On Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, Berks Women in Crisis (BWIC) will hold the ninth annual Celebration of Peace, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Yashek Social Hall of the Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, Wyomissing.
The event, a fundraiser for the agency, is co-hosted by Heidi B. Masano, Esq., and Carol Pinkasavage, and will include the presentation of the Voices for Change Awards.
The Voices for Change Awards are presented annually by BWIC to individuals or organizations whose work has made a significant contribution to further the agency’s mission: BWIC provides a safe haven and ongoing support system for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our advocacy and education programs increase awareness and promote the prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault, and all forms of oppression.
This year’s honorees are Douglas Rauch, Esq., and Tracy Schott. Mr. Rauch, a native of Lebanon County, has served as a BWIC Board Member for thirteen years, and is a past president of the Board. He was instrumental in shepherding the agency through a major Capital Campaign that resulted in the opening of the new BWIC Center in 2012. Mr. Rauch, who has practiced law in Berks County since 1989, is a principal owner in the local law firm Georgeadis Setley. He concentrates his practice in business law, finance, and municipal law.
The second honoree is Tracy Schott, a local director/documentary filmmaker, and owner of Schott Productions. Ms. Schott is about to wrap production on her documentary film, Finding Jenn’s Voice, which tells the story of Jennifer Snyder, a Lehigh County resident who was murdered by her former boyfriend in 2011. The film will shine the light on the fact that domestic violence homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women in the U.S. In addition to Finding Jenn’s Voice, Tracy’s work includes production of non-profit and corporate videos, live theatrical productions, event production, broadcast programming, television commercials and still photography.
Pennsylvania State Senator Judy Schwank, a staunch advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Senate, will attend the event and present the award recipients PA Senate proclamations.
For the fifth year, Penn National Gaming is the major corporate sponsor of the Celebration of Peace. Additional major sponsors include the Berks County Bar Association; Boscov’s; Carpenter Technology; Customer’s Bank; Georgeadis Setley and Concord Public Finance; Masano Bradley LLP; Reinsel, Kuntz, Lesher; and Samuel Adams Brewing Company. The event will feature jazz by Josh Taylor, Chris Heslop and Trey LaRue; food and wine by Celebrated Occasions, and desserts by Sweet Street Desserts.
Berks Women in Crisis, founded in 1976, is the designated provider of support and services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Berks County. Programs include Crisis Services (emergency shelter, Rapid Response and Medical Advocacy, and 24-Hour Hotlines in English and Spanish), Counseling, Legal Services, Transitional Housing, Education and Community Outreach, and Systems Advocacy. Agency offices and services are located at 255 Chestnut Street, Reading. www.berkswomenincrisis.org
