A Houston foundation is staging a casino-themed fundraiser to raise money and provide scholarships for survivors of domestic violence.
You Have a Purpose Foundation’s Bet on Her: Casino Royale will take place on Thursday 8 October at Momentum BMW on the Southwest Freeway, with support from Mega 101 FM, the law office of Domingo Garcia and Texas Technical Trade School.
The event will run from 6.30pm to 9pm and feature casino-style tables, food, drinks and auctions. Organisers say the games will be for entertainment, with no real-money gambling involved.
Proceeds will support the Houston Area Women’s Center and help fund 13 scholarships for survivors leaving the centre. The awards are intended to give recipients the education and practical support needed to begin a new chapter for themselves and their children.
Cindy Burbano, president of You Have a Purpose Foundation, said the fundraiser was designed to raise awareness as well as financial support for people rebuilding their lives after abuse.
“Not only are we raising funds, but we are going to be giving out 13 scholarships to survivors from the Houston Area Women’s Center so once they leave the centre, they are prepared to take on their next chapter with their kids,” she said.
Texas Technical Trade School will provide scholarships for women seeking careers in skilled trades, including electrical and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning work.
Elvia Quintanilla, the school’s founder and executive director, said recipients could also receive help with transport, childcare and confidence-building as they worked towards employment.
“We also have wraparound services for them like gas assistance, childcare assistance, and building their confidence so they can take that next step,” she said.
You Have a Purpose Foundation describes itself as a non-profit organisation focused on helping survivors of domestic violence regain safety, independence and financial stability. Its work includes advocacy, crisis support and assistance with housing, legal services and counselling.
Tickets and event information are available through the foundation’s website. Anyone experiencing domestic abuse in the Houston area can contact the Houston Area Women’s Center’s 24-hour hotline on 713-528-2121, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline on 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
