In honor of their 25th anniversary and Domestic Violence Awareness month, the St. Bernard Battered Women’s Program will hold their annual Showcase of Strength Gala on October 6 at the Sigur Civic Center.

The event will feature food, live music, a silent auction, door prizes and an open bar with all proceeds raised benefiting the women’s program.

Michelle Ramirez, Outreach Coordinator for the St. Bernard Women’s Program, says that one of the main goals of the event is to remind people in the community that the SBBWP is a crucial service for the parish.

The SBBWP serves as a support system for women in domestic violence situations by being there for them emotionally as well financially. Ramirez also explained that the funds raised will also contribute to much-needed post-Isaac building repairs.

“Our main goal of the gala is to let people know we exist,” explained Ramirez. “Many of the funds raised from the gala will go toward our housing programs which place women and children in abusive situations in their own apartments, its a 45-day program, we help out with the deposit and first month’s rent with the intention of helping women live independent lives.”

The SBBWP also has advocates on hand to help with the emotional and mental stresses of transitioning into independent living, and SBBWP advocates help with getting restraining orders, attend court hearings with victims and arrange for counseling as well.

“So far we’ve sold 189 tickets,” said Ramirez. “Our goal is to raise $25,000 in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Women’s Program.”

The 25th Annual Showcase of Strength Gala will be held at the Fred Sigur Civic Center ballroom on October 6, from 7 – 11 p.m. Tickets are $50 or $500 for a reserved table of 10.