Domestic violence victim advocates and law enforcement come together for Black and White Ball

The 14th-annual event benefited the Friends of Flagler and in turn the victim advocates at local police agencies and nonprofits.

  • By Paige Wilson
  • | 12:00 p.m. November 20, 2017
  • Palm Coast Observer
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The “Tree of Expression” was unveiled at the 14th-annual Black and White Ball to show support for the Friends of Flagler and their efforts to help domestic violence victims.

Local sheriffs and advocates had written quotes and original thoughts on the tree's green leaves, and guests were encouraged to add to the leaves throughout the ball at the Italian American Social Club on Saturday, Nov. 18.

While the ball is usually held in October to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it was delayed this year due to a search for a venue. About 100 people attended to raise $656. Last year, the ball raised about $1,000, said Donna Kearney, a Friends of Flagler founder and victim advocate with the Flagler Beach Police Department.

“The money will be given to the advocates for out-of-the-box things like changing people’s locks once the offender is gone to keep them as safe as possible, maybe filing court papers they couldn’t afford to file, things that maybe other resources couldn’t give to,” Kearney said.

Kearney, Roe Barletta and Wendy Cruikshank formed the Friends of Flagler in May 2012. Now, they’re supporting victim advocates from the Bunnell Police Department, Family Life Center, Office of the State Attorney Circuit 7 Flagler County, Flagler Beach Police Department and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office to work toward the same goal of going the extra mile for victims of domestic violence.

“We try to help the victims in any way we possibly could,” Kearney said. “Most victims can’t financially get out of the situation, so that’s our goal, to help them with that.”

In an effort to involve the community more, the Flagler County Advocate Alliance held a poetry contest, and the winner, Matanzas High School junior Emily Wise, won a $250 gift card and the pride of her poem being displayed on the Tree of Expression. Wise read her poem, “The Significance of Expression,” during the event before being presented with her prize by the president of the advocate alliance, Michelle Ficocello.

 

 

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