Published: September 29, 2008 07:52 am      

Ravine concert to highlight domestic violence awareness

Live music and community will highlight a sadly common problem — domestic abuse.

Hope’s Wings Domestic Violence Program is sponsoring a concert on Saturday in The Ravine at Eastern Kentucky University to promote community awareness of domestic violence in a friendly, fun environment.

“The Ravine is a beautiful amphitheater,” said Robyn Moreland, executive director of Hope’s Wings Domestic Violence Program. “It is a perfect location for an outdoor concert.” 

While Moreland’s mission is serious, she hopes this concert can be both informational and entertaining.

“There will be information booths set up, college departments with literature and resource information for concert-goers,” Moreland said. “However, the event is intended to be a fun evening, with great music for a great mission, to promote awareness of domestic violence awareness month and the upcoming opening of Madison Counties newest shelter for women and children — Hope’s Wings.”

The shelter is anticipated to open by the end of October.

“Hope’s Wings will be having residents soon,” Moreland said. “Therefore, we are in need of monetary donations that will go to purchase food, clothing, school supplies and other needs for residents. Our goal for shelter residents is to help them begin planning for independent living as soon as the enter the shelter. Therefore monetary donations to assist with paying deposits, rent and educational expenses will be very much needed.”

The benefit concert is open to both EKU students and the Madison County community and Moreland hopes it will be the beginning of a beginning tradition.

“I must give a big thanks to our Family Court Judge Jeff Walson for his participation in this event,” Moreland said. “He has been interested in doing a fundraiser for Hope’s Wings with his band Centerline for some time now. We set the date months ago and due to my time constraints in trying to open the shelter, I didn’t have the time to plan a fundraiser. 

“So, we decided to do a free concert for awareness of Domestic Violence Awareness Month instead and invite the entire community to participate. I hope we can make this an annual event in the month of October,” she said.

The concert is scheduled for rain or shine.

“We hope the community can come together for a great cause and hear some great music, and send a message that our community cares about victims of domestic violence and will not tolerate abuse in our community,” Moreland said.

Bands scheduled include Dying Scarlet, set to play at 5 p.m., Centerline, scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and Faded Blue, taking the stage at 8:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to anyone in the community and is being sponsored by Hope’s Wings Domestic Violence Program, Madison County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council, EKU Department for Women and Gender Studies, Multi-Cultural Affairs and Dept. of Anthropology, Sociology, Social Work and University Book and Supply. Madison Bank will be selling raffle tickets for the playhouse on display in front of Richmond City Hall.

Canned food, gift cards or monetary donations are encouraged but not mandatory. All donations will benefit Hope’s Wings. 

For more information about the shelter, call 623-4095 or toll free at 1-877-HOPE-040.

Heather Harris can be reached at hharris@richmondregister.com or by phone at 624-6694 or 893-2341.