1. society
2. racism

2014 Benefit Luncheon for Women, Children & Families
Served by the
YWCA of San Diego County
Event Committee Chair
YWCA Board Member Marla Marshall
Event Committee Co-Chairs
San Diego County Sheriff W illiam Gore
San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis
San Diego County Supervisor Dave Roberts
EVENT INFORMATION PACKET
In the Company of Women 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Event Overview 3
YWCA Program Summary 4
How to Participate 5-6
Sponsorship Opportunities 7-8
Sample Guest Invitation Letter 9
YWCA of San Diego County – In The Company of Women 2014 Benefit Luncheon
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In the Company of Women 2014
Event Overview
What:
We are pleased to announce the YWCA's 16th Annual In the Company of Women luncheon, featuring critically
acclaimed actress, Laura Dern as our inspiring keynote speaker. This spectacular event will include the prestigious
Tribute to Women & Industry (TWIN) awards, recognizing outstanding professional women in San Diego.
Why:
The YWCA's signature In the Company of Women event raises critical financial support and awareness for the
YWCA's comprehensive domestic violence and homelessness programs, including Becky's House®, Passages, and
Cortez Hill Family Center.
When:
Friday, April 25, 2014
Registration 11 am – 12 noon; Luncheon 12 noon – 1:40 pm
Where:
San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina
333 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Speaker:
Our keynote speaker will be three-time Golden Globe winner Laura Dern, a critically
acclaimed actress of film and television. Laura has proven to be one of the great actresses
of her generation showing that she is capable of great depth and range, touching
audiences and critics alike with her moving and heartfelt performances. She appeared in
such iconic films as Jurassic Park and Rambling Rose for which she earned her first
Academy Award nomination. Most recently, Laura starred in the award-winning and
critically acclaimed HBO series “Enlightened,” which she also co-created and executive
produced. Laura brings a different perspective to the lectern, speaking on how her life
experiences have propelled her to become an advocate for women’s empowerment,
gender equality, and balancing the delicate scales of work, life, and family.
Audience:
The YWCA’s In the Company of Women luncheon hosts more than 800 guests including business professionals and
executives from major corporations, mid-sized companies and small businesses throughout San Diego County.
Attended by dynamic business women and men, this event is an opportunity for guests and sponsors alike to
connect with leaders and peers in the community.
Event Contacts:
Brittney Sherley, Development Manager, 619.239.0355 x 216, bsherley@ywcasandiego.org
Monique Burley, Development Associate, 619.239.0355 x 225, monique@ywcasandiego.org
Website:
ywcasandiego.org
Past In the Company of Women Keynote Speakers:
Viola Davis, 2013
Ashley Judd, 2012
Denise Brown, 2011
Leslie Morgan Steiner, 2010
Jane Seymour, 2009
Connie Chung, 2008
Alfre Woodard, 2007
Sissy Spacek, 2006
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YWCA Program Summary
Mission
The YWCA of San Diego County empowers women, children and families to break the cycle of domestic violence
and homelessness and achieve self-sufficiency. Through our Becky’s House, Passages and Cortez Hill Family Center
programs, we provide extensive services including safe housing, a 24-hour domestic violence hotline, counseling,
legal assistance, employment support and financial literacy training to over 5,000 individuals each year. We are
committed to helping families recover from trauma, improve their economic status, find permanent housing and
ultimately transform their lives.
Becky’s House Domestic Violence Program
In 1978, the YWCA opened Becky’s House Emergency Shelter, the region’s first shelter offering critical safety and
support services for victims of domestic violence. With the alarming statistic that 1 in 4 women is a victim of
domestic violence, the need for increased services was undeniable. In response, the YWCA expanded their Becky’s
House program to include four transitional housing communities and comprehensive services including education,
counseling, legal, financial, housing and employment resources.
For the women and children escaping domestic violence, the YWCA’s Becky’s House program offers a safe haven
for victims to improve their economic status, achieve self-sufficiency and ultimately transform their lives.
PASSAGES Homeless Women Program
Since 1990, the YWCA’s PASSAGES program has supported single homeless women in their journey from the
streets to stable housing, providing comprehensive services including transitional housing, group and individual
counseling, career development assistance, financial literacy training and housing assistance and placement. Many
of these women are victims of domestic violence or other trauma, and all have been dependent on public shelter
and have little or no income.
The ultimate goal of the PASSAGES program is to bring about lasting change in the lives of women in crisis and to
help them build stronger, more productive futures. As women progress through the three phases of PASSAGES,
each aspect of the program is designed to build upon the skills and training gained from the previous phase to
promote lifelong self sufficiency.
Cortez Hill Family Center Homeless Program
In 1999, the YWCA, Centre City Development Corporation and the City of San Diego developed the Cortez Hill
Family Center, a 45 unit residential community for homeless families. Operated by the YWCA, this program
provides shelter and comprehensive services including medical, legal, counseling, case management and
employment services for adults, and special supportive programs for children. The goal of the program is to break
the cycle of homelessness and restore families to independent living and self sufficiency.
