The Simon Conference Center in Princeton is the site of the 2024 GALA celebration. This year’s event features a champagne reception, amazing food and drink, live and silent auctions, and music by Greg Percifield.

The evening, scheduled for Saturday, April 13, will also include a special tribute honoring former board president and current Director, Marshall Jones.

Freedom House, which will celebrate 41 years of service to the area, provides free and confidential services to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Over 900 individuals were served in 2023 by a range of services such as emergency shelter, legal and 24/7 medical advocacy, a professionally staffed 24-hour crisis line, individual and family counseling, and therapy for victims and their families. Staff also provides prevention education for K-12 students and the community at large.

The services are free and available in five counties – Henry, Stark, Bureau, Marshall and Putnam. Federal and State grants help cover some of the costs, but donations are needed to make these vital services continue.

According to Executive Director and CEO Michael Zerneck, statistics concerning abuse are staggering.

“Data shows that one in three women is physically abused by an intimate partner, with one in four men experiencing assault by an intimate partner as well. Twenty percent of women experience rape in their lifetime, while close to three percent of men report complete or attempted rape.”

He goes on to explain that domestic and sexual abuse knows no age, gender, race, or socio-economic background.

“Every community in the U.S. is affected. The resulting loss of wages, increased need for healthcare, school disruptions, mental health services, court time and emotional and physical toll on the abused and their children is staggering,” said Zerneck.

Freedom House services are aimed at curbing the abuse and helping victims and survivors find a safe way forward. “But all that takes professional help, and that’s why we need the financial support of the communities we serve”, he said.

The Freedom House GALA plays a major role in fundraising. The evening is a special one for the agency and organizers hope to fill the tables and auction with the generosity of people who share a desire to help victims gain a better life.

Those wishing to support victims of domestic and sexual violence can purchase seats for the GALA in several ways. To reserve a spot at the GALA and make a lasting difference in the lives of many seeking to break the chain of abuse, go to www.freedomhouseillinois.org.

Contributions can also be sent to Freedom House, 440 Elm Place, Princeton, IL 61356 Attn: GALA Event.

Live and silent auction items as well as monetary donations are also appreciated.