VALDOSTA —
Citizens responded with both donations and bids during the Haven’s 15th annual dance and silent auction Saturday night at Mathis City Auditorium as the women’s shelter sought to raise additional funds to complete the construction of a new facility.
“I come here every year because I know the proceeds go to helping battered women out of dangerous situations,” said Denise Charles. “I’ve had friends who have had to go the Haven for support.”
The large assortment of donated items kept patrons returning to the silent auction tables, and Skannyardle’s earthy variety of blues and rock jams got the crowd’s feet moving.
“My husband and I have been coming out to this event for several years,” said Julianne Jabon. “He’s donated items for the silent auction for the longest, so we come out to further support the Haven’s efforts.”
The event was powered by donations from more than 120 public and private parties, 25 sponsors and contributions from 13 areas restaurants. A live auction was held for 17 big-ticket items ranging from cultured pearls and gift baskets to trips to Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Saint George Island, Fla.
“The Haven is something that’s easy for the community to get behind,” said a representative from the shelter. “It provides immediate relief to victims of sexual battery and abuse.”
The Haven helped 965 people last year and provided asylum seekers with safe 5,983 beds.
The Haven emergency shelter and rape crisis center is a non-profit organization that serves Lowndes, Brooks, Colquitt, Echols, Berrien, Cook, Lanier, Atkinson and Clinch counties with 24-hour emergency support.
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