To be presented at 5th Annual Wine Women & Shoes Event
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The RISE Up Awards recognize excellence in community service supporting RISE’s sexual abuse, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence programs; the 2019RISE Up Award winners are Dr. Nisha Abdul Cader, Bryan Custer, Digital West, Dr. Kim Lonswayof End Violence Against Women International, and Jennifer Adams.
RISE will present the awards at the 5th Wine Women & Shoes on September 15at the Avila Beach Golf Resort. Wine Women & Shoes features a fashion marketplace, Central Coast wineries,local culinary vendors, and a seated program emceed by local radio DJ and on-air celebrity Adam Montiel, fashion show, live auction by Storage Wars auctioneer Johan Graham, and the presentation of the 2019RISE Up Awards.
The RISE tagline is “Respect. Inspire. Support. Empower.” Not an acronym, the tagline represents the themes and values that the agency strives to embody.
RESPECT is the cornerstone to ending violence and creating peace. This award honors an individual who works directly with survivors in the criminal justice system, social services, or a partner agency. The RISE Up Respect Award will be presented toDr. Nisha Abdul Cader forher dedication to providing compassionate care and support to young victims throughout the criminal justice process.
RISE strives to INSPIRE the community to be active in the movement to end gender-based violence. This award recognizes individuals on the front lines who represent the agency and inspire others to join the movement. The RISE Up Inspire Award will be presented to Bryan Custer for ten years as a devoted RISE staff member.
RISE SUPPORTs loved ones of those affected by sexual assault/abuse and intimate partner violence. This award goes to an individual or business that has provided extraordinary support to RISE and clients of the agency. The RISE Up Support Award will be presented to Digital West for donating internet and phone services to ensure RISE services operate smoothly and effectively.
RISE works to EMPOWER victims to heal from trauma and transform their lives. This award celebrates a community partner whohas created or expanded pathways for survivors to access services and heal from their trauma. The RISE Up Empower Award will be presented toDr. Kim Lonsway for volunteering for over ten years to support RISE in providing services that are relevant and informed by research and best practices.
The Legacy Award recognizes an individual’s long-standing, long-lasting impact on RISE. The RISE Up Legacy Award will be presented to Jennifer Adams for 15 years as RISE’s Executive Director and her commitment to centering survivors’ voices in every aspect of our work.
“We are proudto recognizecommunity members and organizationsthat have been so dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence,“ said RISE Interim Executive Director Jane Pomeroy. “Our hope is to continue to recognize spectacular individuals and businesses that have gone above and beyond to end violence and create peace in our community.”
Tickets to Wine Women & Shoes are available online at winewomenandshoes.com/RISE. All proceeds from the event benefit RISE programs that support survivors of sexual assault/abuse and intimate partner violence and their loved ones.
ABOUT RISE: RISE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to transform the lives of sexual and intimate partner violence survivors, their families and the community through services and education that promote safety, healing and empowerment. RISE provides the following programs: 24-hour crisis line, case management, restraining order assistance, accompaniment and advocacy, two safe houses, individual and group counseling, and prevention education.