Nonprofit Hope's Door holds fundraiser to raise awareness about domestic violence
The fundraiser takes place at three Shake Shack locations across Westchester County.
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A local nonprofit is using an international solidarity day to raise money for domestic violence prevention and support services.
Hope's Door workers are encouraging people to wear jeans to their Denim Day fundraiser.
The event runs through 10 p.m. on Wednesday at three Shake Shack locations across Westchester County.
Patti Reyes D'Agostino, the chief of development for the nonprofit, says a portion of the proceeds will directly support her organization's mission.
"Hope's Door provides emergency shelter, a hotline number that's available 24/7, legal services and counseling for victims of abuse," Reyes D'Agostino says.
CarlLa Horton, the executive director of Hope's Door, says funding for this support is especially critical right now because there has been a rise in femicide cases. The term is often used to describe the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender.
"Just last week or so, here in Westchester, a man was arraigned for beating his girlfriend to death with a hammer," Horton says.
Prosecutors say Joveair Brice, 28, is accused of killing Lisa Grier inside her Mount Vernon apartment. He's expected to appear in Westchester County Court on Thursday.
However, advocates say the issue is national. Horton pointed to two separate cases where men are accused of killing their partners.
"I'm sure your viewers have heard about the murders in Shreveport, Louisiana. where a father killed eight children - seven of his own - and shot two women," Horton says. "Then there was the murder of Dr. Cerina Fairfax in Virginia, whose husband killed her."
That's why advocates want women to know the warning signs of this abuse.
For anyone currently experiencing abuse, Reyes D'Agostino says help is available and hope is real.
"You have a future and it's whatever you imagine it to be. We're here to support you to get that," Reyes D'Agostino says.
For more information about Hope's Door and a full list of fundraiser locations, click here.
