What do Emmy tickets, The Four Seasons in Georgetown, and the handsome actor Victor Rivers have in common? They are all key components in one of Washington’s most spirited and sophisticated annual fundraising galas, “Last Kiss of summer V,” to be held September 23, 2008, in support of Second Chance Employment Services.
“Last Kiss of Summer V” is an event not to be missed, featuring dining, dancing, and live and silent auctions — all in support of America’s only employment agency exclusively founded to aid victims of domestic abuse.
The event’s keynote speaker, Victor Rivers, an accomplished actor, author and activist, will share his shocking boyhood experience of torture at the hands of an abusive father and explain how he turned this nightmare into a positive, personal mission to put an end to what he calls “our greatest yet most curable social disease.”
Rivers, who has starred in more than two dozen films, (including the dramatic Mask of Zorro, the Incredible Hulk and the hilarious Distinguished Gentleman), delivers a powerful message that shatters the conventional belief that domestic violence is strictly a women’s issue.
This elegant evening will also feature an exclusive auction including tickets to the Academy Awards, rare vacation getaway packages, private Embassy dinners, the finest salon services in Washington, and many more one-of-a-kind opportunities.
Since the inception of the “Last Kiss of Summer” five years ago, more than $500,000 has been raised from auction, ticket, and sponsorship sales to support the programs of Second Chance Employment Services.
Established in 2001 under the inspired vision of Dr. Ludy Green, this innovative non-profit organization provides professional training to “at-risk” women who are victims of domestic abuse. SCES enables victims to attain economic self-sufficiency through meaningful, long-term employment. SCES human resource professionals provide support such as interview skills, etiquette, resume coaching, and job training. Clothing, makeovers, psychological support, plastic surgery, dentistry, legal counseling and more are all provided free of charge by SCES volunteers.
“Our goal is to help infuse these women with a sense of newfound confidence so that they present themselves properly to future employers,” explains Dr. Green. “The only real justice for these victims is financial independence. We work hard to give it to them.”
For information about sponsorships, ticket sales, or auction donations call 703-356-3099. For more information about Second Chance visit www.scesnet.org