As the gap between housing costs and income continues to widen, more and more families are at risk of
homelessness. For some families, events such as loss of employment or illness can trigger a catastrophic outcome
and catapult a family onto the streets. The YWCA’s Cortez Hill Family Center program enables families to regain
employment and secure permanent housing while maintaining family unity.
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How to Participate
Be a Sponsor:
Presenting Sponsor (exclusive category) – $25,000
Platinum Sponsor – $10,000
Gold Sponsor – $5,000
Silver Sponsor – $2,500
Bronze Sponsor – $1,500
See attached Sponsorship Opportunities for detailed benefits and more information.
Become a Table Captain:
Table Captains support this event by pledging to fill one or more tables. Table Captains are individuals who buy at
least one seat at a table and commit to filling the remaining seats by approaching friends and colleagues to
purchase seats. Or, they may prefer to purchase the entire table and invite friends and colleagues to join as their
guests. Please see attached Sample Guest Letter for an invitation template. Table Captains are also encouraged to
set a fundraising goal for their table and guests.
Benefits of being a Table Captain include: admittance for one guest per table to the exclusive Pre-Event Reception,
opportunity to submit one TWIN award nomination, and recognition at the luncheon. Benefits are subject to a
Table Captain’s fulfillment of purchasing or successfully filling at least one table of 10. If unable to fill a table of 10,
the YWCA will fill remaining seats with guests who purchased individual tickets.
Buy Tables and Tickets:
Table for 10 (automatic Bronze sponsorship for companies)—$1,500
Individual Seat at Table for 10—$150
Tables and tickets must be purchased in advance online at www.ywcasandiego.org or by phone at 619.239.0355 x
225.
Make a Donation:
In addition to making online contributions to support the event and your table’s fundraising goal, guests will be
able to make donations by check, cash, or credit card at their table on the day of the event.
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How to Participate cont’d
Nominate a TWIN Honoree (along with your purchase of a table of 10 or sponsorship):
The Tribute to Women & Industry (TWIN) Awards recognize women in a managerial, executive or leadership role
for their outstanding achievements in the following categories:
TWIN Mentor – This professional woman motivates her colleagues to achieve their potential by providing
career coaching, guidance and development opportunities in the workplace. She promotes the
advancement of women and often unknowingly serves as a role model through her commitment to
professional excellence, equitable workplace practices and meaningful career opportunities. The TWIN
Mentor inspires confidence and provides substantial encouragement to the women in her professional
sphere.
TWIN Humanitarian – This beneficent woman is dedicated to empowering women throughout the greater
community. Her influence extends beyond her workplace as she generously shares knowledge and
expertise to help other women succeed. She is often actively involved in charitable organizations that help
women improve their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. The TWIN Humanitarian inspires action and is
devoted to engaging women to transform the community.
TWIN Visionary – This accomplished woman serves in a leadership role and has significantly advanced her
industry to new levels. She is unwavering in her passion to challenge the status quo, explore unknown
territory and develop novel approaches. She has the courage to face uncertainties and push the
boundaries in pursuit of industry excellence. The TWIN Visionary inspires innovation and creates new
pathways for others to follow.
Please Note: If you submit a TWIN nomination, you must also purchase a 2014 luncheon table of 10 at the prices
listed below. For more information and to submit a nomination, visit www.ywcasandiego.org. Complete
nominations are due by Friday, March 14, 2014. Winners will be announced live at In the Company of Women on
April 25, 2014.
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YWCA In the Company of Women
Benefit Luncheon
Friday, April 25, 2014
Sponsorship Opportunities
The YWCA’s In the Company of Women luncheon hosts more than 800 guests including business professionals and
executives from major corporations, mid-sized companies and small businesses throughout San Diego County.
Attended by dynamic business women and men, this event is an opportunity for guests and sponsors alike to
connect with leaders and peers in the community.
The YWCA’s innovative programs and services help more than 5,000 individuals break the cycle of domestic
violence and homelessness each year. Through the Becky’s House®, Passages, and Cortez Hill Family Center
programs the YWCA is able to provide safe housing, counseling, legal assistance, employment support, financial
literacy training, and supportive children’s programs that enable women and their families to become economically
self-sufficient.
