More Than $510K Raised for Survivors of Relationship & Sexual Violence |
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Apologies for a necessary delay
As we shifted our attention to breaking news last week that Roe V. Wade was overturned, we delayed our post-event Tea & Tonic message. In the midst of what for many survivors has been a ruling that feels deeply personal and frightening, we felt this pause was necessary. However, we also believe that it is important to share news that shows that support for survivors and prevention services does not end with this ruling. CCS will continue to offer services through whatever challenges this ruling may create. We will remain open to all and committed to advocating for the rights of all.
Celebrating a historic statement of support
Thank you to our countless CCS supporters who came together to raise a record $510,000 and counting at our 23rd annual Tea & Tonic! This exceeds our fundraising goal and provides critical support for survivors and our prevention work throughout the county. Beyond the 600 guests who attended, many supporters unable to join us continue to send in contributions, and our event was also supported by more than 40 volunteers. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success and serve as a collective reminder to survivors that they are not alone.
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Robin Ross Courage Award Recipient |
LaDonna, our 2022 Robin Ross Courage Award recipient, reminded Tea & Tonic attendees that the power of strangers can propel the healing journeys of survivors. The unspeakable trauma she experienced at 14 changed her life forever, but an advocate at her side helped her to survive and thrive. Today, LaDonna creates a space to help prevent assault and violence by educating others. For more than 20 years, LaDonna has been looking for the advocate who helped her, just to say, "Thank you." |
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Did You Know? 40 CCS volunteer advocates are on call with our team to help survivors through the unspeakable trauma that follows an assault, from a forensic exam to a court appearance. For many survivors, this is the only comforting human connection while in an ER or a courtroom.
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Dr. Robert K. Ross presented LaDonna with the first renamed Robin Ross Courage Award, in honor of his late wife, who created the Tea & Tonic event more than 23 years ago. |
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The San Diego Women's Chorus gave a beautiful surprise performance of the song "Speechless" in tribute to LaDonna and in celebration of all survivors. |
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Aly Raisman Shares Her Insights |
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Aly Raisman shared some of her fondest memories of being a part of the Women's Gymnastics team, the inspiration behind her book, "Fierce," but she focused on the need to support survivors and educate ourselves to prevent further harm.
Aly is the youngest survivor to speak at our annual Tea & Tonic, and we commend her for the courage to share her story so relatively early on her journey of healing. She and other young gymnasts will ultimately change how those in positions of authority respond, or don't respond, to allegations of predatory abuse or assault of any kind.
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Leaders in Our Community at Tea & Tonic |
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Saundra Pelletier, CEO of Evofem Biosciences, and Robin Toft, Global Life Sciences & Board Diversity Leader with ZRG Partners, welcomed attendees to Tea & Tonic. Our Co-Chairs discussed the responsibility to view assault in all its forms as a health crisis and to do our part to reduce harm to all people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. |
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Mayor Todd Gloria presented CCS Board President, Jessica Pride, with a proclamation commending our work to help survivors, engage supporters, and start conversations to prevent assault.
The city's recognition followed a proclamation just before our event by Vice Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Nora Vargas, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Also joining in support at the Tea & Tonic were D.A. Summer Stephan, Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert and Port Commissioner Rafael Castellanos.
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A Final Tea for Vee as CEO
Verna "Vee" Griffin-Tabor, did not want us to make a fuss, but we gave her a standing ovation anyway. This year's Tea & Tonic was her final one as CEO, but she plans to remain involved even after she steps down in February 2023! Vee has helped to grow every Tea, every program, and every dollar in her 25 years at the helm. We thank her for that and so much more!
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Check out photos from Tea & Tonic! |
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Tea & Tonic Guests & Supporters: Thank you again! Donation receipt letters for your records will go out at the end of this month. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Suzie Colby at scolby@ccssd.org.
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Thank you to our sponsors! |
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Our mission at Center for Community Solutions is to end relationship and sexual violence by being a catalyst for caring communities and social justice.
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