Laura's House Gala Raises $150,000 for Domestic Violence Programs

Hundreds of people dug deep into their pockets over the weekend to help raise $150,000 for domestic violence programs in Orange County.

The donations were made at this year's annual Laura's House gala, held Saturday evening at the Island Hotel.

Each year, Laura’s House -- which is celebrating its 17th anniversary -- provides residential shelter services to more than 200 women and children, and counseling and legal services to more than 300 clients, officials said.

It also receives more than 1,700 crisis hotline calls.

Margaret Bayston, the organization's executive director, said 2010 saw a 25 percent increase in the number of women -- and a 60 percent spike in the number of children -- seeking refuge from a domestic violence situation.

"In these turbulent economic times, it's so warming to see 300 people offering their support. We are eternally grateful," said Laura Khouri, chairman of the Laura's House board.

Along with providing a safe haven for women and children fleeing domestic violence, Laura's House also houses men and teenagers. Marissa Presley, director of the Teen Program at Laura's House, said her main goal is to teach teens about the red flags to watch for while dating.

"Our goal is trying to prevent the violence from happening," Presley said.

Bayston said this year's gala raised $25,000 more than last year's.

"I feel honored. It's a strong, healthy organization and it makes be proud to be part of such a solid team," she said. "We're still small enough you can still see the benefit of what we do."

To drive home that point, a domestic violence survivor told gala attendees about finding refuge for herself and her daughter at Laura's House. "They treated me like a person," the woman said. "I wasn't poor, I just didn't know what to do."

Laura's House will continue to accept donations for its programs and services, which include plans for a new $1-million shelter.