Local family violence prevention work has received a $15,000 boost after the success of the second annual Women’s Support Motueka gala.
The event, featuring a live auction, a three-course dinner and live music, was held in Memorial Hall on Saturday,12 September, and attracted almost 100 people.
Organiser and Women’s Support Motueka manager Maluz Moreno says the funding will support counselling and response services, while also helping the organisation focus on preventing family violence before it happens.
She says this allows them to look further ahead, “helping create lasting change in our community”.
Maluz says that the team hoped to build on the success of last year’s inaugural gala, which raised almost $9000, but this year’s result exceeded expectations.
“More than the amount itself, we were incredibly touched by the generosity behind it,” she says. “So many people contributed in different ways to make that result possible, and throughout the lead-up to the gala we received so many messages about how much people value and believe in our work. Those words brought a lot of warmth and encouragement to our team and reminded us just how much our community cares.”
The need for the organisation’s services remains significant. Maluz reports that Women’s Support Motueka received 568 referrals in the past 12 months, with the majority involving family violence.
Alongside the sense of warmth, generosity and connection in the room, the gala also created an opportunity to talk openly about family violence in the community.
“Behind every referral or statistic is a person. It may be a woman, a child, a whānau, and the impacts can ripple through families and our wider community. We value having a space where we can raise awareness, encourage kindness and remind people how important it is to stand alongside someone who may be struggling and help them connect with support when they need it.”
She thanked the 22 artists and 78 businesses that supported the event, as well as art coordinator Abby McCall, auctioneer Mark Rumsey, MC Cate Cable and Real Family Photography’s Sarah Watkins.
The gala is now established as an annual fixture, and Maluz says next year’s will be particularly special, with Women’s Support Motueka celebrating its 40th anniversary.
