Power of the Purse To Benefit Every Woman's Place October 11th at Fricano's in Muskegon

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  It's hard to believe that even a day is needed to talk about domestic violence, but the reality is that domestic abuse and violence comes in all shapes and sizes and happens more often than you think.  Quite often, it's a silent problem, one that no one dares talk about and it's always swept under the rug until it's too late.  In Muskegon, it's Every Woman's Place that offers the refuge and care when domestic violence occurs.


Since 1975 Every Woman's Place has served those women and children who have found themselves with nowhere else to turn when a relationship has become abusive.  It's often a long process, after all, who gets into a relationship with the thought that one day, it will become more about control than it will be a symbiotic partnership of mutual benefit and care?  It's the control factor that leads to the abuse and the abuse is often multi layered.  Physical, emotional and as I read this morning, even financial abuse happens when someone says "Hey, just give me the paycheck and I'll make sure everything is taken care of."  It's almost unthinkable how much plays in to the level of manipulation that can go on leading up to the physical end of an abusive relationship.

Every Woman's Place provides shelter, clothing, basic needs, counseling, crisis intervention, support groups, children's services and educational programs throughout the community to help prevent the abuse before it starts.  Their work is never ending.  Their mission statement reads - "The Mission of Every Woman’s Place is to improve and enhance the lives of women, youth, children and families in crisis in our community by providing and advocating for services which lead to their safety, their emotional and economic self-sufficiency, their productivity, and their ability to participate fully in our society."  There are many ways you can help by volunteering, making a donation of needed items like personal care or financial gifts or, if you choose...you can be a part of a fun event designed to raise the money and awareness in style.

Click Here for Tickets to Power of the Purse

Power of the Purse is happening at Fricano's Event Center on October 11th from 5:30-8:30 and tickets are $35 in advance.  You'll have a chance to bid on designer purses modeled by some of Muskegon's most dashing men who tote their bags, and what's in them proudly to show their support.  Trips, great tickets to events, incredible items and more will be up for bid so come ready to buy!  There will also be a silent auction table with fun items and other way's to help support the work of Every Woman's Place.  So get your tickets while you can!

Last year, a little unexpected event took place when Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund and myself squared off in a bidding war over football tickets to see a Michigan State of Michigan game....I won.  But, being the wonderful sport I am, I gave Nelund the chance to redeem himself and we sweetened the bet a little....this year...the loser has to sport the winners face on their Facebook profile for a week.  We met up in front of Gary Nelund's State Farm insurance agency to talk about how it feels to be second place and what fun this year will be, Lori Rasmussen of Every Woman's Place joined us.  Take a listen.

Have a great time at a really cool event and be a part of the solution to help end domestic abuse.  Power of the Purse is open to all and it's an educational and fun way to do your part.  If you'd like to know more about Every Woman's Place, click on the photo of those stunning male models below to visit their website.  We'll see you October 11th at Fricano's.