The Generous Hearts Auction will aid us in raising funds for the expansion of our Shadows Ignited Program. The program includes the Healing Narrative project which provides classes for survivors of sexual assault who would like to learn the art of storytelling and script or play writing, the Awaken Verse project which provides classes for survivors who are interested in learning poetry and creative writing. We held a Shadows Ignited event in February where clients shared their stories through poetry, monologues and dance, and the pieces were performed by professional actors. Since then, we have been overwhelmed with requests to expand the program.

Excerpts from the February event:

Providing survivors of sexual assault the opportunity to craft and share their stories in creative ways is is not only therapeutic, it can give them a sense of empowerment. All too often survivors attempt to keep their assault a secret, fearful they will be blamed. The opportunity to process all the feeling and emotions survivors experience in a safe, understanding and trauma informed environment, combined with the opportunity to explore their creativity and set free their secrets is incredibly powerful. It can also be very powerful for communities because it shed lights on the fact sexual assault not only impacts the life of the victim, but their family members, friends and employers as well. It impacts productivity and the profitability of businesses and communities.  It also impacts community health systems, and on the availability of first responders - who are often the first ones called when someone is having a mental health crisis.  YOUR BID can help us provide these projects to more sexual assault survivors, and help make communities in Tennessee better and safer, it can inspire others around the country to do the same. 

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors:

• Presenting Sponsors - TheVibeShow 97.9, Langer Insurance Agency and The Lipstick Lounge 
• Supporting Sponsors Total Wine & More - Brentwood Location

And, thank you to our generous donors: Kendra Scott, Total Wine & More, Westlight Studios / Slick Lawson Foundation, Anakeesta, Let's Roam, Picaboo, Chipotle, The Island at Pigeon Forge, Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, Jewelry With a Purpose, Chattanooga Zoo, Oriental Traders, Memphis Zoo, CVS, Wonderworks Tennessee, Coletta's Creative Arts, Deep South Growlers, Raising Cane's, Fusion Urban Art, Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream, Travel Pledge, Jamey Reed Fine Art, Silent Auction Vacations, All About Word Art, Pink Flamingo Auctions, White's Mercantile Franklin, Anonymous Donor, Anna B's Jewelry, River Gorge Excursions, African American Music Museum, Wizkidme, Goliath Games, Roxie Regional Theater, Goo-Goo, Angela's Handmade Afghans, Anonymous Supporter,