Be Loud at KCSARC’s 2013 Breakfast!
‘BE LOUD’ was this morning’s theme of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) annual fundraising breakfast. And it was terrific! About 800 people packed the ballroom at the Westin Hotel to join the campaign against sexual assault, and help KCSARC raise money so that victims of sexual assault can receive the treatment they need without having to pay. We are so lucky to have the leadership that KCSARC provides in this region. Not every city has an agency like KCSARC, that helps people through counseling, legal advocacy, and education.
Executive Director Mary Ellen Stone told us how much progress has been made, but there is still so much more to do! Coming up, April is Sexual Assault Month, and KCSARC is encouraging everyone to “begin the conversation” in different ways.
Being loud means making sure that victims and their families who need help because of a sexual assault can receive it. Between 30-40% of the victims who want therapy from KCSARCs cannot receive it because there aren’t have enough therapists.
Being loud is supporting innovation that works, like KCSARC’s work with homeless youth who are also victims of sexual assault and trafficking. The Phoenix project, in partnership with Youth Care is helping perhaps 20% of the need.
KCSARC asked attendees to wear ‘Be Loud’ buttons for the next week, to help spark conversations about what we all can be doing to stop sexual assault. And just having the conversations with your children — what’s okay, and what isn’t — is a great place to start.
A big ‘shout out’ to today’s speakers — Lexie, a spirited young woman who survived assault and shared her riveting story with the audience. I know she will go on to do great things, and be a voice for others who do not have the courage to speak for themselves. And for Sue, a talented doctor who’s courage in sharing her story of healing, had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Alix Compton and DeeAnn Yamamoto, KCSARC staff, who are so gracious and generous in giving of themselves to help others — I just can’t say enough.
This is the 11th year I have emceed this breakfast, and it was one of the best yet! This morning’s breakfast has raised $345,000 (and counting). If you haven’t attended a KCSARC breakfast, put it on your calendar for next year. The inspiration you receive, and the help you provide are what make this community great.
Margo Myers, Principal
