On October 3, 2008 at six in the evening until eleven, the Women's Crisis & Family Outreach Center (WCFOC) will proudly host our First Annual Future for Families Gala, "A Touch of Purple," at the Marriott Denver South. Guests will enjoy an evening of silent and live auctions, dinner including fabulous desserts, and dancing to support a very important local cause. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and guests are encouraged to wear "A Touch of Purple" to reinforce the mission of the WCFOC.

A woman is beaten by her partner every 12 seconds. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women, more than mugging, stranger rape, and car accidents combined. Further, 95% of boys and 72% of girls witnessing domestic violence will carry abuse into their adult relationships, either as victims or perpetrators. Research also shows that children who witness domestic violence are more likely to exhibit behavioral, emotional, and physical health problems.

Closer to home and along the Front Range of Colorado, domestic violence is the MOST frequent violent crime, second only to traffic violations. As the only domestic violence agency providing services in Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties in Colorado, the WCFOC's vision is to assist in ending violence in the lives of all people.

In 2007, the WCFOC served over 14,000 people and provided over 2,700 nights of safe shelter; 50% of our shelter clients came from metro Denver. Yet sadly, we had to redirect as many women and children as we were able to shelter due to capacity.

"The Future for Families Gala will help the WCFOC raise the much needed funds to shelter, counsel, and provide the needed advocacy and support for families trying to heal from the trauma and gain the tools necessary to achieve a life free from violence. Please join us for this heartwarming event -- together we can give victims a voice and families a future.

Individual event tickets are $75, reserved tables for ten are $750, and a limited number of corporate sponsor tables are available for $1000. Please call 303-688-1094 to reserve your tickets, or for more information.

The Women's Crisis & Family Outreach Center serves victims of domestic violence in Metro Denver and throughout Colorado. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call our 24-hour crisis line at 303-688-8484 or visit www.twcfoc.org for assistance.