If you are into food and wine, I’ve got just the event for you. For a second year, the Taste of HAVEN will bring the Bozeman community together in the fight against domestic violence and to enjoy some of the finest fare the area has to offer.

“This is not a sit-down, stuffy event,” says HAVEN Development Coordinator Elizabeth Porth. “Our guests will be able to mingle, socialize and network while supporting a great cause.”

Last April, over 150 HAVEN supporters attended the inaugural event in celebration of thirty years of service to the community. You might be thinking: “Why haven’t I heard of this organization?” You very likely know this group better as The Network Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse.

Recently, the Network underwent a complete name and brand change to reflect what they really are: a safe place for people to talk, to stay, and to heal. HAVEN stands for Healing, Advocacy, Victim Support, Education and New Beginnings.

Nothing says New Beginnings like Springtime in beautiful Bozeman. Bright green grass poking its way through Old Man Winter’s dirty white blanket. Budding flowers releasing a perfume so subtle you have to breathe a little deeper to take it all in. Rushing rivers washing away months – even years – of debris leaving behind fresh crisp water. New life. New beginnings. What a perfect time to celebrate an organization that provides new life and new beginnings to women of the Gallatin Valley.

The soiree this May promises to be as delightful as the last and will feature a tasting of cheeses with each spread paired with appropriate wines. What a great way to learn about food from four of Bozeman’s top caterers including Olivelle, The Emerson Grille, Bountiful Table and The Dinner Biz – Professional Chef Services.

Along with the support of local culinary geniuses, several local sponsors provide the financial foundation to make this event possible. “Even in tough economic times, our area businesses are so supportive,” says Porth. “Bozeman companies care deeply about our community. We take care of our neighbors; no one falls through the cracks and women and children are certainly no exception.”

Event organizers tell me that a number of sponsors are new contributors this year.  Northwestern Mutual, Big Sky Mobile, First Interstate Bank, Macy’s and US Bank are some of those latest investors into HAVEN’s future.

“We wanted to create a partnership with this organization that we have long admired,” said Jennifer Ward, President of the Bozeman Area Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi, a new supporter this year. “We saw this event as a great way to begin to build that relationship.”
And this year, for the very first time, the Bozeman Police Association and Gallatin County Sherriff’s Department have made financial donations to the event.

“With this donation, they are telling us ‘we’re behind you. We support you,’” Porth tells me. The relationship between HAVEN are area law enforcement officials is a strong one.

“They support us, and we support them,” says Adi Flory, Crisis Line Advocate. “We participate in the Citizen’s Academy and they call us on the Crisis Line. We have built a relationship of respect and trust that goes two ways.” It is this relationship that helps HAVEN ensure successes. With the help of the Bozeman Police Department, law enforcement officials in Seattle were able to locate a man who was suspected of murdering a shelter client.  Not all cases of abuse are this extreme but domestic violence is still more prevalent than I had ever imagined.

“Some people have blinders on when it comes to domestic violence,” says Porth. “They don’t want to think about it…it doesn’t happen to them or to people they know.” But you know what? It does. Domestic violence really affects all of us – businesses, employees, neighbors, family and friends. Abuse is happening right here in our peaceful little mountain town.

It is reported that one in four women in the United States will experience an act of domestic violence in her lifetime. In 2010, HAVEN received 2,228 crisis line calls and served 797 unduplicated clients. Those clients are offered a number of services by the HAVEN staff and volunteers including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, a support group, counseling, and community education.
A confidential safe house is available for women and their children when safety is an immediate concern. Assistance is provided for filing protection or restraining orders. Adult and children’s support groups meet weekly to discuss common problems. Counselors specializing in domestic abuse are on call at all times. And HAVEN is educating our community at large on violence prevention. All of these services are provided at no cost to the client.

Organizations like this and many others around the community have historically relied heavily on state and federal grants. With government budgets shrinking, these programs get slashed every year, leaving a gaping funding hole.

And that’s where we – this amazingly charitable Bozeman community – can help. On May 14th, find yourself sipping wine and noshing marvelous cuisine at the Emerson Cultural Center.
“This is a celebration,” says Porth. “Domestic violence is not a happy cause, but it is important for us to get together once a year to celebrate our successes and honor our supporters. This is our time to focus on what is positive with our work – our staff, donors, board members, and volunteers.”

Here’s to those hard-working dedicated volunteers, board members, and staff – including the very new Executive Director, Kristy McFetridge. Welcome her by attending this very special event. And watch for amazing wonderful new beginnings.

WHAT: Taste of HAVEN
WHEN: Saturday, May 14, 2011 6:30 – 10:00 pm
WHERE: Emerson Cultural Center 111 South Grand Avenue, Bozeman
Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased by visiting havenmt.org
or calling 406.586.7689

Chantel McCormick is a resident of Bozeman, Montana and enjoys all of the wonder the community offers, including charity events. She can be reached at montanasocialite@gmail.com.