SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance is hosting its inaugural fundraiser, Lumina Nights, on Sunday, March 27 at La Lomita Ranch in San Luis Obispo. The gala will be the first major event following the merger of RISE and Stand Strong in July 2021 and will raise funds to support those impacted by sexual and intimate partner violence in San Luis Obispo County.
An evening filled with music, wine, dining, and dancing under the stars, Lumina Nights will create new traditions and celebrate those leaders making an impact in our community and in the movement to end gender-based violence. Shining Light awards will be given to four community members and partners for their dedication to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence.
Joan Wenglikowski. Courtesy photos.
The Hero Award is given to someone who has played a key role in supporting the work of Lumina Alliance over the past year. The first ever Hero Award recipient is Joan Wenglikowski. Joan, an advisor with Wacker Wealth Partners, has been a Lumina Alliance Board Member and Treasurer for 6 years. Offering her expertise and support throughout the entire merger process, she is the consummate professional with a huge heart, preferring the background to the spotlight. Her commitment, expertise and passion were key to the success of the Women’s Shelter, Stand Strong and now Lumina Alliance.
The Supporter Award is given to a business or individual who supports ongoing services for local survivors by demonstrating a continued commitment to our work. They have stepped up with financial or in-kind donations over an extended period of time, or in a pivotal way which has shown community leadership in the effort to end gender-based violence.
The first ever Supporter Award recipient is Verdin Marketing. Mary Verdin and her team have been pivotal in the merger through the rebrand process, providing us with a timeless name and logo, as well as a beautiful new website. Verdin Marketing went above and beyond for Lumina Alliance, keeping survivors, their loved ones and the community at the forefront of the process.
The Ally Award is given to an organization that empowers victims to heal from trauma and transform their lives through their partnership or with the services they provide. This award is for local partner organizations or law enforcement professionals whose work has made a significant impact during the past year. The first ever Ally Award recipient is the Gala Pride and Diversity Center.
“This community has benefited greatly from our collaboration in 2021,” said Jennifer Adams, Lumina Alliance CEO. “Lumina Alliance is grateful for their dedication to our collaborative education projects.”
The Gala Pride and Diversity Center has provided invaluable training to the Lumina Alliance staff, ensuring culturally appropriate responses to LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. They have also been key partners within the San Luis Obispo Education Collaborative, in which member organizations collaborate on a community grant aimed at preventing domestic violence in young people.
Betsey Kelton
The Legacy Award is given to someone who has left a long-standing, long-lasting impact on Lumina Alliance. The first ever Legacy Award recipient is the late Betsey Kelton. Betsey served on The Women Shelter’s Board for many years, and was part of instrumental change and progress for the organization before it became Stand Strong. Her award will be accepted on her behalf by her husband, Frank Kelton.
“Betsey loved nonprofits. Besides being president of the Women’s Shelter she was also president of the Heart Association, San Luis Obispo BIA, and Life Span Services,” said Frank Kelton. “She was a very caring person and cared about each person she met. There are not a lot of people like Betsey.”
Lumina Nights is a sold out event. Lumina Alliance is looking forward to forging new traditions and continuing to support survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence, as we have since 1976.
ABOUT LUMINA ALLIANCE — Lumina Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created by the merging of RISE and Stand Strong in July 2021. Their mission is to empower those impacted by sexual and intimate partner violence through innovative advocacy, healing, and prevention programs. Services include 24/7 crisis and information line, case management, restraining order assistance, legal assistance, accompaniment and advocacy, emergency shelters, transitional housing, individual and group therapy, and robust prevention education. For more information, please visit www.LuminaAlliance.org