Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV), Georgia’s largest and most experienced non-profit working to end domestic violence, will host its 32^nd annual Hearts with Hope Gala virtually on Saturday, September 26, 2020, via Vimeo and Facebook Live. This year’s event, beginning with a pre-show at 5:30 p.m. and the main event at 6 p.m, is free for all attendees. Hearts with Hope brings together corporate and community leaders, as well as PADV’s local and national supporters, to help raise awareness of domestic violence and much-needed funds for the organization. The Gala typically generates 20% of the organization’s annual operating budget. 

Due to safety concerns brought on by COVID-19, this year’s Hearts with Hope Gala will be hosted virtually for the first time. PADV encourages everyone in the metro Atlanta community to participate and donate at the Gala. Police departments, emergency rooms, PADV’s 24-hour crisis hotline, shelter requests and need for legal services have seen a substantial increase in the rates and severity of domestic violence since the onset of the pandemic. All of the critical services and resources PADV provides to domestic violence victims are needed more than ever.

“While the Gala looks and feels different than previous years, the Hearts With Hope Gala committee recognizes that our mission is the same, if not more important, during a time when PADV’s programs and services are so desperately needed,” said Pallavi Gor, Account Executive with Avidbots Corporation and 2020 Hearts With Hope Gala Chair. “Having grown up in a home where domestic violence was an everyday occurrence, I recognize how crucial it is that PADV raises the funds needed to provide hope and security for women, children and men affected by domestic violence. Our donors save lives.” 

The virtual Gala will feature a silent and live auction, compelling speakers and entertainment. Auction details include a wide range of luxurious items, including a seven-night getaway in a private beach house in beautiful Santa Rose Beach, Florida; 24 tickets, six parking passes and a $1,000 food credit towards an Atlanta Braves home game during the 2021 season.

"This will be an event you don’t want to miss," said Nancy Friauf, PADV CEO. "Our event committee has worked tirelessly to transform one of our most successful and impactful events into an engaging and memorable virtual experience. This year’s auction items are also some of the most exciting yet; a fun way to raise funds that will change and save lives.”

In order to offer more opportunities to connect and engage with PADV before the September 26 event, the organization is hosting three Facebook Lives the week leading up to the virtual Gala:

• Monday, September 21, 6 p.m. - PADV will feature a conversation between a mother and daughter on how teen dating violence impacted their family.

• Wednesday, September 23, 6 p.m. - PADV will be joined by the Clinical Supervisor at Northside Hospital’s Emergency Room for a conversation about how the hospital supports survivors of domestic violence in its emergency room.

• Thursday, September 24, 6 p.m. - PADV will share the hopeful stories of two domestic violence survivors after they each overcame their abusive partners.

PADV's 2020 Hearts with Hope Gala is made possible by event chair, Pallavi Gor, along with presenting sponsor Northside Hospital and generous support from other sponsors. For a full list of event sponsors, click here.

For more information and to register for the Hearts with Hope Gala, which is free to attend, visit heartswithhopegala.org/.