Providing hope, bringing about change
Gala raises money to help victims of domestic abuse
BROKEN BOW - The theme to the 2021 Healing Hearts & Families Gala was “Seasons of Change,” appropriate for the time of the year as well as the purpose of the gala. By attending the gala Saturday evening, people had the opportunity to help facilitate change in the lives of victims of domestic and sexual abuse and other violence.
“Nobody ever deserves to be treated without dignity and respect,” Executive Director Suellen Koepke said. She thanked those in attendance, saying, “Because of you, Healing Hearts and Families can continue to help victims become survivors.”
Featured speaker Sandra Glebe of North Platte, a survivor of domestic violence, encouraged people to not be afraid to ask for help. “God gives us strength when we have exhausted our own,” she said.
Abuse for Glebe began at an early age and at the hands of her mother. She said it was a time when bruises were ignored and questions were not asked.
The pain went beyond the physical. “When the people who are supposed to love you are hurting you, who do you trust?” she asked.
Glebe said she learned to climb out of windows at an early age and learned to drive at 14 to get her siblings and herself away from violence at home. Both parents were alcoholics and her mother also abused prescription drugs. In her own adult years, Glebe put herself in toxic relationships. When her father died, she mourned the loss of a relationship. When her mother died, she said. “I was relieved and felt free.”
Glebe spoke of the realization that, if things didn’t changed, she would never have the life she wanted for herself, her daughter and grandson. She then sought out Miranda Stoll and asked for help. “For the first time, I saw light at the end of a very dark tunnel,” Glebe said.
The evening also included humor by comedian Kyle Yamada. He shared observations on growing up Japanese in South Dakota, marriage, going to church, hunting, being a PE teacher and more. He said he tried a vegan diet and his wife made a vegan meatloaf, adding “Those are two words that don’t go together.” He also wondered why, when British singers sing, their accent is not heard, which got him to wondering what it would be like if Americans sang with British accents. He ended his set by getting the audience to sing along as he performed with an
exaggerated British accent, Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
Emcee Clay Patton and auctioneer Cory Palmer kept the energy going through the live auction which netted almost $4,000. Totals of the silent auction were not available. Koepke, described the evening as heartwarming. “It’s awesome,” she said.
Koepke was recognized by staff members with the presentation of a bouquet
of flowers. “We definitely have direction because of you and how much you do,” Miranda Stoll said.
Board members were also recognized and Valerie Harris, a former staff member, was presented a gift in recognition of the work she did when she was part of Healing Hearts and Families.
Those unable to attend the gala but who would still like to help with a donation can contact Healing
Hearts and Families at 308-872-2420.
Information in the gala booklet stated that $25 can buy a gas card, personal hygiene products or diapers; $50 can purchase a car seat, go towards a medical bill or buy school supplies; $100 can provide groceries for a family fleeing from violence, pay utilities or buy a bicycle for a survivor to ride to and from work.