20th Anniversary for Betty Griffin House

Betty Griffin House reported the celebration of their 20th Anniversary at the Renaissance Resort in World Golf Village to the local St. Johns County news desk at Historic City News.

Community Awareness Coordinator Kim Collins reports that everyone had an extraordinary evening filled with live entertainment, live and silent auctions and awards as they celebrated.

Over 300 guests helped Betty Griffin House celebrate its 20th year of providing services to over 15,000 women, men and children who needed safety in St. Johns County. This wouldn’t have been possible without some very important honorees.

Mary Alice Colson, Retired Victim Advocate from the Sheriff’s Office, was honored for her instrumental part in community awareness of domestic and sexual violence that led to Betty Griffin House being formed.

Mary Lippold, Betty Griffin House Shelter Advocate, was honored for her 18 years of service.

The following members of the Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit were also honored; Sergeant Brian Canova, Detective Tommy Marmo, Detective Mike Hartsell, Detective Catherine Payne and Detective George Harrigan for their support to our organization.

Collins reports that eight live acts were going throughout the night that included: Nancy Christensen with World Portraits by NanC, St. Augustine Bellydance, and A Taste of Zumba led by Diana Jahn, The Johnston Duo with Kurt and Debrann Johnston, Non Kama West African Drum & Dance Ensemble, The Bartram Trail High School Drum line, Bill McCrea, Magician, and Art Photo of Jacksonville.

“I was excited to see so many people willing to make a difference in our community”, said Joyce Mahr, Executive Director of Betty Griffin House. “Community involvement is truly the only way we will end domestic and sexual violence.”

Betty Griffin House provides emergency shelter to abused women, men, and their minor children. Other support services available to shelter residents and non-residents include a 24-hour crisis hotline, individual and group counseling, forensic and medical rape exams, and legal assistance. Confidential individual and group counseling are available in all parts of St. Johns County including, Hastings, Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Johns, St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach.

For more information or to make a tax deductable donation, visit their website at www.bettygriffinhouse.org or become a fan of Betty Griffin House on Facebook.

If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced domestic or sexual violence, you can contact our hotline at (904) 824-1555 for information, referrals and support or call the Florida State Hotline at 1-800-500-1119.