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The Women's Center annual EmPower Luncheon honors the courageous voices of survivors, those who advocate for survivors, and those who speak out to affect change.
The Women's Center's largest fundraising event gathers over 500 influential individuals - community leaders, companies, and individuals like you - united in a single purpose: to empower survivors. Every dollar raised supports lifesaving programs and services that provide safe havens, healing resources, and the strength to rise above abuse.
All proceeds directly benefit survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse, and trafficking through lifesaving and life-changing programs and services provided by The Women's Center.
EVENT DETAILS
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (Denim Day)
Baird Center (formerly The Wisconsin Center) 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
11:00AM - Networking, Online Auction, Raffles, Wine Pull
12:00PM (noon) - Lunch & Program
1:30PM - Auction Checkout
CLICK HERE for directions & parking instructions
2024 EMPOWER KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Imagine losing your mother to domestic violence at 18 months old, only to spend your life trapped in another cycle of abuse. This is the harrowing reality Magdelana endured, a survivor of intergenerational sexual and domestic abuse. Despite unimaginable tragedy, including the heartbreaking loss of her own son to suicide, Magdelana emerged with an unyielding spirit. We are honored to host her at this year's EmPower Luncheon, where she will share her inspiring journey of healing to empower us to break the chains of abuse together.
After becoming the victim of sexual abuse, like her mother, and then receiving the news that one of her own children had been abused, this fueled Magdelana's determination to break the cycle to show that victims must be given safe spaces to speak up, share their stories, and seek help and support they deserve. Magdelana's story shows the pervasive damage sexual abuse can cause if its victims do not receive the help they deserve. She believes strongly in survivors using their voices to help break the shame and stigma around sexual abuse and that without doing so, the cycle of intergenerational trauma will continue, leading to more tragic outcomes in more families.
The EmPower Luncheon is your chance to become part of the solution. By attending and donating, you directly empower The Women's Center to provide the support and resources survivors desperately need. Magdelana's story is a testament to the transformative power of hope and action. Together, let's join hands, raise our voices, and empower healing that echoes through generations.
Join us on April 24th to hear Magdelana's powerful story!
ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION
RIDESHARE
- The Women's Center will again offer bus transportation from our facility at 505 N. East Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186 to the Baird Center
- Bus will depart The Women's Center at 10:15AM
- Bus will depart Baird Center at 1:45PM
- CLICK HERE to sign up for the rideshare. Space is limited, please sign up early!
SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES
- Sponsorships start at just $500 and provide many opportunities to promote your business
- Contact Melissa Vrtis at [email protected] or 262.522.3813 for questions or more information
- CLICK HERE to view the list of sponsorship levels and benefits
ONLINE AUCTION
- Goes live on Wednesday, April 17th
- Closes during the event on Wednesday, April 24th
- Features dozen of fantastic items from local businesses and individuals
- Interested in donating an item for the auction? Contact [email protected]
TRIGGER WARNING: This event will discuss sexual abuse and assault and may be triggering for some people. This event is not suitable for those under the age of 18. Advocates from TWC will be available at the Luncheon to support anyone who may need it. If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues mentioned above and want support, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 262 542 3828.
Donate Now
Further your impact with a donation to The Women's Center.
All proceeds directly benefit survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse, and trafficking through lifesaving and life-changing programs and services provided by The Women’s Center.
What is Denim Day?
Join us on April 24, 2024, when millions of people across the world will wear jeans with a purpose, support survivors, and educate themselves and others about all forms of sexual violence.
The Denim Day story begins in Italy in 1992, when an 18-year old girl was raped by the 45-year old driving instructor who was taking her to her very first driving lesson. He took her to an isolated road, pulled her out of the car, removed her jeans and forcefully raped her.
She reports the rape and the perpetrator is arrested and prosecuted. He is then convicted of rape and sentenced to jail. Years later, he appealed the conviction claiming that they had consensual sex. The Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction and the perpetrator was released. A statement from the Court argued that because the victim was wearing very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was not rape but consensual sex. This became known throughout Italy as the "jeans alibi."
Enraged by the verdict, the women in the Italian Parliament launched a protest wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. This protest was picked up by international media which inspired the California Senate and Assembly to do the same on the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento. Patti Occhiuzzo Giggans, Executive Director of Peace Over Violence, saw this in the media and thought everyone should be wearing jeans to protest all of the myths about why women and girls are raped. Denim Day in LA was born. The first Denim Day in LA event was held in April of 1999, and has continued annually since.
For more information on the global movement visit https://www.denimdayinfo.org/why-denim
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