Tag Archive for: domestic violence awareness month

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CAPSA’s Annual Wine Pairing: A Night of Fine Dining, Community, and Tribute

Every fall, community members gather for one of CAPSA’s most anticipated events of the year: the Annual Wine Pairing Dinner. Held at the beautiful Logan Country Club, the evening is more than a celebration of fine food and wine. It is a celebration of community, compassion, and the collective effort to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Cache Valley.

This year’s event carries a special meaning. We are dedicating this year’s Wine Pairing to the memory of Mike Parent, a beloved friend of CAPSA and an enthusiastic supporter of this very event. Mike’s passion for winemaking was matched only by his generosity. For nearly twenty years, he bottled his private cabernet sauvignon, crafted from grapes grown at a family friend’s vineyard in California’s Alexander Valley. Each fall, his family would gather from across the country to help with the bottling, turning it into a cherished tradition. Mike donated much of his wine to charitable causes, including CAPSA, where it helped raise thousands of dollars to support survivors.

Tragically, Mike passed away this past July. While his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit, generosity, and love for both wine and community will be felt throughout this year’s pairing. Hosting this event in his honor is both a tribute and a reminder of the power of individuals who choose to make a difference in their community.

A Tradition of Excellence

CAPSA’s Wine Pairing has become a cherished annual tradition for the organization, bringing together community members, businesses, and advocates to raise critical funds for our mission. Each year, thousands of dollars are raised to support CAPSA’s life-saving services, which include emergency shelter, therapy, housing assistance, and advocacy for survivors.

One of the elements that makes the Wine Pairing so remarkable is its consistency and quality. The event has been routinely hosted at the Logan Country Club, a venue that provides an intimate and elegant atmosphere perfectly suited for an evening of connection and generosity. Each year, CAPSA partners with Justin Hamilton and his team atOff-Premise Catering, who design and execute a truly unforgettable meal.

Guests are treated to a five-course meal, each course carefully paired with a selection of fine wines. From the thoughtful presentation to the robust flavors, every detail is crafted to delight and surprise. For many attendees, the Wine Pairing is not only an opportunity to support a cause close to their hearts but also a highlight on their culinary calendar.

Stories That Inspire

While the food and wine provide a memorable experience, the heart of the Wine Pairing lies in the stories shared during the evening. Each year, Jill Anderson, CAPSA’s Executive Director, speaks to the audience. She shares real stories of real survivors: women, men, and children whose lives have been forever changed through CAPSA’s programs and services. These stories are raw, emotional, and deeply moving.

There is a moment, every year, when the room goes quiet. Wine glasses are set down, forks rest on plates, and every heart in the room turns toward the stories of survival and resilience. It is in these moments that the need for CAPSA becomes undeniable. The services CAPSA provides are not abstract. They are lifelines for people in our very own community.

The generosity that follows is always overwhelming. Year after year, attendees give from their hearts, whether through donations, auction bids, or simply spreading the word about CAPSA’s work. The Wine Pairing is proof that when people gather together with a purpose, incredible things can happen.

Why It Matters

Domestic and sexual violence are issues that affect every community, including ours. Survivors need safe shelter, supportive services, and advocacy to rebuild their lives. CAPSA provides all of this and more, but we cannot do it alone. Events like the Wine Pairing allow CAPSA to continue offering these vital services free of charge to survivors and their families.

The need speaks for itself. Each story shared at the Wine Pairing is a reminder that behind every statistic is a person. Someone’s daughter, son, friend, or neighbor. Attending the event, donating, or supporting CAPSA in any way is not only an act of generosity but also an act of solidarity with survivors.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for this year’s Wine Pairing, we invite our community to join us in honoring Mike Parent’s legacy, enjoying an evening of incredible food and wine, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors.

Together, we can ensure that CAPSA remains a place of safety and a source of hope. Together, we can celebrate community and generosity. And together, we can raise a glass to Mike, to survivors, and to a future free from violence.

Join Us October 24th

Tickets are still available for this year’s Wine Pairing, and we would love to have you join us for this meaningful evening. Seating is limited, and this event has sold out in the past, so we encourage you to reserve your spot. Tickets can be purchased online at capsa.org/wine, where you’ll also find more details about the event. Every ticket purchased helps CAPSA continue providing life-saving services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse in our community.

