Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) Foundation Is Opening The Door To Hope For Survivors And Their Children

3rd Annual Event Hosted by Jeb and Columba Bush focuses on engaging men

News provided by

Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence Foundation

Nov 06, 2014, 02:52 ET

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) Foundation's theme for the 2014 Door To Hope event was engaging men in the work to end domestic violence. Former Governor Jeb Bush highlighted the impact of domestic violence on our state and communities while emphasizing the need for men to assume a leadership role in eradicating this crime. Verizon's Chief Security Officer Mike Mason provided a resounding keynote address that focused on men holding men accountable and highlighted the role of corporations with ending domestic violence. "There is never a reason to abuse a woman, we as men must take that message to our sons and brothers, our workplaces, houses of worship and throughout our communities," said Mason.

During the 3^rd Annual Door to Hope event hosted by former Governor Jeb and Columba Bush at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, the FCADV Foundation provided an update on its progress which included successfully matching every pledge received during the 2013 event. "I am proud to announce that every donation to the Foundation during last year's Door To Hope event was matched 100% by private donors. We will make the same pledge again this year," said Tiffany Carr, President/CEO of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence Foundation. Carr added that "thanks to many generous individuals, the Door to Hope event generated approximately 1 million dollars in only three years." Kathleen Shanahan, Chair and CEO of URETEK Holdings, Inc. announced a $50,000 contribution from the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee. Shanahan remarked, "The Tampa Bay Host Committee (501c3) is pleased to support the Foundation's efforts to create a private funding mechanism for ensuring the long term financial sustainability of Florida's domestic violence centers while reducing dependence on government resources. I am honored to participate on the Foundation's Board of Trustees as Florida forges a new path to ensure life-saving services are not compromised because of a downturn in the economy or a shift in the political climate."

Lorna Taylor, CEO of Premier Eye Care and Chairperson of the Foundation praised the many event contributors, donors, and individuals in attendance at this signature event. "The success of the annual Door to Hope event is a direct result of compassionate individuals working towards a common goal and mission – to raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence on our communities while generating private funds for direct services." The Foundation is incredibly grateful to our many event sponsors including Verizon and Allstate our Diamond Co-Hosts.

Speaker Will Weatherford was honored at the event for his commitment and dedication to ending domestic violence in Florida. Carr said in presenting the Key To Hope award "that survivors of domestic violence and their children are safer today because of Speaker Weatherford's leadership". The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Betty Castor for her decades of public service, "Betty Castor served as an early leader to address domestic violence in our state, as a Florida Senator she sponsored the initial legislation that provided dedicated funding for domestic violence shelter services, and we are forever grateful," said Carr.

Florida's 42 certified domestic violence centers provide the first line of defense for achieving safety and independence for domestic violence survivors and their children. The FCADV Foundation was established to reduce reliance on government resources and create an additional private revenue stream to ensure the availability of life saving services for domestic violence survivors and their children.

Event Hosts:
Governor Jeb and Columba Bush

Diamond Co-Hosts:
#Verizon
#Allstate

Premier Co-Hosts:
#Senator Denise Grimsley
#Premier Eye Care

Co-Hosts:
#AT&T Florida
#Romero Britto
#Brown & Brown Insurance
#Kitson& Partners
#The Krizner Group
#Representative Jose Oliva
#Representative Dana Young
Tiffany Carr & Patrick Howard
Dr. Jay Dutton & Dr. Paul Schilling