The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) Foundation Looks Back to Its 2013 Gala Success and Continues Its $25 Million Goal to Support Victims

Tallahassee, FL (PRWEB) January 02, 2014

2013 was a promising year for the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) Foundation, an organization dedicated toward ending domestic violence through public awareness, policy development, and support for Florida's domestic violence centers, but it is highlighted by building on its goals to provide a sustainable financial future for years to come and solidifying private sector partners to help it protect domestic violence victims. With 2014 here, (FCADV) looks back on its 2013 accomplishments, its 2013 “Door to Hope” success and continues its ten year, $25 million goal to support victims.

On October 26, 2013, During the 2nd Annual Door to Hope event hosted by former Governor Jeb and Columba Bush at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, the Florida Coalition Against Violence (FCADV) Foundation announced their goal to raise $25 million in private funding during the next 10 years to ensure consistent provision of emergency life saving services and shelter to domestic violence victims and their children while reducing dependence on government resources.

“Florida is leading the nation with this unique approach,” according to Tiffany Carr, President/CEO of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “As a national leader, we hope to create the blueprint for a financial model that can be replicated throughout the country. Domestic violence victims and their children deserve to know that safety, shelter and resources are always available regardless of economic downturns or a shift in the political climate.”

FCADV emphasizes the importance of the multi-year initiative as a way to secure a sustainable financial model for maintaining emergency services and to remove its dependency on volatile economic conditions and government budgets.

“Federal, state, and local funding should continue to be an important resource, but it is incumbent upon the private sector to be a key partner in sustaining services to domestic violence survivors and their children,” said FCADV Foundation Board Chair Lorna Taylor. “Government revenues and funding are susceptible to changes in the economy and political leadership, and these factors should not weaken our ability to provide shelter and services to one of our most vulnerable populations.”

Florida’s 42 certified domestic violence centers provide the first line of defense for achieving safety and independence for domestic violence survivors and their children.

“During my time as First Lady of Florida, I visited domestic violence shelters throughout the state and spent significant time with women and children who fled their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs,” said Former First Lady Columba Bush. “Domestic violence remains one of the most critical issues impacting our families and our children, and we all must take action to help end domestic violence in our communities.”

Leadership will be an important part of the success of this initiative and at the event. FCADV recognized Kathleen Shanahan, CEO of URETEK Holdings, Inc. for her unyielding commitment and dedication to ending domestic violence in Florida’s communities. “For the past thirteen years, Ms. Shanahan served as a probono advisor to FCADV and contributed thousands of hours to securing resources for domestic violence survivors and their children. There is no other person more deserving of the Foundation’s ‘Key to Hope’ award,” said Carr.

At the event, the former governor and first lady congratulated Verizon and Allstate, as the major sponsors of the Door To Hope event, and recognized their longstanding support of domestic violence education and prevention efforts in Florida and throughout the country. Carr added, “We are fortunate to have outstanding corporate citizens such as Verizon, Allstate and others to sustain this cause and create this critical endowment.”

FCADV would like to thank the hosts and financial sponsors of its Door to Hope event:

Hosts:
Governor Jeb and Columba Bush

Signature Co-Host:    
Verizon

Diamond Co-Host:    
Allstate

Premier Co-Hosts:    
Premier Eye Care
Senator Denise Grimsley

Co-Hosts:    
Representative Jose Oliva Representative Matt Hudson AT&T Florida
Baptist Health South Florida
Brown & Brown InsuranceMiguel FernandezHealth Management Associates, Inc.
Kitson & Partners
The Krizner Group
Sayfie Law Firm Tiffany Carr & Patrick Howard, Dr. Jay Dutton & Dr. Paul Schilling

Special Recognition:     Florida Blue Carlton Fields Law Firm
DLA Piper/ Mike Bedke, Esq.Duke Energy
Mayesh Wholesale Florist
Parrish Designs
Southern Wine & Spirits
Strategic Benefits Group, LLC
The Victory Group
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

About FCADV
Originally established in 1977 as a small network of shelters, today the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence serves as the professional association for Florida's 42 certified domestic violence centers. FCADV works toward ending domestic violence through public awareness, policy development, and support for Florida's domestic violence centers. FCADV and certified domestic violence centers answered more than 117,000 hotline calls, counseled 48,630 individuals, distributed 86,317 safety plans and sheltered 15,677 in emergency shelters or transitional housing last year. The statewide Florida Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-500-1119.
For more information, visit http://www.fcadv.org.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/01/prweb11456341.htm