In addition to information tables hosted by partner agencies, several speakers shared their perspective on family violence and the critical importance of the many services offered at the FJCSC. Among the speakers were Katie Jackson of Jackson Family Wines; Shirlee Zane, Chair, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors; Madeleine Keegan O’Connell, Executive Director of the YWCA Sonoma County; District Attorney Jill Ravitch; and Gloria Eurotas, FJCSC Executive Director. State Assembly Member Wesley Chesbro presented a California State Legislature Certificate of Recognition honoring the FJCSC’s one year anniversary celebration signed by him and Senator Noreen Evans.
The moving keynote speech was given by Lori Burleson. Her sister, Kimberly Baucom (Conover), elementary teacher at Meadow School in Petaluma and mother of four, was trying to get free of her abusive husband when he shot her to death and then killed himself in April. Lori shared her and her sister’s story in an effort to raise awareness about family violence – and pointed out how essential the FJCSC services are to our community. It is her hope that no other victim of domestic violence experiences what her sister did, and that no further lives are lost due to family violence.
Thank you to all who came to the celebration, and our many generous sponsors. Several donations were received that day, the most significant of which was $10,000 from Shirley Milligan – thank you, Shirley! A special thank you also to Whole Foods Markets for donating excellent refreshments and catering services.
