2023 Evening Over Violence: Thank you!
POV held our annual Evening Over Violence gala on October 26, 2023, at the Taglyan Cultural Center in Hollywood. 275 supporters, community leaders, staff, and volunteers were there to celebrate this year's theme of Empowered Protection.
The night began in Taglyan’s dazzling courtyard, where guests enjoyed cocktails (including our signature POV Pom Pom), walked the red carpet, posed for photos at our step-and-repeat, and tried their luck at our opportunity drawing.
Board President Mayanka Melville opened the evening by introducing POV's mission and commitment to survivor services, prevention, and education.
Performance artist & activist Kristina Wong received the first honor of the night--the Social Justice Humanitarian Award presented by Glen Curado, founder & CEO of World Harvest Food Bank.
Tony Porter, CEO of anti-violence nonprofit A Call to Men, was presented with the Visionary Humanitarian Award by A Call to Men's Chief Communications Officer Kimya Motley, for his efforts to educate men and boys about domestic violence prevention.
This year, POV Executive Director/CEO Patti Giggans celebrated her 40th anniversary with the organization. She spoke about the evening's theme, Empowered Protection, and the vital need for education as a tool of self-empowerment for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. She also recognized POV staff & volunteers for their work in violence prevention, education, and survivor advocacy.
As always, the Taglyan provided a delicious multi-course meal for the event, along with family-style appetizers and drinks. After dinner, guests enjoyed a musical performance by LA County High School for the Arts students Natalia Gonzalez & Margo Kuzina.
The next honoree was Debra Duardo, MSW, Ed.D., LA County Superintendent of Schools. Sheila Kuehl, former LA County Board of Supervisors, presented her with the Education Humanitarian Award.
The final award--the Advocacy Humanitarian Award--was presented to sisters Senator Susan Rubio (CA 22nd District) and Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (CA 48th District), for the great strides they have made to protect survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This award was presented by child safety advocate Ana Estevez, who spoke on her personal experiences with the Rubio sisters as advocates, culminating in the recent passing of Piqui's Law, and important step forward in protecting children from domestic violence.
Kristina Wong took the stage again with POV's very own Anne Bagasao to offer guests the opportunity to support our organization as we look to next year and beyond. And lastly, the opportunity drawing winners were pulled, ending the evening.
And with that, another fantastic Evening Over Violence is in the books. This was truly a celebration of community, advocacy, and empowerment, and we thank everyone who supported this event and continue to support POV on our mission to end DV.