In the Company of Women sponsors play an important role in making it possible for the YWCA to continue
providing these services, and in increasing community outreach and awareness. Following are sponsorship
opportunities and benefits effective upon receipt of payment:
Presenting Sponsor (exclusive category)
$25,000
Five tables of 10 (preferential seating)
Admittance for 10 to the Pre-Event Reception*
Up to five nominations for a TWIN award (nominations due March 14)
Speaking opportunity for company spokesperson during event
Company and sponsorship recognized via announcement at event
Prominent name and logo placement on event program and all other promotional materials
Company name and sponsorship inclusion in all pre-event media interviews and press releases
Opportunity to provide company promotional materials at event sponsorship table
Recognition in the YWCA’s monthly e-newsletter for one year
Recognition on YWCA Social Networking Sites (Facebook & Twitter)
Company logo projected on video screens at event
Company logo recognized on the YWCA’s website for one year
Platinum Sponsor
$10,000
Three tables of 10 (preferential seating)
Admittance for three to the Pre-Event Reception*
Up to three nominations for a TWIN award (nominations due March 14)
Name and logo recognition on all promotional materials
Company name and sponsorship inclusion in all pre-event media interviews and in press releases
Opportunity to provide company promotional materials at event sponsorship table
Recognition in the YWCA’s monthly e-newsletter for one year
Recognition on YWCA Social Networking Sites (Facebook & Twitter)
Company logo projected on video screens at event
Company logo recognized on the YWCA’s website for one year
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Gold Sponsor
$5,000
Two tables of 10
Admittance for two to the Pre-Event Reception*
Up to two nominations for a TWIN award (nominations due March 14)
Opportunity to provide company promotional materials at event sponsorship table
Recognition in the YWCA’s monthly e-newsletter for one year
Recognition on YWCA Social Networking Sites (Facebook & Twitter)
Company logo projected on video screens at event
Company logo recognized on the YWCA’s website for one year
Silver Sponsor
$2,500
One table of 10
Admittance for two to the Pre-Event Reception*
One nomination for a TWIN award (nominations due March 14)
Opportunity to provide company promotional materials at event sponsorship table
Recognition on YWCA Social Networking Sites (Facebook & Twitter)
Company logo projected on video screens at event
Company logo recognized on the YWCA’s website for one year
Bronze Sponsor
$1,500
One table of 10
Admittance for one to the Pre-Event Reception*
One nomination for a TWIN award (nominations due March 14)
Company logo projected on video screens at event
Company logo recognized on the YWCA’s website for one year
Thank you for considering a sponsorship. For more information, please contact
Brittney Sherley: 619-239-0355, ext. 216 or bsherley@ywcasandiego.org
*The Pre-Event Reception is an exclusive benefit and subject to the keynote speaker’s publicity restrictions. Names
for Reception must be submitted to Brittney Sherley at bsherley@ywcasandiego.org by April 11.
The YWCA of San Diego County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; tax Identification # 95-1661119.
The above-mentioned sponsorship contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
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SAMPLE GUEST INVITATION LETTER
Date
Guest’s Name
Company Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Dear
:
I would like to personally invite you to join me for the YWCA’s In the Company of Women luncheon on Friday, April
25, 2014. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. and the luncheon will take place from 12 Noon to 1:40 p.m. at the
Marriott Marquis & Marina in downtown San Diego.
I am really looking forward to this inspiring event, as it will showcase Laura Dern as the keynote speaker, honor the
achievements of San Diego’s outstanding female leaders through the Tribute to Women & Industry awards, and
provide an in-depth look into the lives of the women, children, and families who rebuild their lives with the help of
the YWCA’s domestic violence and homelessness programs.
Did you know that 1 in 4 women is a victim of domestic violence, and over 50 percent of the women and children
who are living on the streets are there because of domestic violence? In 2012, there were 16,400 incidents, and 18
deaths being investigated, as a result of domestic violence. This issue is much larger than many people imagine,
and it is likely happening to someone you know. She is often behind closed doors, not knowing where to go for
help. We can do something by supporting the YWCA and its comprehensive services that help women leave
abusive relationships, gain employment, and support themselves and their children. Through Becky’s House®,
Passages, and Cortez Hill Family Center programs, the YWCA provides safe housing, counseling, legal assistance,
and employment support to help women, children, and families make the journey from victim to survivor to
achiever. The YWCA helps more than 5,000 individuals annually.
I’m inviting you to support this event with a ticket, table or sponsorship purchase and join us to watch our keynote
speaker Laura Dern at the luncheon. Laura has proven to be one of the great actresses of her generation showing
that she is capable of great depth and range, touching audiences and critics alike with her moving and heartfelt
performances. She appeared in such iconic films as Jurassic Park and Rambling Rose for which she earned her first
Academy Award nomination. Most recently, Laura starred in the award-winning and critically acclaimed HBO series
“Enlightened,” which she also co-created and executive produced. Laura brings a different perspective to the
lectern, speaking on how her life experiences have propelled her to become an advocate for women’s
empowerment, gender equality, and balancing the delicate scales of work, life, and family.
This inspiring event will also honor the achievements of outstanding female professionals in San Diego through the
prestigious Tribute to Women & Industry (TWIN) Awards. You can nominate one of your company’s outstanding
female leaders to be a TWIN honoree and a candidate for one of these exceptional awards.
More information about this event, making a purchase, and nominating a TWIN honoree can be found at
www.ywcasandiego.org. I hope that you will be able to attend and share in this inspiring event.
Sincerely,
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