“Your condition is not your conclusion” – Tito Jackson 

Last month, I had the pleasure and privilege of attending HAVEN’s signature annual fundraising event, the Changing Lives Gala. Over two hundred guests gathered to honor and celebrate the work that HAVEN does in ending domestic and sexual violence. The night was filled with gratitude, self-reflection, heartfelt stories, and booming applause; The atmosphere was bright, inclusive, and celebratory. Being an intern at HAVEN, I have seen first-hand the hard work and dedication that the staff put into their mission, and the Changing Lives Gala was an excellent display of this passion. 

HAVEN’s mission is to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking, and to support and empower all women, men, non-binary and transgender adults, youth, and families to heal from abuse and rebuild their lives. Fueling HAVEN’s mission simply would not be possible without the gracious donations, sponsors, volunteers, and of course, the vital staff members at HAVEN. Community engagement is vital to spreading HAVEN’s message, and the Gala was a perfect display of this. The Changing Lives Gala was an impactful expression of gratitude for all these roles and their commitment to HAVEN’s mission. Additionally, the planning and execution of the Changing Lives Gala would not be possible without Purple Finch Events. The time and effort Purple Finch put into HAVEN’s vision was utterly amazing, and they executed everything flawlessly and compassionately. From the earliest planning stages to the seamless execution on the day of the event, Purple Finch Events was fully invested in the success of the Changing Lives Gala and the spread of HAVEN’s mission.  

One of HAVEN’s goals is for all voices to be heard, and the Changing Lives Gala was a safe space for everyone to contribute in one way or another. We had several “Mission Moments” throughout the event, where guests could learn more about HAVEN’s mission and all the programs HAVEN has to offer, engage with members of staff, make donations, and participate in interactive displays. These activities truly put into perspective the amount of work and consideration HAVEN does to support and empower all survivors. 

At HAVEN, we recognize that topics surrounding domestic and sexual violence can be sensitive and overwhelming. To ensure that guests felt safe and supported, we created a Respite Room at the event for anyone who needed a moment to relax, breathe, and center themselves. This cozy room was filled with various therapeutic and comforting activities to ensure that guests knew that they weren’t alone and could take a break whenever they needed. It is incredibly heartwarming to see how thoughtful and compassionate the staff at HAVEN is, and their commitment to self-care and healing is truly admirable.  

 

A main highlight of the event was getting to hear from our courageous guest speakers. Tito Jackson, CEO of Verdant Medical, Inc. and former Boston City Councilor, delivered a powerful keynote message that will inspire and ignite. Joined by his birth mother, Rachel Twymon, and his adoptive mother, Rosa Jackson, they all shared their powerful story and offered an inspiring call to action. There were several standing ovations, eruptions of applause, as well as moments of silence that rippled through the audience, an unspoken acknowledgment of the gravity of his story. 

Not only did the Changing Lives Gala serve as an expression of gratitude, education, and awareness, but it also reminded the guests that the work HAVEN does demands continued action. The Changing Lives Gala was not just a celebration; it was a powerful reminder that ending violence and supporting survivors requires all of us. Throughout the event, people shared impactful stories and experiences, but also recognized that awareness is just the beginning, and action is what drives change. Guests made gracious donations throughout the night, but staff continued to remind guests that any donation, no matter what the amount, makes a difference is someone’s life. We held an auction that featured several incredible items and activities up for grabs, as well as a raffle with three separate prize packages, to ensure everyone’s interests were met.  

The sense of community that came from the event is one that left many of us at the event speechless, but eager to spread HAVEN’s mission. Seeing everyone coming together to learn about the work that HAVEN does, and the support from people of all walks of life, was truly inspiring. Even after the evening officially concluded, guests lingered to deepen conversations with HAVEN staff and fellow attendees, inspired to continue reflecting on the powerful stories and mission-driven messages shared throughout the night. 

As Tito Jackson perfectly put it during his impactful speech, “your condition is not your conclusion.” Your current struggles or circumstances don’t determine your future, and you have the power to rise above them and shape your own outcome. With the use of HAVEN’s support, education, and advocacy, individual survivors can reclaim their safety, dignity, and hope.