Kick up your heels on a night to benefit Haven

As anyone who knows me will attest, I am a shoe addict. I’m actually an equal opportunity aficionado, as I do not discriminate as to the type of shoe (athletic, flats or heels). If there are shoes (or even the promise of shoes) involved, you can count on my presence.

To that end, and for what is bound to be a dream come true for me, Haven Women’s Center of Stanislaus is holding its annual Kick Up Your Heels on Thursdayat 5:30 p.m. at the Mistlin Gallery in Modesto.

Kick Up Your Heels is a precursor to Haven’s annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser. Both events are designed to educate and increase awareness of issues surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault in our community.

All proceeds from each of these events go toward “sustaining Haven’s direct service programs, including the shelter, legal services, counseling and support groups, youth outreach and prevention,” said Denise Hecht, Haven’s public relations manager.

Established in 1977, Haven offers services to those suffering domestic violence, those who have been prostituted or used by sex traffickers, trans women and men and abused immigrants. Haven has 23 beds and can serve those using wheelchairs. Last year, Haven was able to provide services to more than 2,500 violence and abuse survivors and their families.

During Kick Up Your Heels, Haven will be offering a first peek of its annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 2017 calendar. The calendars will be available for purchase during the event. An assortment of the calendar models will also be in attendance.

This is a lighthearted evening with live music, wine, hors d’oeurves and shoe-themed raffle prizes.

There will also be a one-of-a-kind quilt made and donated by a survivor of domestic violence. One of the highlights will be the unveiling of the photographs for the 2017 calendar, said Haven board member Nancy Fisher.

The proceeds of the event will assist in providing necessary and crucial services to Haven’s clients – women who often have nowhere else to turn. Please plan to attend this event and support Haven and its work with survivors and their families in our community.

The tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door, available at Haven’s website hwcstan.squarespace.com.

To purchase tickets, or if you have any questions or wish to donate, call Denise Hecht, 209-524-4331.

This story was originally published October 25, 2016 at 2:04 PM with the headline "Kick up your heels on a night to benefit Haven."