15th Annual Gala Raises Funds and Awareness for REACH

On Saturday, October 13, 2018, REACH Beyond Domestic Violence held its 15th Annual Reach for the Stars Gala at the InterContinental Boston Hotel.

The Gala was attended by more than 300 supporters, friends, neighbors, and colleagues who are committed to making a difference and reaching beyond domestic violence. The evening which featured a cocktail hour with silent auction followed by a formal program hosted by emcee Robin Young from WBUR radio, was a great success raising more than $400,000 to support the many programs and services provided by REACH. A special portion of the evening celebrated the 10th anniversary of REACH’s Survivor Speakers Bureau. Survivors who spoke at past Galas were honored during the evening.

Young introduced REACH Executive Director, Laura Van Zandt, who spoke about October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month and about REACH’s theme for the month of “Your Voice Matters.”

Attendees also heard from Tracy, a member of REACH’s Survivor Speakers Bureau. Tracy was the first survivor from the Speakers Bureau to tell her story at the Stars Gala ten years ago and she reflected on what that meant to her:

“Ten years ago, speaking at the REACH Gala, was very meaningful to me, in reclaiming my voice, being heard, and believed. It was so powerful and impactful to be supported. I am here to celebrate and speak my truth."

A live auction featuring one-of-a-kind travel and entertainment packages, and dancing followed Tracy's moving speech.

Many companies and individuals stand with REACH Beyond Domestic Violence showing that they support survivors and are committed to finding solutions. Event sponsors include: Charles River, Vestmark, Inc., Commonwealth Financial Network, InterContinential Real Estate Corporation, John Hancock Investments, Rockland Trust - Peoples Federal Foundation, Inc., SCS Financial, The Nelson Companies, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Rich Charitable Foundation, and Winthrop Wealth Management.

REACH is a non-profit organization that works with survivors of domestic violence to foster safety and support while engaging communities to promote healthy relationships. REACH has been working for 37 years building healthy communities by ending domestic violence throughout 27 communities north and west of Boston; serving more than 7,000 people annually, including women, men, people of all races and ethnicities, survivors of all ages, and people who are LGBTQ.

Domestic violence affects all of us – together we will reach beyond domestic violence. www.reachma.org