FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 11, 2014

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Susheela Varky was honored with the 2014 Beacon of Hope award in a ceremony held Saturday, November 8 at Willow Oaks Country Club. Guests enjoyed a night of twinkling holiday decorations, handmade artisan trees and wreaths, and live and silent auctions to benefit Safe Harbor.

Ms. Varky was recognized with the Beacon of Hope award for her work on the front lines of sexual and domestic violence. She provides legal services to individuals affected by these complicated issues as a staff attorney with the Virginia Poverty Law Center, the statewide support organization for local legal aid offices in Virginia.

A dozen generous organizations and individuals sponsored the event: McGeorge Toyota, UPS, Dominion, Car Pool, Redmond Asset Management, Ariya Family Chiropractic Centers, Jack and Brett McNamee, rvabUSED, Accumark, Pipevision, Master Graphics and the Premier Companies.

P1010105Special thanks to Kat Simons and Sara Harrison-Borum, who graciously served as the Mistresses of Ceremony for the evening. Willow Oaks Country Club provided delicious hors d’oeuvres and a festively decorated space for the occasion. The support of these community partners made the evening possible.

Remarks for the evening were provided by Safe Harbor Board of Directors members Betsy Williams and Claire Sheppard, the 2013 Beacon of Hope honoree Beth Bonniwell and Safe Harbor Board President Mary Catharine Kolbert. Carol Maddock, Treasurer of Safe Harbor’s Board of Directors, served as auctioneer at the end of the evening.

P1010001The 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:

  • 2009 — Mrs. Sheryl Robins Nolt
  • 2010 — Ms. Deb Downing
  • 2011 — Mrs. Lora M. Robins
  • 2012 — Ms. Susan Thweatt
  • 2013 — Ms. Beth Bonniwell

Special thanks to all the hardworking staff, Board members, volunteers and friends of Safe Harbor who made this event possible. To see more pictures from the event, please visit our photo album.

Click to view the official Beacon of Hope Press Release.