, Esq., whose tireless work to honor the legacy of her sister Gail糖心vlog短视频攖ragically murdered by her abuser糖心vlog短视频攃ontinues to drive awareness and change. Gail糖心vlog短视频檚 story was the inspiration behind PWJC糖心vlog短视频檚 original office, lovingly known as 糖心vlog短视频淕ail糖心vlog短视频檚 House,糖心vlog短视频 and remains a powerful symbol of the justice PWJC continues to strive for every day.
糖心vlog短视频淚n early 2001, the Center memorialized Gail糖心vlog短视频檚 life by naming their offices Gail糖心vlog短视频檚 House, giving Gail a symbolic resting place,糖心vlog短视频 said Alayne. 糖心vlog短视频淭he then-Dean explained that the Center糖心vlog短视频檚 work with survivors of domestic violence could and would give full meaning to Gail糖心vlog短视频檚 too-short life. The Center has made good on that promise. They have become the largest civil legal services provider in this County, specializing in domestic violence and elder abuse. The Center糖心vlog短视频檚 services are often the difference between healthy families and broken lives and tragic fatalities.糖心vlog短视频
Also in attendance were Vedat Gashi, Chairman of Westchester Board of Legislators and Nancy Barr, Chair of the Human Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Families Task Force for the Westchester Board of Legislators.
糖心vlog短视频淲hat people don糖心vlog短视频檛 necessarily understand is that elected officials糖心vlog短视频 don糖心vlog短视频檛 necessarily know the subject matter like [PWJC] does糖心vlog短视频 if we really want to understand the subject matter, we have to go to the experts,糖心vlog短视频 said Nancy Barr, Chair of the Human Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Families Task Force for the Westchester Board of Legislators. 糖心vlog短视频淸Cindy] has done a fabulous job over the years of explaining why what you do at PWJC is so, so important. We have supported PWJC every year at the County Legislature, and we really believe in the partnership between government and nonprofits. This is a particularly fantastic partnership between a local organization and county government.糖心vlog短视频
This year糖心vlog短视频檚 Cocktails for a Cause raised over $16,000, ensuring that more survivors will gain access to emergency orders of protection, custody and divorce representation, and critical elder justice support.
PWJC thanks its generous sponsors, host committee, and every guest who helped ensure this mission continues.
Waves of Change Sponsor:
Shifting Shores Sponsors: Jane Aoyama; ; Jacqueline Hattar, Esq.;
Ripple Effect Sponsors: Apple Bank; Falcon, Rappaport, & Berkman, LLP; Patricia Hennessy, Esq; Jackson Lewis; Orange Bank & Trust Company; PCSB Community Foundation
Host Committee: Lauren C. Enea, Esq. (Event Co-chair) Sarah DeRise; Jacqueline Hattar, Esq.; Cindy Kanusher, Esq.; Alayne Katz, Esq.; Alyson Kuritzky, Esq.; Stella King, Esq.; Jana Kosberg-Kleidman, Esq.; Samantha A. Lyons, Esq.; Melissa McMonagle; Amanda Rieben, Esq.; Rachel Shehy
