Fundraiser hits $1 million

Calgary Herald
Published: Wednesday, September 17, 2008

A fundraiser to boost a domestic violence prevention agency has hit the $1-million mark.

Tuesday night's Stop the Tears Gala featuring Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons helped raise the funds for HomeFront, a non-profit agency that aims to prevent and reduce domestic violence in Calgary.

The event, an initiative of Calgarians Gord and Eva Hoffman, saw 1,500 people attend at the Jubilee Auditorium.

The fundraiser exceeded expectations, said event chairman Brian Felesky.

"We need to change people's attitudes about domestic violence the way we have changed people's attitudes about drinking and driving," said Felesky.

Over 40 corporate citizens contributed, including presenting sponsors EnCana Corp. and Arc Energy Trust.

"There's no question that domestic violence is a major workplace issue, and we all need to be part of the solution," said Mary Ann Blackman, EnCana's community investment manager.

HomeFront brings together more than 60 community groups aimed at helping victims of domestic violence and rehabilitating abusers.

The non-profit agency specializes in using a co-ordinated justice response to domestic violence.

Until this year, HomeFront was funded primarily by the government.

© The Calgary Herald 2008