CASDA fundraisers feature music, exercise

The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse has something old, something new, something donated and something blue in the works. Two fundraisers for the center this weekend will offer music and fresh air, while events planned for October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, include a bridge march, donation drive and art display.

“This is a busy time for CASDA,” said assistant director Erika Leif.

The annual CASDA Walk/Run to End Abuse takes place Saturday. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Barker’s Island Parking Lot.

A concert for CASDA featuring singer/songwriter Kim Storm and the Holy Assumption Folk Choir will take place at 6 p.m. Sunday at Holy Assumption Church, 5601 Tower Ave. The new event is the brainchild of Storm and her friend, Barb Hoag.

“It’s for the best of causes, to support CASDA and the community,” Storm said. “It’s a fine way to show support.”

The event will feature music from Storm’s 1998 album “Warrior Woman.”

“It was such powerful music when I heard it,” Hoag said. The songs are “eerie, chilling but real life. It’s about what somebody’s really going through.”

Storm has 17 years of experience working with victims of sexual and domestic abuse. She admitted the lyrics don’t sugar-coat the issue. Her intent is to strike a chord with people, helping them really see, and feel, the problem.

“If someone understands, maybe they can reach out to someone else,” Hoag said.

The choir, which has been singing for 42 years, will provide more uplifting numbers, such as “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” and “You Raise Me Up.”

Hoag approached CASDA about their plan to hold the concert.

“She came in and said ‘I want to do something to help,’” Leif said. “It’s a great idea. We were excited.”

Although she has gone on to produce folk music, Storm said “Warrior Woman” will remain one of the most important things she has done.

“In the end it’s about education people about many different things,” she said. “I think music is one of the most powerful tools we have.” There is no cost to attend the concert, but a freewill offering will be taken for CASDA.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month kicks off with a march over the Bong Bridge on Wednesday. Participants are to meet at 3:30 in the parking lot of the Shack Restaurant. They will march to the middle of the bridge and meet marchers from Duluth. Following a short ceremony to remember the lives lost to domestic violence – including 40 lives lost in Wisconsin to domestic violence last year – the marchers will return to the Shack parking lot for a join proclamation from Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen and Duluth Mayor Don Ness. Leif said a cohesive Twin Ports event was a great idea. Agencies on both sides of the bridge work closely together to provide safety for victims.

“We’re all working toward the same goal, eradicating violence,” Leif said.

A donation drive for CASDA will be held from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 11-13 at the East End Super One. Paper and cleaning products are always needed, Leif said.

An art show featuring works by domestic abuse survivors will be exhibited on the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus from Oct. 1-15 and Superior Council for the Arts Gallery from Oct. 23-Nov. 15.

The Harbor City Roller Dames, who sport blue and black jerseys, will donate all the proceeds from their season opener bout Oct. 13 against the Dagger Dolls of St. Paul, Minn. to CASDA.

“As a league, it’s part of our mission to work to give back to our community by making donations and taking part in events that benefit local charitable, non-profit organizations,” said Laura Gapske, a member of the roller derby team.

Members of the Dameshave teamed up to raise funds for Saturday’s walk/run and will be skating in the event.

“The Dames appreciated the positive and on-going relationship with CASDA through volunteers from the league assisting with moving and participating in the Walk/Run the past two years,” Gapske said. “The HCRD’s Board Members to elected CASDA as the charity for the first bout of the season with a unanimous vote.”

CASDA, which moved to 318 21st Ave. E. in February, has sheltered 38 women and 40 children from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, a dramatic increase compared to previous years. The reduced amount of shelter space available has caused the agency to turn away 79 women and 69 children during that same time. The agency as a whole has worked with more than 300 individuals, also slightly less than previous years due to the temporary downsize in shelter space.

While the agency is still taking donations for its capital campaign to renovate the East End building to accommodate 10 families, staff members are also focusing on the raft of upcoming events.

At some time in their lives, Leif said, most people will know someone who has been or is a victim of domestic or sexual abuse. And everyone can make a difference by offering non-judgmental support and helping those in need find resources.

“Support, believe, validate,” Leif said, and connect them with services.

People can also help change the culture. When a situation oppresses anyone, she said, even if it’s a joke, don’t be a bystander. Intervene, and let people know that kind of behavior is not OK.

For a more active role, volunteer opportunities are available through CASDA. To learn more about the agency or volunteer opportunities, call (715) 392-3136 or look up the website at http://www.casda.org/.

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