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Join Café Portofino in Celebrating 15th Anniversary with March Fundraising Event for OASIS

By Kaitlan Morehouse

Help Café Portofino celebrate its 15th anniversary as it gives back to a different locally-based nonprofit each month this year!

On the last Thursday of every month, 10 percent of the profits from Portofino’s dining room will go to a nonprofit from the High Country. A new organization will be featured each month!

“They are all things that are going to benefit the High Country,” said Café Portofino General Manager Katelyn Rayle.

A representative from each local nonprofit will be in attendance at their respective events to provide support and answer any questions you may have.

All day Thursday, March 31, Portofino will help raise money for OASIS.

“It’s awesome that we are able to work with a hotspot and get the word out, especially with ASU students who are only here a portion of the year,” said Kelsi Butler, the OASIS Outreach Coordinator.

The event is in perfect conjunction with April, the national Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

“We are really excited that our night is on the 31st,” Butler said. “We want to make sure we do events to bring awareness to the issue.”

Come out and support ending the cycle of violence while enjoying some delicious food and beverages!

You should also stick around for April’s fundraising event!

About Café Portofino

portofino outside
Café Portofino/pinterest.com

Established in 2000, Café Portofino is located in the 100-year-old building that was the original maintenance station for Tweetsie Railroad at 270 Rivers Street.

The establishment has a dining area and a bar called “The Tap Room,” complete with darts, billiards, games, large screen televisions and a full service bar that can be rented for private functions.

For more information, visit www.cafeportofino.net/ or its Facebook page.

About OASIS

OASIS Boone
OASIS/oasisinc.org

Established in 1978, OASIS, Opposing Abuse with Service, Information and Shelter, is a private non-profit organization that supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Watauga, Avery and surrounding counties.

The organization strives to end domestic violence and sexual assault in The High Country by providing three services:

  1. Comprehensive emergency services, transitional support and a safe environment for survivors as they explore options for a violence-free life
  2. Education and skill development to encourage families in our community to create and maintain healthy peer and intimate partner relationships that are based on respect and equality
  3. Help to create a community that supports survivors through advocacy and education

The nonprofit’s philosophy is one of empowerment. This means that it believes every survivor is able to make the best informed and educated decisions for him or herself if given the right materials to do so. The organization provides a number of materials and services to help with decision making. Along with ideas and support to best help survivors, OASIS offers:

  • Shelter
  • Short-term Crisis Counseling
  • Information and Referrals to Community Resources
  • Case Management
  • Support Groups
  • Medical Advocacy
  • Judicial Systems Advocacy
  • Servicios En Español

The most common service as of 2014-15 is intervention and referrals, which can include housing, food stamps, financial assistance and referrals to other appropriate agencies or organizations.

Keep your eye out for information regarding the Thirteenth Annual Midnight at the OASIS!

All of the funds for the nonprofit are raised from either grants or donations, so the more support the organization receives, the more acknowledgement and awareness the community will have.

When asked about fundraising partnerships and partnerships in general, Butler said that it helps to build relationships and end violence.

For more information, visit www.oasisinc.org, the nonprofit’s Facebook page, OASIS Inc. or Twitter. You can also reach the nonprofit by calling 828-264-1532 or emailing outreach@oasisinc.org!

You can always call the 24-hour, confidential crisis line at 828-262-5035 and 828-504-0911 for Watauga and Avery Counties, respectively.

“Our services are free and confidential,” Butler said.