Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) has officially announced that it will cancel its 40th Anniversary Ruby Celebration Gala, slated for Friday, April 3, 2020 in order to safeguard against COVID-19 and the spread of the coronavirus.
This decision was not arrived at lightly as this is an eagerly anticipated annual event that helps to raise critical funding for the only State-Certified Center for Domestic and Sexual Violence in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Founded in 1979, SPARCC has served hundreds of thousands of survivors, and their children, all throughout our communities for over 40 years.
“While we regret the need to cancel such a celebratory and important annual fundraising event, SPARCC feels that it is ultimately the most responsible thing to do considering the circumstances. It is our hope that our guests and supporters will not only understand our difficult decision but also continue to support SPARCC now, more than ever, as we navigate a very challenging time continuing to serve survivors 24 hours a day,” said SPARCC President & CEO, Jessica Hays.
The event Co-Chairs, Barbara Gardner, Mark Muse, Kimberley Pelyk and Shirley Wulf, as well as the entire Committee, would like to send a sincere thank you to all of the event sponsors and those who had planned to attend. Supporters are encouraged to participate in the online version of our silent and live auctions. These auction items will be open for bidding from Monday, March 30, 2020 until Friday, April 3, 2020. All proceeds support SPARCC’s mission to stop domestic and sexual violence in our communities. Visit www.sparcc.net/events or email nqin@sparcc.net for bidding instructions.
While SPARCC joins the effort to take extra precautions and maintain a healthy atmosphere, all programs and services will remain open. For additional information please call SPARCC Director of Development, Mary Ellen Mancini at 941-365-0208 ext. 106.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login