Benefit Dinner to Support Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Abuse

Published on March 27, 2023

Benefit Dinner to Support Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Abuse

Acclaimed Author and Mountaineer to Give Keynote Address at Bronson Sexual Assault Services Event

Photo of Silvia Vasquez-Lavado.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. ­– Bronson Health Foundation invites the community to turn out for a special evening in support of Bronson Sexual Assault Services (SAS) on Thursday, April 6 at FireKeepers Casino and Hotel. The benefit dinner highlights and helps fund programs and services that have a significant impact on the lives of sexual assault survivors and their families. SAS offers comprehensive and free support to survivors and community members in Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties, in partnership with other community organizations. SAS is sustained by grants and community contributions through Bronson Health Foundation.

The event features keynote speaker Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, a humanitarian, mountaineer, explorer, social entrepreneur, and author of the critically acclaimed Memoir "In the Shadow of the Mountain.” Silvia founded Courageous Girls, an organization helping survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking with opportunities to find strength, courage and cultivate their voices. Learn more about Vasquez-Lavado here. The benefit dinner also includes recognition of the dedicated work of Bronson Sexual Assault Services’ volunteers and partners. 

“We look forward to an inspiring evening hearing from our courageous guest speaker and honoring those who are dedicated to providing care to survivors of assault and abuse,” says Dannielle Kostrab-Boyd, manager of SAS. “Making sure these services are supported in our local communities is critical to ensuring that no survivor feels alone and that they have the resources they need.” 

Doors to the event space at Firekeepers Casino, 11177 Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, open at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner and program begin at 6 p.m. To purchase individual tickets for $100 each or to sponsor the event, visit the event website at bronsonfoundation.com/sas2023.

Safety note: As our community’s health is a priority, Bronson reviews the current level of COVID-19 in the community before each event and will communicate any related precautions or logistics to attendees, as necessary.