A Night to Remember

"I'm Queen of the World!" shouts out an eleven year old girl with arms open wide while aboard the Mallory Todd Sailboat courtesy of Sailing Heritage Society on route with her family to the Parade of Lights in downtown Kirkland during the holidays.

Sailing Heritage Society is an organization that is committed to providing a unique experience for children who may never otherwise havethe opportunity. In December, this generous group donated their time and sailboat once again to EDVP's shelter residents and their children.

"What a fantastic and rejuvenating evening," said a 37 year old program participant of My Friend's Place shelter. Families fleeing domestic violence can often feel overwhelmed and hopeless, especially during the holidays. However, with agencies like Sailing Heritage Society who contribute their time, effort, and support they provide a unique and fun experience to many residents of EDVP's shelters each year. They are committed to making a difference in their community.

One fifteen year old said, "It was a once in a lifetime experience, I've never been on the water before." Domestic violence can affect women and children on many different levels, often having an impact on the rest of their life. Being on the open water, on a beautifully clear night, the women and children expressed feeling peace, feeling alive and as one child put it: "My best holiday ever!" One mother said, "I'm so inspired by other people's willingness to help and support us."

Sailing Heritage Society helped create a wonderful memory sure to last a lifetime and truly made a difference for so many during the holidays.

In Peace,

Deanna Hobbs
Resource Development Assistant

Director Eastside Domestic Violence Program

Bellevue, WA