Join the Purple Promise: Take a Stand This Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) brings communities together to honor survivors, raise awareness, and inspire action. This year, CAPSA invites local businesses and organizations to take part in a powerful new movement: the Purple Promise.

The Purple Promise is more than a pledge; it’s a commitment to help end domestic violence and build a safer, stronger community for everyone. By joining, your business becomes a visible ally in the fight to create a future free from abuse.

What the Purple Promise Means

When your business makes the Purple Promise, you’re standing side by side with survivors, advocates, and community members who believe that safety, respect, and compassion should be universal.

By taking the Purple Promise, you pledge to:

1. Stand for Safety

You affirm your support for survivors and your dedication to promoting healthy, respectful relationships. Domestic violence affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. By taking a public stand, your business sends a powerful message that everyone deserves to live free from fear and harm.

2. Strengthen Community

Your commitment helps fund CAPSA’s life-saving programs: from emergency shelter for families escaping abuse, to counseling, advocacy, and prevention education that breaks the cycle of violence. Every contribution helps provide safety and hope to someone in need right here in Northern Utah and Southeast Idaho.

3. Show Your Colors

Purple is the color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It’s a symbol of courage, survival, and peace. By displaying purple ribbons or signage in your business, you help raise awareness and encourage others to join the cause. When your customers see purple, they’ll know your business stands for safety and compassion.

A Powerful Way to Give Back

Businesses that take the Purple Promise are invited to contribute $1,000 (or more) as a Purple Promise Partner. This partnership directly funds CAPSA’s critical services and programs, ensuring that survivors in our community have the support they need to heal and rebuild.

Your generous contribution provides:

  • Emergency Shelter – Safe, confidential shelter for individuals and families escaping danger.

  • Counseling and Advocacy Services – Professional support that helps survivors navigate their healing journey.

  • Clinical Therapy and Support Groups – CAPSA clinical therapists are trauma-informed experts in treating anxiety, depression, and other disorders associated with abuse. CAPSA offers free and confidential clinical therapy and support groups for adults, teens, and children.

  • Prevention Education – School and community programs that teach healthy relationship skills and prevent future violence.

Every dollar makes a tangible difference in someone’s life. When your business joins the Purple Promise, you’re not just donating. You’re helping save lives.

Recognition for Purple Promise Partners

To thank our Purple Promise Partners for their compassion and leadership, CAPSA offers several forms of recognition throughout the month of October:

  • Website & Social Media Recognition – Your business will be featured on CAPSA’s website and social media channels during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlighting your commitment to ending abuse.

  • Purple Promise Window Decal & Digital Badge – Display your support proudly with a custom Purple Promise decal for your storefront and a digital badge to share online. These materials show your customers that you care about creating a safer community.

  • Optional Training – CAPSA staff can visit your business to provide an optional on-site presentation, offering education on recognizing signs of abuse, supporting survivors, and building a culture of safety. To schedule a training, please reach out to kara@capsa.org, and we’d be happy to coordinate those details.

By joining the Purple Promise, your business becomes part of a visible movement that encourages others to take action. Together, we can turn awareness into lasting change.

Why Your Support Matters

Domestic violence is more common than many realize, and it affects every community. Survivors often face overwhelming barriers when trying to escape abuse, from financial hardship to social stigma. CAPSA provides free, confidential support to help survivors find safety, healing, and hope.

When local businesses stand behind this mission, it sends a strong message that our community does not tolerate abuse and that survivors are supported, believed, and valued. Your participation in the Purple Promise helps sustain the programs that make this vision possible.

Make Your Purple Promise Today

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, join CAPSA in making a difference. Become a Purple Promise Partner and take a stand against domestic violence. Your pledge represents compassion, leadership, and community strength.

Let’s work together to shine a light of hope and create a community free from violence.

 

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Light the Night with CAPSA: Shining Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Cache Valley

Every October, communities across the country come together to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). It’s a time to raise awareness, show support for survivors, and take a stand against abuse in all its forms. Here in Cache Valley, CAPSA is proud to kick off DVAM with our annual Light the Night event. This powerful community gathering will take place on Wednesday, October 1st, at the Cache County Historic Courthouse, and we invite everyone in our community to join us as the purple lights come on across downtown Logan, displaying awareness and support for survivors of domestic violence.

