Sponsors of the event at the 45th Anniversary and Fat Tuesday levels include Amica Insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Tufts Health Plan, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, Pawtucket Credit Union, Bradford, BayCoast Bank, BankNewport, IGT, Navigant Credit Union, Liz Beretta-Perik, and Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick.
“We were thrilled to be able to host the Masquerade Ball in person this year after having gone virtual in 2020 due to the pandemic. The energy at the event was palpable and generosity of our supporters tremendous – this was the most successful Masquerade Ball to date. It has been a very difficult period for most of us, and exceedingly so for families and individuals whose lives are affected by violence in the home and in their lives. It is heart-warming to see Rhode Islanders give of themselves to bring safety and security to our fellow neighbors, friends, and colleagues,” said Vanessa Volz, Sojourner House’s executive director.
The ball emcee was Dan Jaehnig of NBC 10 WJAR adding local celebrity excitement to the event. Imperial Court of Rhode Island Empress XXIX Irina Devaroux attended as a special guest and Empress XVIII Jacqueline DiMera served as auctioneer for the Fund A Need portion of the program securing more than $30,000 in donations in support of housing and direct services for clients of Sojourner House fleeing domestic violence and trauma.
Music and entertainment included pianist Patrick Dow during the cocktail hour; Toys 2 Men, Hasbro's Corporate Employee Band; flow artist Dani Rei; DJ Justin Case; and the Extraordinary Rendition Band.
Funds raised support the critical work of Sojourner House creating and facilitating spaces for families and individuals to seek shelter and rebuild their lives in safety, stability and wellness. Funds support our neighbors, friends, and colleagues in crisis and keep our communities healthy and strong.
During fiscal year 2021, Sojourner House provided services to 1,614 victims of abuse, an increase of 55% from the previous year. It provided 22,132 service sessions, an extraordinary 94% increase over the prior year. Sojourner House is the only statewide nonprofit organization in Rhode Island providing this array of services.
About Sojourner House: Founded in 1976, the mission of Sojourner House is to promote healthy relationships by providing culturally sensitive support, advocacy, housing, and education for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking; and to effect systems change. They offer Rhode Island's largest and most comprehensive residential services program for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, including safe shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and rapid re-housing. In addition to safe shelter and housing, they provide trauma-informed supportive services and they operate the only drop-in advocacy and resource center in the greater Providence area, offering victims and community members access to support and services when and where they need it most. For more information, visit https://sojournerri.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7a8e4c14d9b32543e3cabaf58&id=7c274a457a&e=9fef9bc0ddwww.sojournerri.org. The 24/7 hotline number is 401-765-3232.