“Balloon Glow Gala” and “Holly’s Hope 5K Run” will give attendees the opportunity to dance, run and have fun while also raising money to help those escaping abusive situations.
[Bel Air, MD] June 11, 2015—Following on the “heels” of its successful Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® fundraiser held in April, SARC announces two additional events to raise funds and awareness of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and stalking : the seventh annual Balloon Glow Gala on September 18 and the Holly’s Hope 5K Run on October 10. Proceeds from these events will support all SARC’s services which are provided free to clients: legal representation, counseling and crisis intervention, a 28-bed safe house, a 24-hour help line, a 24-hour hospital companion service as well as community outreach and education regarding healthy relationships and domestic and sexual violence prevention.
Balloon Glow Gala
The seventh annual Balloon Glow Gala will take place Friday, September 18 at the Maryland Golf and Country Club in Bel Air from 7:00-11:30 p.m. This year’s event has a theme of “No Place Like Home,” and guests are encouraged to pay homage to “The Wizard of Oz” in their attire. The evening offers a full dinner with open bar, live music and dancing. In addition, attendees will enjoy the stunning backdrop of lighted hot air balloons all evening and can bid on ten luxury auction items including a Cessna plane ride over Maryland and a chef-prepared gourmet dinner for ten. There will also be a raffle for a high-end jewelry item. Tickets for the Gala will go on sale in mid-July. More information will be posted on the SARC website. (https://www.sarc-maryland.org/)
Holly’s Hope 5K
The second annual Holly’s Hope 5K Run will be on Saturday, October 10 from 8:00-11:00 a.m. along the MA and PA Heritage Trail in Bel Air. The run was organized in 2014 by Bel Air resident Ethan Brito as a way to honor his Aunt Holly who is a survivor of abuse. Ethan also wanted to make the community and other area victims of abuse aware of the services provided by SARC so they would know there is a local resource to help them escape their abusive situations.
Runners will enjoy a challenging and scenic course beginning and ending at the historic Liriodendron Mansion. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers. A post-race party with food and refreshments will take place at the conclusion of the 5K. There is a $25 entry fee before race day; the fee is $30 for race-day registrations. T-shirts and reusable tote bags are guaranteed to all participants registered by October 3, 2015. Registration will open August 1. Visit https://www.sarc-maryland.org/ for more information.
SARC’s Chief Executive Officer, Luisa Caiazzo says, “Harford County is an incredibly generous and caring community and we are grateful for the donations we have received throughout 2015. We look forward to celebrating and having fun with all of our supporters at our final two events of the year as we continue to build awareness about the issue of domestic violence and sexual assault and raise funds to assist those who have suffered so they can start a new life.”
For more information about either event, and to get tickets for the Rising Above It Gala and register for the Holly’s Hope 5K Run, visit www.sarc-maryland.org.
About SARC (https://www.sarc-maryland.org/)
Since 1978, SARC (Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center) has provided hope and resources to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and stalking. Services include a 24-Hour-Helpline, counseling, legal representation, a confidential safe house and community outreach and education.
