A Window Between Worlds Newsflash - November 2011

	November 2011 "I can be plain on the outside but I sparkle inside." - Children's Windows Participant Dearest AWBW supporters, This whirlwind year has been so inspirational, each and every step of the way!  Last month we celebrated 20 years of creativity and healing with an "Evening of Wine Tasting and Dinner at Zazou."  It was wonderful to see so many of our supporters, some who have been with us from the very beginning, joining us for this special evening. Among the many highlights was a presentation by Redondo Beach Mayor Mike Gin, who read a letter from Vice President Joe Biden congratulating us on 20 years: "You have made it your mission to share your passion and drive to empower others, and you are a true example of what makes America great."  (To view the letter in its entirety, click here.) You may not know this, but in 1994 Joe Biden welcomed AWBW to the Rotunda of the Russell Senate Building in Washington, DC where my Portraits of Survivors were on exhibit.  At that time AWBW was reaching just 624 participants compared to the 60,000 we reach now! It feels so wonderful to have his recognition of our work and acknowledgement of how far we've come. We couldn't have grown like this without your support. As you know, this year we set a lofty goal to raise $200,000 more than last year in order to launch 40 new programs.  As you can see in this snapshot of the thermometer on our home page, we're 88% of the way there!  With your support we know we can make it to 100%. Thank you for your passion and all you do to help empower women and children surviving abuse in this very special 20th year and beyond.  We're looking forward to seeing in AWBW's next decade using art as a healing tool with you! With sincere appreciation for your heartfelt support, Cathy Salser and the AWBW Family  In This Issue Advocate Huddle — Join us November 1st! Zazou 2011 — An amazing night of celebration and fundraising Angel Appreciation — Save the Date: December 4th Give the Gift of AWBW — Greeting Cards Available Artworks for Healing — Save the Date: February 8th Gold and Silver — We're still collecting donations! 2010 Annual Report — Download our Annual Report Volunteer Day — November 19th Advocate Huddle  November 1, 6:30-8:30PM Join us tonight, November 1st, for our Fall Advocate Huddle!  At this dinner meeting we will be hearing from a program participant who has found the strength to speak out about her experience in ways she never imagined possible, thanks to the art.  We will also celebrate the many ways our Advocates are supporting us in this exhilarating 20th year.  We'd love you to be part of the excitement and momentum!  Please RSVP to Lonnie via email or phone at 310-396-0317 x201. Your presence, and the presence of your guests at this gathering, will make this evening complete!  Bring gold or silver to be turned into cash to support AWBW's programs! Zazou 2011 An amazing night of celebration and fundraising Cathy Salser receiving a letter from  Vice President Joe Biden congratulating  AWBW and Cathy on 20 years This year's Zazou Wine Tasting and Dinner truly elevated AWBW to a new level.  We are thrilled to announce we have collected over $96,000 from this event thanks to your phenomenal support – the most in AWBW's 20-year history!  A huge thank you to all who helped make this event such a success!    Managing Director Audrey,  Owner Guy Gabriele, Event Chair Lesley and AWBW Founder Cathy. Congratulations and much gratitude go to our hosts, sponsors, auction donors, ad sponsors, wineries, volunteers and, of course, Zazou Restaurant and owner Guy Gabriele.  Guy, Stephane, Salvadore and the entire Zazou staff were instrumental in making the evening such a wonderful celebration by providing the perfect atmosphere, delicious food and carefully thought-out wine pairings.  We are endlessly grateful for all the restaurant has helped us accomplish since the first Zazou event 9 years ago.   Every guest received a  piece of original art All in attendance Sunday night received an original piece of survivor art created expressly for them by the very talented Melissa Falco-Williams, who put so much time and love into creating each unique canvas.  To find out more about Melissa and view her art, visit her Artist Spotlight on our website.  To see more photos of the event on our facebook page click here. Angel Appreciation December 4, 4-7pm Skirball Cultural Center This year's Angel Appreciation will be at the Skirball among our Pearls of Wisdom Exhibition.  We will be honoring all our volunteers and major donors who have helped us accomplish so much in this momentous year. Join us as we celebrate YOU!   Space is limited, so please RSVP early. Give the Gift of AWBW This year, consider using AWBW Cards featuring survivor artwork made during AWBW workshops for your holiday greetings. Greeting cards are priced at $15 for a pack of 10 cards.  We also have mini gift cards (about 2 3/4" x 2") to label all your gifts!  Visit the Shop to see the many designs we have available.  If you have a sizeable order from your family, company or business, we can print personalized greeting cards to share your message with all your friends and family while spreading the special gift of Windows art. Artworks for Healing Save the Date: February 8th Join us February 8th for "Artworks for Healing," an art auction to mark the closing month of the Pearls of Wisdom Exhibition at the Skirball Cultural Center and launch of the next decade of using art as a healing tool!  Check out next month's newsflash for more information about this spectacular event. Donate Gold and Silver to Sponsor AWBW Programs! For the remainder of 2011 we'll be collecting both gold and silver to be turned into cash to support AWBW's healing art programs.  Drop off the donation or mail it in at your convenience.  Who knows - maybe that broken gold bracelet will sponsor art supplies for a shelter-based program for an entire year! The 2010 Annual Report is in! We are pleased to share our 2010 Annual Report with you.  To read about the many highlights and accomplishments you've made possible, download the PDF by clicking here. Volunteer Day! Saturday, November 19th 10:30AM - 2:30PM AWBW's Venice Studio We'd love to have YOU at volunteer day on November 19th!  Activities may include painting envelopes, making sculpey hands, doing magazine cut-outs for collages, assisting with event and program-related tasks, and much more. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by clicking here or calling 310-396-0317 no later than November 17th.  A delicious pizza lunch from Big Daddy & Sons Pizza Co. will be served!  Click here for directions. **If you are a new volunteer, please arrive at 10:15am to receive a brief orientation and office tour.**   2011 Calendar September 2011 - February 2012 Pearls of Wisdom: End the Violence ExhibitionSkirball Cultural Center LA, CA November 1 Fall Advocate Huddle   6:30 - 8:30PM AWBW's Venice Studio November 19 Volunteer Day    10:30AM - 2:30PM AWBW's Venice Studio December 4 Angel Appreciation  1 - 4PM Location TBA upon RSVP February 8 Artworks for Healing 7 - 10PM Skirball Cultural Center All Year AWBW is collecting any broken, unused gold and silver items you may have to be turned into cash to support our programs.   Send to AWBW or drop it off at our office! * = volunteer opportunities Schedule subject to change without notice. Call for further information: 310-396-0317 or e-maillresser@awbw.org  Quick Links Survivor's Art Circle  Calendar About Us Exhibits Volunteer Wish List AWBW welcomes donations of art supplies for use in the shelter art workshops. You can contribute your own surplus supplies, or buy supplies to donate. We seek a range of materials for all age levels. For our wish list, click here. Like us onFacebook  Follow us onTwitter  Thank you for subscribing to our monthly Newsflash. To unsubscribe, pleaseemail Jaime.