Event Supports Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault in Southwest Michigan

Published on February 29, 2024

Event Supports Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault in Southwest Michigan

Keynote Speaker Chanel Miller will Share Story of Resilience and Strength

Chanel Miller Keynote Speaker.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. ­– Bronson Health Foundation invites the community to a special evening in support of Bronson Sexual Assault Services (SAS) on Thursday, April 4 at FireKeepers Casino and Hotel. The event will feature keynote speaker Chanel Miller, whose powerful victim impact statement went viral after the man who sexually assaulted her on Stanford’s campus, Brock Turner, was sentenced to just six months in jail. Miller will share her story of resilience and strength, her insights on writing and art, and how one brave voice can change the world. 

In addition to the keynote address, the benefit dinner will highlight the 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 evening will also include recognition of the dedicated team of SAS volunteers who give time, support and compassion. 

“We are looking forward to members of the community coming out to hear Chanel Miller’s inspiring story and joining us in supporting others who have survived sexual assault,” Dannielle Kostrab-Boyd, manager of SAS. “It’s critical that we are able to
ensure that no survivor feels alone and that they have the resources they need.”  

“Making sure the SAS staff and the services they provide are adequately funded is a priority for us,” says Terry Morrow, president of Bronson Health Foundation. “We have seen a decline in the amount of federal funding available for SAS, while costs continue to grow. The benefit dinner will help us fill in some of the gaps not covered by government and other grant funding.” 

Doors to the event space at Firekeepers Casino, 11177 Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, open at 4:30 p.m. and the dinner and program begin at 5:30 p.m. To learn more about the keynote speaker and to purchase individual tickets or to sponsor the dinner, visit the event website at bronsonfoundation.com/sas2024.