DOVE Center raises nearly 150K during 7th annual gala

ST. GEORGE — After a successful evening filled with vigorous bidding and inspiring entertainment, DOVE Center raised nearly $150,000 Saturday night at its 7th annual gala. The money raised goes to continuing the organization’s awareness and prevention work for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

This year’s event had a special theme: “Hope Grows Here” — an ode to our younger and future generations and breaking intergenerational cycles of abuse. “Our focus on supporting children and youth, and stopping the cycle of intergenerational abuse seemed to resonate with so many attendees, “ said Ruth Weniger, president of DOVE’s board of directors. “Our greatest hope for the future is that we teach them to be open, to talk about what’s going on, to know that they can ask for help, and to break the silence.”

In conjunction with this year’s theme, DOVE Center also debuted a special video Saturday night that was created by Phase 2 Productions with Spy Hop — a nonprofit in Salt Lake City that teaches students about digital media. The video, sponsored by Swenson & Shelley Law, discusses the trauma associated with intergenerational cycles of abuse and features interviews with DOVE Center staff and a survivor story.

“I chose to share my family’s story on experiencing domestic abuse because I want it to bring hope and courage to other survivors who might feel alone or too scared to break the cycle of abuse in their lives,” said Markee Pickett, communications manager for DOVE Center and survivor in the 2020 gala video.

In addition to debuting the video, DOVE Center was also honored to have Raging Red, Dixie State University’s premier song and dance group, provide entertainment for the night.

The group performed a mix of fun and powerful songs throughout the night, including its popular performance of “You Will be Found.” While the performance is known by the Dixie State community for its focus on suicide, the group added transitions throughout the performance that recognized the issues of abuse and assault.

“Because of shame and fear, it takes great courage to overcome challenges like abuse and assault,” said Executive Director Lindsey Boyer, “and because these issues have remained socially avoided for many generations preceding the last 50 years, we know it takes great strength for someone to seek help when they have been victimized.”

Guests at the event also had the opportunity to bid on a variety of silent and live auction items, such as Utah Jazz tickets, jewelry from Forever Young Fine Jewelers and Mack & Sons, a mattress set from BLVD Home, handmade art from multiple artists, and much more.

DOVE Center was also grateful for all of the sponsorships it received this year from our headline sponsor Carpets Plus, ERA Brokers Consolidated, Swenson & Shelley, Sun American Mortgage, Cache Valley Bank, Litehouse Foods, Eagle Gate Title, Red Rock Real Estate and Intermountain Healthcare.

“I am always so impressed with the generosity of our community, and this year’s gala is no exception,” said Shonie Christensen, board member and gala committee chair, adding that the funds raised during the night broke all records from previous galas.

To learn more about DOVE Center, you can visit dovecenter.org. If you are in need of services surrounding domestic abuse or sexual assault, you can call DOVE’s 24-hour helpline at 435-628-0458.

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Note to the editor: DOVE Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to empower those impacted by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

• Social hour, silent auction, opportunity drawings, photo booth from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Dinner and program begin at 6 p.m.
• Lively entertainment; expanded LIVE auction; and Fund A Need throughout the evening.

The annual gala is DOVE’s most important fundraiser of the year. Please join us to generate needed support for the survivors and families seeking safety and healing at DOVE.