Mary Wilson of the Supremes Helps Raise Funds for Austin Domestic Abuse Survivors

Supporters of domestic abuse survivors raised funds Saturday night at the Austin Hilton.

Stop! In the name of love. That’s what a crowd of supporters of domestic abuse survivors did Saturday night at the Austin Hilton. Courtney Santana, founder and director of Survive2Thrive had a vision of a spectacular gathering of Austinites coming together with a single goal: raising the necessary funds to guarantee the availability of sanctuaries for victims and children escaping an abusive environment. The evening’s music included a performance by Mary Wilson, of the Supremes.

MUSEAustin, the purple tie affair that resulted from her vision, no doubt helped her get closer to her $75,000 goal. A live auction garnered bids on a variety of goods and services, including spa and waterfront getaways, live performances “at your house” and a “survivor kit” for a domestic abuse survivor. The kit included a wardrobe and life coach.

Making healthy decisions for yourself is well worth it.

MUSEAustin honored three local survivors of domestic abuse. Each of them spoke of the challenge of getting past the self-condemnation to find the strength to leave their abusive households. One honoree, Tenisha Durr,  spoke with soulciti and explained that it was her young son who gave her the strength to move on eight months ago.  She beamed as she explained that although she is proud of honoring her son’s perspective, she has since grown to appreciate that making healthy decisions for herself is well worth it.

The evening entertainment began with an exhibition of four exclusive gowns from the collection of a designer who himself, grew up in a household marked by domestic violence. The dramatic and elegant gowns were inspired by the designer’s ambition to see women grow past the restrictions and degradation of abuse.

Vocal powerhouses were also in the evening lineup. Lex Land, from NBC’s The Voice and local gospel recording artist Eric Moore led the audience in a rousing participatory gospel song. Santana graced the audience with a couple moving selections, which perfectly paved the way for the evening’s headliner, Mary Wilson. Wilson, who expressed complete support the Survive2Thrive mission, treated the energetic crowd on the dance floor to multiple selections from her days with the beloved Supremes.  Afterwards, Ms. Wilson greeted guests, took photos and signed her collection of books and CDs.


The Survive2Thrive mission continues and you may contribute to its worthy cause by making a donation today. $75 provides lodging for a family of 4. Tax deductible donations may be made with a one-time donation or Annual Giving through the Sojourner’s Legacy Giving Circle online or by mail to Survive2Thrive Foundation  1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B Austin, TX 78728.

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