Domestic violence survivors deserve celebration for their journey to safety and community. Next week, the Baraga County Shelter Home hosts its second annual Purple Warrior Celebration dinner.
The Baraga County Shelter Home has provided domestic violence survivor support in the region since 1983. Throughout that time the organization has relied on the support of the community to fill funding gaps where annual state and federal dollars can’t go. Those funds often support smaller things. Helping a client get to a job interview, purchasing toiletry items for the shelter, or supporting emergency projects that maintain the home.
“And it falls in domestic violence awareness month, and that’s a great time for us to be spreading awareness about domestic violence as a whole. But also to really make sure that everyone’s familiar with our services,” says BCSH executive director Celeste Hendrickson. “For this event, all of the proceeds raised will go to support services for survivors in Baraga County. That looks like helping cover the cost of staffing our 24/7 helpline, providing emergency shelter for survivors, and providing direct assistance when needed.”
On Thursday the Baraga County shelter home hosts the annual Purple Warrior celebration at the Whirl-i-Gig in L’Anse. The bowling alley and venue has been the site of many happy memories.
“The Whirl-I-Gig, is a wonderful host for our event says Hendrickson. “We were out here last year as well, and Dan put together a wonderful buffet. It’s delicious.”
People get to come here usually for weddings, and it’s just nice to open it up and have some different things here as well, and it’s an amazing cause,” says general manager Dan Mares. “I’m very passionate about the cause personally, so anything I can do and the world can do by extension to assist, we’re all for it.”
Next Thursday’s menu is provided by Chef Dan, who has a special meal planned for the celebration of survivors.
“At this event we’ve got kind of the standard garden salad and some of the other fix, and we’ve also got a loaded baked potato bar. We’ve got some options for vegetarians there,” shared Mares. “Balsamic chicken breast for the entree, and then some sort of desserts and stuff like that, you know, just to kind of fill it out.”
Tickets for the Purple Warrior Celebration with the Barga County Shelter Home will cost 25 dollars. Individuals can purchase a ticket online or at the door.
The event will also include live music and a basket raffle. Those interested in learning more about the Baraga County shelter home can find information online.
The Purple Warrior Celebration, supporting the Baraga County Shelter Home, will open doors at the Whirl-I-Gig at 5:30 pm on October 22nd.
