Suzy’s Place has its first Winter Gala

ROSELLE, IL — Suzy’s Place held its First Winter Gala on December 2 at Pearl Banquets and Conference Center in Roselle, Illinois.

The evening kicked off with the high-energy acrobatics of the world-famous Jesse White Tumblers, revving up the crowd with its performance that was set to intense music.

The audience needed that strength, as the evening dealt with the very serious issue of domestic violence, and what it takes to fix it. Suzy’s Place was honored by the presence and thoughts of the two keynote speakers of the evening, the Hon. Judge Divya Sarang of Kane County and Dr Shastri Swaminathan, chairman, Department of Psychiatry at Advocate Illinois Masonic Center.

Shahida Khan, president of Suzy’s Place, welcomed everyone. Arshia Hasnain, executive director of Suzy’s Place introduced the organization’s structure and presented the organization’s activities. Member of the Advisory Board, Stephanie Pelzer, presented an artistic personal and emotional video collage of women helped by Suzy’s Place.

There was a short fundraising session, including artwork, a football signed by Richard Dent of the Chicago Bears, and many colorful items at a silent auction. Everything was donated, and everything went. The audience recognized that it took money to do what Suzy’s Place did and they were generous.

 

Suzy’s Place provides emergency and transitional housing, and services, to women survivors of domestic violence in Rogers Park in Chicago. It serves a very diverse community spanning ethnic, religious, socio-economic and cultural groups. Its shelter can accommodate 15 women at a time for up to 3 months.

It provides emotional support and diversified continuum of services focused on safety, empowerment and self-sufficiency. Through community partnerships, it raises awareness, provides services and educates community members about domestic violence. Services include counseling, educational support, job skills training and job placement, basic health, language assistance, legal assistance, parenting and life-management skills, and wellness.