Laura's House Brighter Futures Luncheon Raises $106,000 to Help End Domestic Violence

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - May 16, 2018 - PRLog -- Custom-decorated tabletops by Orange County designers created the perfect ambiance for the 220-plus guests who attended the recent Laura's House 3^rd Annual Brighter Futures Luncheon at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach. The event, which raised $106,000 for the organization, featured a keynote on cyber safety by Cyber Cop Clayton Cranford, recognition for Girls Scouts of Orange County and
a 13-year-old budding advocate and philanthropist, as well as a moving testimony by a young survivor of teen dating violence turned advocate.

"The Brighter Futures Luncheon is one of the many ways we are educating the community about domestic violence," said Margaret Bayston, Laura's House CEO and Executive Director. "Through this event, we also want to celebrate what local organizations and young people in our community are doing to help end the cycle of domestic violence. As one of our newer fundraisers, we are thrilled to see that each year we are surrounded by more supporters who attend this event to be a part of our cause."

Clayton Cranford, one of the nation's leading law enforcement educators on social media and child safety, led the conversation on teens and cyber safety. He is the author of "Parenting in a Digital World" and he created Cyber Safety Cop, an Internet and social media safety program that teaches parents and students how to avoid inherent risks of social media. Cranford is the recipient of the 2015 National Bullying Prevention Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council and 2015 American Legion Medal of Merit for his bullying prevention work.

Honoring individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary efforts to advocate and support brighter futures for families served by Laura's House, Brighter Futures awards were presented to:

·         The (https://www.nationalcharityleague.org/who-we-are/) Girl Scouts of Orange County – For more than 105 years, Girl Scouts has focused on giving girls the best leadership development experiences, customized for their unique developmental needs so their confidence increases as they take on new and increasingly challenging leadership roles. Most recently, Laura's House collaborated with Girl Scouts of Orange County as an approved program provider, offering its Healthy, Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships Today (H.E.A.R.T) workshop quarterly to Girl Scout Cadettes and Girl Scout Seniors. Vikki Shepp, CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

·         Ali Shimabuku – This young advocate was recognized for her leadership, commitment, advocacy and support for the mission of Laura's House. Shimabuku turned her milestone 13^th birthday into a philanthropic experience for all who attended her party. In lieu of gifts, she encouraged her guests to buy items for the Laura's House emergency shelter. She also invited the Laura's House Prevention and Education team to educate her guests about the organization's programs and services.

Honorary Chair Anne MacPherson, a Laura's House board member and well-known community philanthropist, led a group of enthusiastic table hosts including board members Laura Khouri, Cheryl Osborn and Casey Wolin, Pat McAuley and Joann Leatherby, in addition to Patty Bucklen and Kara Casola, Laura & Mark Feld, RD Olson Development, Joan Garnett, Linda Kearns.

Local designers, who custom-designed each tabletop with elaborate and sometimes whimsical displays inspired by the brighter futures theme, included: The Hive; Serena and Lily; Pottery Barn; Couture Flowers; Jenni Kayne; Girl Scouts of Orange County; and Balboa Bay Resort. Guests had the opportunity to vote on tables that they felt best fit three categories, "Most Creative", "Most Heartfelt" and "Most Inspiring".

The event also included an opportunity drawing with gifts from Balboa Bay Resort, Bar Method, David Yurman, Drybar, Dynamic Wellness, Gorjana Jewerly, Grit Cycle Monarch Beach, Jenni Kayne, Madison Salon, OrangeTwist, Pelican Hill Resort, Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage, South Coast Plaza and Velvet.

Throughout the year, Laura's House raises awareness and educates the community about domestic violence via a host of initiatives, including the annual HOPE Golf Tournament on June 18 and Annual Gala on Sept. 22. To learn more about Laura's House community impact and for upcoming events, visit: www.laurashouse.org/events.