2010 JFP Chick Ball to Create Domestic Abuse Legal Fund, Honor ‘Hero’ Attorneys

The 6th Annual JFP Chick Ball will build awareness about domestic-abuse victims’ struggle in the state’s legal system, and recognize attorneys who are helping them navigate a system stacked against them.

At the Jackson Free Press’ annual event on July 24, 2010, at Hal & Mal’s, the JFP Chick Ball organizers will present its Hero Award to the Shows Powell Law Firm for dedicating their time and talents to helping domestic-abuse victims. Sandy Middleton of the Center for Violence Prevention recommended Shows Powell for what the firm has done to help the families who come through her shelter in Pearl. “Over the past several years they have distinguished themselves in a variety of ways,” Middleton says. “Shows Powell has made it their business to understand the dynamics of domestic abuse, making them better prepared to address the particular needs of these victims.” The firm has partnered with the Center, providing expert counsel as The Center addresses the legal needs of its clients.

The Jackson Free Press has chosen to give the proceeds to the Center for Violence Prevention every year, in the past raising money to purchase a new minivan and to seed a batterer’s intervention program. Proceeds of this year’s event will establish a legal fund to help get families to safety and keep them there. “Working with the Center has been inspiring and education,” says JFP editor Donna Ladd, who started the JFP Chick Ball five years ago. “Sandy has helped us target the proceeds and the awareness to the best way for us not only to help save families, but to work to prevent domestic abuse in the future. We know exactly where our money is going.”

Proceeds from the event stay in the community and lead to tangible results. “After becoming a part of our program, these clients take advantage of full- service organization and staff, which assists them as they start a new life free from violence and fear," Middleton said. "It is our privilege to stand beside these ladies and their children as they weave their way through the legal process and seek other forms of assistance.”

The JFP Chick Ball again will be held in the Red Room and Big Room at Hal and Mal’s restaurant and brewery at 200 S. Commerce St. in downtown Jackson. It will include performances by Time To Move Band, Hot Tamales, Akami Graham, The Secret Miracles, Wild Emotions, Lizzie Wright Super Space Ship, spoken word by Lady Mary and Poet of Truth and a salsa demonstration by Salsa Mississippi. Watch jfpchickball.com for performance updates and more.

On Saturday night beginning at 6 p.m., the Chick Ball will celebrate the triumphs of the domestic-violence survivors. The event features “The Official Arm Candy Contest” and the “Diva of Bling Contest,” in a fun, offbeat fashion. There will also be a silent auction of art and gifts, and quirky games and a photo booth. The award will be presented around 8 p.m. Local restaurants will provide a variety of complimentary food.

"We started the Chick Ball as a way to get our whole community involved in solving a very vital problem," said Jackson Free Press editor Donna Ladd, who started the Chick Ball five years ago. "The Chick Ball is deliberately affordable. Everyone can help. It's affordable, and all those one-dollar bills add up."

Tickets are $5; attendees must be 18 or older. Tickets for door prizes donated by local merchants are $5 each. Sponsorships are still available starting at $50. The July 21 special Jackson Free Press Chick Issue will feature a silent auction shopping guide of items donated by Friday, July 16. Items can be delivered to the Jackson Free Press,or pick-up arranged.

The event is also honoring honorary “Chicks We Love” in the brew pub beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets for the Chick-a-BOOM reception, which include food and drink, are $50.
http://chickaboom-efbevent.eventbrite.com/

The Center for Violence Prevention offers services and support for families in a domestic-violence situation in the Jackson metro area and surrounding communities. The Center has a 24-hour crisis and referral line to assist with immediate needs and trained personnel to provide wide range of references and resources.

Media are invited to attend the event. Please RSVP to get on the media list to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). We encourage advance interviews about domestic abuse in the area, especially focusing on the legal challenges.

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