Beth Bonniwell with Safe Harbor’s Kathleen Demro
Beth Bonniwell was honored with the 2013 Beacon of Hope award in a ceremony held Thursday, October 17 at Confederate Hills Recreation Center. The Altria Group Distribution Company was also recognized for their contributions to Safe Harbor’s Safe Houses program.
Beth Bonniwell has served as an advocate for those impacted by sexual and domestic violence while also working to enhance our community’s response to these issues. She is currently employed by the Henrico Division of Police and has also worked at Greater Richmond SCAN, VCU School of Social Work and Chesterfield County Community Corrections.
Altria Group Distribution Company representatives with Safe Harbor’s Angela Bridgeforth and Jodi Leonard
The Altria Group Distribution Company has provided countless hours of service to beautify Safe Harbor’s Safe Houses and to assist the residents. This group consistently goes “above and beyond” to support those residing in Safe Harbor’s emergency shelter.
Hope Sponsors for the event were Car Pool and Pella. Henrico County Board of Supervisor Frank Thorton sponsored the space for the event.
Food for the evening was provided lovingly by Beth’s friends and family including Karen Cullen, Lisa Furr, Jane Hardell, Paula Kuptas, Sharon Lindsay, and Susan Umidi. Pasture also donated pimento cheese for the affair. Additional food for the event was provided by Martin’s Foods.
Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas, Beth Bonniwell, Henrico Division of Police Chief Douglas Middleton and Henrico County Board of Supervisor Member Frank Thorton
Remarks for the evening were provided by Safe Harbor Executive Director Kathleen Demro, Safe Harbor Director of Development and Community Relations Jodi Leonard, 2012 Beacon of Hope honoree Susan Thweatt, Henrico Division of Police Chief Douglas Middleton and Safe Harbor Board of Directors President Catherine Hill.
To see more pictures from the event, please visit our Facebook photo album.
Beacon of Hope is awarded annually to an individual or group who has been instrumental in empowering survivors of sexual and domestic violence and/or promoting healthy relationships for all. Previous honorees include:
- 2007 — Dr. Joe Niamtu
- 2008 — Bon Secours Health Systems
- 2009 — Mrs. Sheryl Robins Nolt
- 2010 — Ms. Deb Downing
- 2011 — Mrs. Lora M. Robins
- 2012 — Ms. Susan Thweatt
For more information, please contact Angela Verdery (angelav@safeharborshelter.com).