Help Survivors Of Sexual And Domestic Violence Through The Riverview Center This Weekend

This morning we talked to Jedd Spidell, Director of Development for The Riverview Center about a special fundraising event happening this weekend.

If you've not heard of them, The Riverview Center has been around since 1992. They work out of Dubuque but they actually serve 14 counties in Eastern Iowa and 2 in Western Illinois. They provide free and confidential services to survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse. There are offices in Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Decorah, Galena and Mount Carroll.

While we'd like to think there isn't a great need for an organization like The Riverview Center, sadly, there is.

Jedd said it's difficult to put a number to their services as they serve so many areas, whether it's through their 24-hour crisis line or through their advocacy services. On a year-to-year basis, they usually see between 200 and 500 survivors.

This Friday and Saturday (7/23 and 7/24), The Riverview Center is hosting a special fundraising event at 7 Hills Brewing Company Event Center, at 1098 Jackson Street in Dubuque.

The fun starts at 6pm Friday with The Riverview Center's "Hope and Healing Gallery." It's an exciting event showcasing local artists with work focused on healing and perseverance that shines a light on sexual and domestic violence.

The event is being curated by local artist Allison Poster, who is a survivor herself. She has shared her story through a number of art shows that she's done and has talked about how she uses art as a healing mechanism to move past her own trauma.

This gallery will feature 33 artists who will showcase their work this weekend.

The event will also feature a fully stocked bar, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction featuring some of the incredible work from the artists. All proceeds from the event will allow The Riverview Center to continue to provide 100% free and confidential services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Tickets will be $10 in advance or $15 at the door and can be purchased now on their FACEBOOK page or WEBSITE.

The event runs Friday from 6 to 10pm, Saturday from 6 to 10pm and then will have a general opening from July 25th to the 28th from 4 to 8pm.

Best of luck to Jedd and the rest of the crew at The Riverview Center.

~Chris Farber