ON THE FLIP SIDE: A+E Players Follies: A senior performance group gets personal. Asolo: Season celebration welcomes guests to the jungle. 3
BLACK
YOUROBSERVER.COM
TIE
THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017
ANCHORS AWEIGH The theme of the annual fundraising gala was “A Nautical Night,” which was depicted in much of the décor, such as this anchor-shaped ice sculpture.
Photos by Niki Kottmann
Erin and Patrick Duggan with Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center President and CEO Jessica Hays and Chairwoman Barbara Gardner
SPARCCle Gala:
‘A Nautical Night’ Saturday, April 8, at Bird Key Yacht Club Benefiting Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center Curt Schantz and Bonnie McIntyre
NIKI KOTTMANN | BLACK TIE REPORTER
S
exual assault is not an easy topic to talk about. It’s sobering, and it’s heartbreaking. As Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center President and CEO Jessica Hays said at the organization’s SPARCCle Gala, the issue is stigmatized. “What we do is offer hope and restoration for a brighter tomorrow,” Hays told the crowd at “A Nautical Night” on April 8 at Bird Key Yacht Club. She went on to explain that SPARCC views the people who use its services as survivors, not victims. These survivors are offered safety planning, crisis counseling and court advocacy, along with the chance to stay in the SPARCC emergency shelter — all free of charge. PAGE 2
Above: Jerry and Marjorie Long, Angela Regnier, and Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center Board of Directors Chairwoman Susan Erhart Left: David Glorius and Kimberly Carreiro