To be presented at 6th Annual Wine Women & Shoes Event on Sept. 13
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 2020 RISE Up Award winners are Megan Baliterra, Amber Hollarman, the Portola Inn, Cal Poly’s Safer, and Heidi Spencer.
RISE will present the awards at the 6th Wine Women & Shoes on September 13th at 1pm, online. Wine Women & Shoes is a wine and food tasting, boutique shopping experience complete with raffles, silent and live auctions, a fashion show, and the presentation of the 2020 RISE 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 to Megan Baliterra for her tireless work seeking justice for survivors in her role as a prosecutor at the District Attorney’s Office, and for her time volunteering with Close To Home, RISE’s violence prevention program.
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 Amber Hollarman 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 the Portola Inn for their long-time support and partnership in fundraising to ensure sustainable services.
RISE works to EMPOWER victims to heal from trauma and transform their lives. This award celebrates a community partner who has created or expanded pathways for survivors to access services and heal from their trauma. The RISE Up Empower Award will be presented to Safer, for their partnership and collaboration, and for working to ensure everyone has the opportunity to pursue a safe and prosperous education or career on Cal Poly’s campus..
The Legacy Award recognizes an individual’s long-standing, long-lasting impact on RISE. The RISE Up Legacy Award will be presented to Heidi Spencer for nearly 8 years as RISE’s Finance & HR Director and her integrity and passion for RISE and the people we serve. Her commitment to building efficient and sustainable infrastructure, policies, and systems of accountability will benefit RISE for years to come.
“We are so fortunate to work everyday with community members, businesses, and organizations that are so dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence,“ said RISE Executive Director Jane Pomeroy. “It’s truly an honor to recognize those partners who have gone above and beyond to end violence and create peace in our community.”
This year, tickets to Wine Women & Shoes are FREE! To register for the live broadcast and purchase watch parties, bid in the auction, shop the marketplace and more, visit 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.