The food that evening was beyond delicious. There were plenty of tasty dishes to choose from including a penne pasta alfredo that no one could resist (some of us returned for seconds); a freshly tossed spring salad, a fruit display that had large, plump strawberries and red grapes; and a variety of desserts and beverages. We're still talking about the brownie bites with the caramel topping that was delicately drizzled on top, and the ones with powdered sugar; and who could forget the peach Arnold Palmers...absolute bliss!
As the ladies relaxed and got to know each other better they had the opportunity to be the first to purchase an IAAVS t-shirt. One at a time each woman approached the display table as Director of Change, Natasha Foreman, assisted them with their purchases. Each woman happily walked away with their very own chocolate IAAVS bag and gathered in the next room to hear more about the company and the charities we support....
Director of Possibilities, Markesia Thomas Akinbami welcomed everyone and explained the purpose of IAAVS and the reason for the event. Each woman was invited to be the first purchase a tee and be educated about the two charities that we support; so that they could also be change agents in their community. She then introduced Ms. Yvonne Bryant Johnson representing the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy.
Ms.Yvonne Bryant-Johnson shared with the group startling statistics concerning child abuse and how the center has made strides in helping young boys and girls in the Metro Atlanta area of Georgia. Here are the facts:
* 1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18.
* 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18.
* 1 in 5 children are solicited sexually while on the Internet.
* Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults)
occur to children ages 17 and under.
* An estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse exist in America today.
Even within their own homes, children are at risk for sexual abuse:
* 30-40% of victims are abused by a family member.
* Another 50% are abused by someone outside the family whom they know and trust.
* Approximately 40% are abused by older or larger children whom they know.
* Therefore, only 10% are abused by strangers.
Sexual abuse occurs at all ages, probably younger than you think:
* The median age for reported abuse is 9 years old.
* More than 20% of children are sexually abused before age 8.
* Nearly 50% of all victims of forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, and forcible fondling are children under 12.
Women for Women International
Our Director of Change, Natasha Foreman discussed the mission of Women for Women International and their work in 9 war-torn countries including Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Iraq to name a few. She explained how IAAVS works with both the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy and Women for Women International by providing 25% of our net profits to the organizations. Additionally, IAAVS works at educating the public about both organizations and the work they perform domestically and abroad.
Natasha then shared with the group the multitudinous crimes against women and young girls which ranged from psychological abuse to rape, torture and mutilation, sex slavery rings, physical abuse and being used as bait to lure in war enemies. Women for Women International helps these victims with financial and emotional aid, job-skills training, rights education and small business assistance so they can rebuild their lives.
Natasha explained that IAAVS wants every concerned woman and man to "Take a stand, give a voice, and be a visual statement" and in order to do this, action must take place beyond the purchase of an IAAVS shirt; through educating others and encouraging individual sponsorship of Women for Women International's "sisters" IAAVS believes that we can all join together to propel this movement of service beyond our wildest dreams.
After handing out Women for Women International sponsorship materials, Markesia and Natasha thanked everyone for their support and announced the release of the 3/4 length t-shirt this fall. We then proceeded to mingle until the party ended at 6pm. This evening was an absolute success! Great food...music...women...organizations... and great causes...we couldn't ask for more. A few of us gathered for a quick photo op.
Markesia and Natasha couldn't wait to pose with our IAAVS partner, exclusive photographer; artist extraordinaire and one of the best photographers around (and we're not just saying that because we're biased)...Korey Akinbami of Visual Statements Photography. Visit the site and see for yourself how talented and gifted Mr. Akinbami truly is and then contact the studio to schedule your next session! Keep your ears and eyes open for Korey's upcoming fine art exhibits showcasing his photographic work from all parts of the world. Thanks for everything Korey!
Mamie Nesbit, Danny "DJ" Thomas, and Alexandra Foreman.
For more information about how to volunteer or make donations visit the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy website.
For information concerning sponsorship, donations, or hosting educational events visit the Women for Women International website.
For more information about IAAVS visit our website.
No comments:
Post a Comment