Enjoy high fashion, food to raise funds for domestic violence victims

  Southern Utah residents have the opportunity to enjoy this weekend, some of the lifestyle in the world of fashion while. Assistance to victims of domestic violence

Ballroom SunRiver is a fashion show for autumn clothes Bella Donna Boutique hosted in St. George, 18 hours on 29 September. The money raised at the gala dinner and a fashion show, the Erin Kimball Foundation, an organization that found women fleeing abusive situations to live a safe place and take back control of their lives helps donated.

Loss of grant fundraising is as important for fashion continue the foundation's mission, said Michael Heaton, Executive Director.

"With the economy, the federal government reduced its grants and grant amounts," said Heaton. "So with that, we have our most important government subsidy, which is losing about one-third of our business."

The loss of funds means that the Foundation can help 12 families instead of 18, said Heaton.

"We have about half a dozen families on the waiting list, that go nowhere," he said.

Donna Roberts, owner of Bella Donna Boutique knows how it feels. She said about 21 years ago, she. In a situation where she was abused After a divorce, she says things in his life was not good.

"For two years I was involved with a man, and I guess you could say I was an abused woman," said Roberts. "I have never yet been called that before, but I think it is is what I've done."

One day, after a visit to the hospital, she decided she wanted a better life, not only for themselves but for their then 14-year-old daughter.

Based on their experience, when she and her husband moved to St. George, five years ago, Roberts sought an organization for which they would donate their time and talents.

"I went to a dinner party where people were Erin Kimball, and although I know it may sound cliché, I had just come to say this feeling about me," This is it "," she said.

Participation Roberts has evolved from a volunteer to be the Foundation's Board of Directors in the service. She decided one way to offset the lost grants was to throw a chic black-tie dinner and fashion show with clothes from his shop. These goods include clothing for Joseph Ribkoff, Miss America official designers, as well as articles and Cartise Mesmerize, a Canadian company.