Did you know that, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Voilence, 1 in 4 people will experience domestic violence in their lifetime? Whether directly affected or not, the unfortunate reality of this common inhumanity must not be ignored, but rather combated by courageous men and women eager to face the effects of such domestic violence head on. Such is the selfless mission of My Sisters’ Place, a Westchester County organization that fights domestic violence by supporting victims while providing community education and working toward social change. This past Saturday, our company was proud to join forces with members of the organization in “A Taste of Rye,” a local restaurant crawl organized in an effort to raise funds for the worthy cause.
It was a beautiful day in every sense of the word for the successful community event, where six quality Rye restaurants generously offered wine, beer or soda as well as an appetizer specially prepared by the chef to each individual. Anyone who purchased a ticket was able to “sip, snack and stroll” through the town, enjoying a drink and appetizer at each of the participating spots of the tasting tour. Restaurants featured throughout the day included Ruby’s Oyster Bar, Morgan’s Fish House, Encore, Town Dock, Rye Bar & Grill and Fogama, all of which offered participants delicious food and drink in a welcoming community atmosphere.
Our company sold over 350 tickets to the event for $50 each, matching each ticket purchased up to a total of $7,500. We also raised an additional $6,000 through a company-held silent auction featuring items from various local merchants. Some auction favorites included a spa relaxation and rejuvenation kit, as well as four premium tickets to a New York Giants game. The day proved to be a great hit, with total funds reaching over $30,000 to go directly to My Sisters’ Place in support of the organization’s efforts to end domestic violence.
A Taste of Rye was merely the beginning of My Sisters’ Place’s mission to create resources dedicated to empowering victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. The organization hopes to continue to transform lives, while at the same time, promote healthy relationships in all of the Westchester community. With small beginnings, My Sisters’ Place is now a top resource in the area, expanding its offerings to accommodate the changing times, and provide dependable advocacy, shelter, legal services and even educational opportunities, as well as an overall guide to prevention. It offers two shelters for victims and their children, offering a safe space to stay while transitioning into a life independent from an abusive partner.
“We were both humbled and proud to be a part of such an important community event,” said Rye brokerage manager Pati Holmes. “Our company’s turnout was tremendous, with countless agents and team members showing endless love for their community and support for this worthy cause. I can’t begin to tell you how thankful we are to everyone who participated.”
We can only hope that by joining forces with the incredible local efforts of My Sisters’ Place in this great “A Taste of Rye” event, we have helped to make just a portion of the difference they make in the lives of others every day. Thank you to everyone who attended, and to My Sisters’ Place for welcoming us with open arms into their inspirational and enlightening vision for our local Westchester community.