The Park City Peace House will hold a Mother’s Day luncheon not just to honor the important women in our lives, but to celebrate any person who has been a positive influence.
Jane Patten, executive director of the non-profit that serves abused women and children, said the organization decided to extend their Mother’s Day fundraiser to include a free luncheon to familiarize the community with their accomplishments and educational programs.
“We know that abuse is a hard subject, but the message we want to send is about all the good that has been done to end abuse,” she said. “There is a lot of hope and positive things happening, this isn’t something that is negative and no one should think about.”
The free Mother’s Day lunch will be provided by Park City Market and is open to the public. Patten said the event will include a presentation about the organization’s education and outreach programs and a plaque will be awarded in honor of former Peace House board member Mike Lee who died a few months ago.
Patten said she is also really looking forward to a performance by Vicky Christensen who will sing a children’s song written by a Park City resident in honor of the Peace House.
“In the past, we have had around 100 people at our spring luncheon but this year we are expecting around 200 people,” Patten said. “It is a brunch and fundraiser for brothers, uncles, mothers, grandmas, anyone who has led us in the right direction.”
The Peace House is also asking residents to donate to the organization in honor of a loved one in lieu of a gift on Mother’s Day. Patten said a $50 donation will go towards funding support meetings for abuse victims for a week, a gift of $100 pays for an education program in one classroom and a gift of $150 supports the organization’s toll-free 24/7 domestic violence help line for a month.
“Acknowledging those who have been great in our lives is one of the best things we can do,” Patten said. “In the same way, we don’t want to look at those in an abusive situation and say ‘what a shame.’ Instead we want to look at those who are changing their lives and be inspired.”
To RSVP to the lunch email [email protected] or call (435) 658-4739. The lunch will be held, Thursday, May 10, from noon to 1 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Church on State Road 224. Patten said the Peace House will send a card featuring artwork created by the children of the Peace House acknowledging the gift from residents sent in honor of someone special in their lives