On Wednesday April 27, 2011, Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA) held its first launch party/fundraiser in history. The group hosted a night of complimentary wine and cheese, the latter donated by Janice Beaton Fine Cheese, at the Stoneworx Gallery in Art Central.
The evening gave visitors the opportunity to meet the people behind CCASA, find out what the organization is about, and take a look at the art that is up for bid in an online silent auction all month.
"The gallery was full for the duration of the night," says Meaghan Green, communications specialist for CCASA. "We had a lot of supporters from the community come out, which was nice to see; people getting out there and breaking that silence."
CCASA is the only not-for-profit organization in Calgary solely dedicated to helping those who have experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault. The group provides a 24-hour toll-free support and information line, free individual counseling, group counseling, police and court education and support, community outreach, public education, and the "Who Do You Tell?" child sexual abuse education program. These services are available with no discrimination against gender, race, age, religion or sexual orientation.
Roughly half of the contributing/donating artists were in attendance at the launch, including Lisa Heinricks, Amy Dryer, Patricia Uston, Karen Noble, Earl Klatzel, Tobias Luttmer, Kelly Joy Hill, John Parnell and Nikki Gour.
"We had people out in the foyer mingling and enjoying the wine and cheese, and getting to meet the artists that arrived, so it was really great," Green says.
Heinricks and Luttmer also had pieces on display that were not in the auction, of which they still donated 20 per cent of their proceeds.
"Within hours of leaving people were bidding on the pieces," Green says, though the organization knows, "the bulk of the bidding will come at the end of the event."
CCASA is the primary sexual abuse crisis, counseling and education service for Calgary and surrounding area. The recent economic downturn, and a growing increase in the demand for these services, meant the organization found it necessary to host its inaugural fundraiser.
"We’ve just found that the need of our services has grown," Green says, attributing public awareness as a possible factor. "We’ve always taken donations, but never sought after them hugely...funding is not meeting the needs of the growing agency anymore."
Up until May 27, 2011, anyone may bid on the art pieces that were unveiled at Stoneworx by visiting the CCASA website and following the link to the auction. On May 27th – same time and same place as the opening event, 5:30-7:30pm – the highest bidders will be announced and, if in attendance, will receive their wins. Otherwise CCASA will find a way to send the pieces to their respective top bidders.
CCASA will be serving up more donated wine and appys this closing night, in addition to holding a raffle-like contest in which tickets may be purchased and slipped into jars corresponding to various donated prizes. These will include two floral arrangements donated by La Fleur Floral Boutique.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the services CCASA provides, call the 24-hour support line listed below.