Shelter Comes With More than a Roof

This past Friday I was able to help volunteer for the Gala Viola fundraiser for  La Crosse's New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Center held for its second year through the generosity of the Freight House Restaurant. 

New Horizons was started in '78 by women who knew abused women needed services and a temporary emergency shelter. By '87 several agencies sponsored its existence for 7 counties housed in the La Crosse County building until it outgrew that space. In '93 New Horizons moved to its present locale.

The shelter is now staffed every day, 24 hrs/day to be able to provide emergency shelter and food to domestic violence victims both women and children. Besides donated clothing and personal care items being available there is also support and advocacy in addition to programming.  

Services include:

• 24 Hour Crisis Line
• Shelter
• Outreach Centers
• Located in the City of La Crosse and the Town of Whitehall
• Support Groups
• Resource Advocacy
• Legal Advocacy
• Youth Advocacy
• Diversity Outreach Advocacy
• Transitional Housing Advocacy
• Volunteer Coordination
• Donation Center



Special to Thanks to ALL the Sponsors

• Community Education

Folks were very generous with both time and talents not only  with the amounts bid for both the silent and live auction items Friday evening. Thanks to numerous sponsors for the evening and throughout the year. 

As in any non profit, it takes a village and I am glad the city of La Crosse has a place like New Horizons for those that need its services.  

UPDATE: Over $12, ooo was raised in this endeavor. 
Well done NEW HORIZONS.

Memphis? No, Little Rock ... But Yes, Memphis

Well, can you believe I leave Wisconsin and go help out the Arkansas Democratic Party? It just so happens Tuesday was the kickoff for their Women to Women campaign and last night was a wonderful fundraiser at the Rep. You know how Wisconsin's politics has been affected by Koch money? The same thing has happened in Arkansas. 41 days left to get out the vote and women can make the difference in every state's elections. 

The logo in Arkansas's election for their 3 democratic women candidates are "experienced, proven, and ready to serve."   Not only was I privvy to hearing these three "female" candidates-
 Susan Inman for Secretary of State, Regina Hampton for State Auditor and Karen Sealy Garcia for State Treasurer but also saw and heard from gubanatorial candidate Mike Ross, Sen. David Pryor and Gov. Beebee.                                                                                              

Regina Hampton

Susan Inman

Yours truly, Karen on the left with Karen Sealey Garcia (center)

Mike Ross

Barbara and  Gov/Sen. David Pryor

Ginger and Mike Beebee

The evening was also filled with the phenomenal Broadway Tony award winning musical "Memphis." The talented cast was outstanding and energetic in their delivery with amazing choreography and music. Great voices besides dancing!

It's a must see for a terrific evening filled with entertainment which even though set in the '50's still has a poignant message for us today.

If it comes to a theatre near you, treat yourself.

Here's a youtube clip of the finale:Memphis