 |
|
News
releases from the Mary Byron Foundation “A Decade of Change” raises more than $45,000 with gala event Louisville, Ky. — The Mary Byron Foundation, a nationally-focused, public grant-making charity, has kicked off a national public awareness campaign that aims to put an end to domestic violence. “A Decade of Change” recognizes efforts to fight domestic violence since Mary Byron was murdered 10 years ago. A gala fundraiser in Louisville on December 10, 2003, which served as a kickoff to the campaign, raised more than $45,000 to support the Foundation and its work. Nearly 10 years ago, a tragedy that shocked the Louisville community led to far-reaching changes for crime victims throughout the country. In 1993, Mary Byron was shot and killed on her 21st birthday by a former boyfriend who had been arrested just weeks earlier for raping her. She was not notified of this man’s release from jail. Louisville and Jefferson County responded to Mary’s murder with the creation of VINE® (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), the nation’s first automated system of victim notification. A decade later, VINE is saving lives in more than 1,400 communities in 36 states. Innovations like VINE, as well as ground-breaking legislation and services, are providing crime victims and their families with a greater sense of security and a better quality of life. Margaret Davis, Principal Deputy Director of the Office on Violence Against Women in the U.S. Department of Justice, attended the Foundation’s gala fundraiser and commended the Foundation for its work on behalf of domestic violence victims. Film and television actor Victor Rivers, spokesperson for the National Network to End Domestic Violence, served as keynote speaker at the fundraiser, and also lent his talents to a public service announcement available for nationwide broadcast. “People often ask me, ‘Why do you speak out about domestic violence? Isn’t that a women’s issue?’” Rivers said during his keynote address. “I see it as everyone’s issue.” Sponsors of the Mary Byron Foundation’s “A Decade of Change” include Appriss Inc., Louisville Metro Government, Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey, The Center for Women and Families, Jefferson County Attorney Irv Maze, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. “The outpouring of support from this community has been very gratifying,” said Pat Byron, Mary’s mother and president of the Foundation. “Their contributions will allow us to serve domestic violence victims throughout the country.” About the Foundation The Mary Byron Foundation was established in October 2000 with the help of Appriss® Inc. — the company that created and continues to provide the VINE service. Contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations make it possible for the Foundation to provide funding and educational opportunities to communities that demonstrate collaboration and innovation in the fight against domestic violence. More information about the Mary Byron Foundation and its programs can be accessed at www.marybyronfoundation.org.
|
||