What is CAPSA’s Light the Night Event?

CAPSA’s Light the Night is more than just a kickoff to Domestic Violence Awareness Month—it’s an opportunity for our entire community to come together with hope and purpose. On the first night of October, the Cache County Historic Courthouse and the surrounding downtown area will glow with purple lights, the official color of domestic violence awareness.

This event is designed to be both meaningful and uplifting. Families, friends, survivors, and supporters are invited to gather, enjoy purple-themed activities, and watch the valley shine in purple as a symbol of unity. By attending, you’re not only helping raise awareness but also showing survivors that they are not alone and that Cache Valley stands with them.

This year’s Light the Night will include:

  • Purple refreshments for guests to enjoy while mingling.

  • Luminary decorating, where participants of all ages can create hopeful, supportive messages. These luminaries will light up the grounds as the sun goes down.

  • The exciting moment when the downtown Logan purple lights are officially turned on, marking the beginning of DVAM in Cache Valley.

Why Purple Lights for DVAM?

Purple is the national color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, symbolizing courage, survival, and peace. Across the U.S., communities light landmarks and buildings in purple to demonstrate their commitment to ending domestic violence.

Here in Cache Valley, the purple lights surrounding the Cache County Historic Courthouse are more than decoration—they are a message of solidarity. They let survivors know that their community sees them, believes them, and supports their healing. They also serve as a reminder to everyone in Cache Valley that domestic violence is not a private issue—it’s a community issue, and we all play a role in ending it.

When you walk or drive through downtown Logan during October and see the purple lights, you’ll know that our valley is united in supporting survivors and working toward a safer future for everyone.

Why Attend Light the Night?

Attending Light the Night with CAPSA is a way to turn awareness into action. The event is free, family-friendly, and open to everyone. By showing up, you send a powerful message: that you care about survivors, that you want to learn more, and that you are committed to helping end domestic violence in Cache Valley.

The event also creates an opportunity for important conversations. Many people in our community have been personally impacted by domestic violence, whether they know it or not. DVAM is a time to break the silence, reduce stigma, and remind survivors that help is available. CAPSA provides free and confidential services year-round, but awareness events like Light the Night amplify our mission and extend our reach.

How You Can Get Involved Beyond the Event

Coming to Light the Night is a great first step, but there are other ways you can support survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month:

  • Wear purple throughout October to raise awareness.

  • Share photos of the Cache Valley purple lights on social media with hashtags like #DVAM and #CAPSA.

  • Talk to your family, friends, and coworkers about domestic violence and available resources.

  • Learn more about CAPSA’s services and volunteer opportunities at capsa.org.

Join Us in Lighting the Night Purple

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 1st, at the Logan Historic Courthouse. Come decorate a luminary, enjoy a purple refreshment, and be part of the moment when Cache Valley shines purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Together, we can create a safer, more supportive community where survivors are empowered to heal and thrive.

Join CAPSA, your neighbors, and community leaders as we Light the Night purple—because every light matters, every survivor matters, and together we are stronger.

For more information about CAPSA, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, or how you can support survivors in Cache Valley, visit capsa.org.

You Matter: A Message for Survivors

As we enter the month of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we at CAPSA want to remind you: you are not alone, and you matter. Whether you’ve experienced domestic violence or any form of abuse, know that we are here to support you because your safety, healing, and future are important to us.

You deserve to live in safety. You deserve to heal. No matter where you are on your path—whether you’ve just started reaching out for help or you’ve been working through your trauma for years—our team is here to stand by you. At CAPSA, you matter.

We see you. Your experiences, your pain, and your resilience matter. Your life, your story, and your future matter to us. There is nothing more important than making sure you feel supported, understood, and safe as you move toward healing.

You are worthy of safety, love, and respect. You matter. If you feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or lost, know that CAPSA is here because you deserve support. We are committed to standing with you, no matter what you’ve faced or are currently going through.

Healing can be a difficult journey, but you don’t have to take it alone. CAPSA is here for you because you matter. Every person who walks through our doors is valued, and we are ready to provide the resources, care, and community you need.

If you ever doubt your worth, remember this: you deserve safety and support because you matter. Your story is important. Your life is valuable. And at CAPSA, we will continue to be here for you, every step of the way.

You matter. And we are here for you.