October 28, 2011 — More than 200 guests attended Maryland’s largest disco event at the Westin Annapolis last Friday night, helping to raise $100,000 at the sold out 2011 YWCA Disco Magic Gala.  The proceeds from this annual event fund the YWCA’s domestic violence support programs, including Arden House which is Anne Arundel County’s only domestic violence safe house.  A special live auction called “fund-a-cause” held during the event raised enough money to renovate the pre-disco era kitchen at Arden House which accommodates up to 21 residents.  The kitchen design, donated by Purple Cherry Architects who is known for purposeful architecture, will allow for multiple families to prepare meals concurrently.

Domestic Violence Awareness month began in 1987, and since then, every October the YWCA organizes and supports outreach activities to highlight the severity of domestic violence in Anne Arundel County.  “Most people are startled when they learn that one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and that between 30-60% of those who abuse their intimate partner also abuse children in the home,” said Molly Knipe, executive director of the YWCA of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, in a release.  ““It is imperative that victims hear there are options for leaving an abusive situation.  The YWCA’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline (410-222-6800) helps DV victims – male and female – by offering shelter, legal services and advocacy, information and support.”

A private, nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization serving women and families, the YWCA provides services and programs focused on crisis intervention for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, legal and counseling services, and mentoring at-risk youth.