YWCA Glendale raised more than $50,000 at its 21st Annual Legacy Luncheon on April 18, thanks to a record response for sponsorships and guest registrations. Over 20 companies and individuals sponsored the event and more than 260 guests registered to attend.

“Proceeds from this luncheon directly support YWCA Glendale’s services for domestic violence survivors and their children,” said Tara Peterson, executive director of YWCA Glendale. “We couldn’t be more grateful for our community who shows up year after year in support of YWCA Glendale. I want to thank this year’s honorees, Carol Ann Burton, Marilyn Butler, Sona A. Tatiyants, and the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church-Agape Circle for generating incredible support and awareness for our mission. I also want to thank Glendale City council members; federal, state and local representatives; faith leaders; civic groups; companies and organizations who make this event a reality. We couldn’t do our work without you.”

According to Sylvia Chinn, associate director at the YWCA Glendale, the annual operating budget is a little over $2 million that supported largely by government and foundation funding.

“We look for additional support of over $180,000 annually from the community to sustain the work we do in Glendale and surrounding communities,” said Chinn. “We will continue to encourage community support through the end of the fiscal year in order to meet this critical need.”

“For 40 years Glendale has sustained YWCA’s Domestic Violence Program to help women and children who are going through some of the hardest, most vulnerable times in their lives”, said Suzonne Slaughter, YWCA Glendale board president. “Through YWCA, we can help these families achieve self-sufficiency and a life free from violence.”

Peterson shared powerful stories of three survivors who were present at the luncheon, underscoring the importance of breaking the silence to end the cycle of domestic violence. According to one of the survivors, she decided that telling others where she was then and letting them see where she is now is worth the discomfort and vulnerability she may feel.

“If it helps anyone in the room understand the issue of abuse then it is worth my discomfort,” the survivor said.

The point was further punctuated when guests were asked to stand if they or someone they knew had been affected by domestic violence. Nearly every chair was left empty.

To learn more about YWCA Glendale and opportunities to volunteer, visit www.glendaleywca.org. For help, call the Y 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at (888) 999-7511.