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‘Midnight at the Oasis’ Event on May 1 to Help End Domestic Violence in Watauga, Avery

By JESSICA ISAACS

Friends and supporters of OASIS, Inc. will convene on May 1 for the 12th annual Midnight at the Oasis event — a celebration of the agency’s role in the community that aims to raise funds and awareness for its mission.

Hosted from 7-11 p.m. at Meadowbrook Inn, 711 Main St. in Blowing Rock, Midnight at the Oasis will offer heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and live music performed by Laditude.IMG_5706 web

OASIS Outreach Coordinator Marcie Ownbey is a fundraising event, but also an opportunity for the community to learn more about what the organization does to support survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault.

“Las year, OASIS provided services to 315 survivors and 331 of their children. We received over 1,600 crisis and information calls to the crisis line, and provided shelter for 36 survivors and 21 of their children,” Ownbey said. “We know that when awareness is raised and the community learns about resources and safe places to turn to, people feel more able to report that they have been abused or assaulted.”

The agency’s various specific services and community education programs — which include but are not limited to a 24-hour crisis line, crisis counseling, judicial and medical advocacy and support groups — make it an asset both Watauga and Avery counties.

Additionally, Ownbey said Midnight at the Oasis will serve as a celebration of the organization’s 37 years of service and the work it will continue to do in the future.

“OASIS has provided services since 1978 and we invest significant time and resources into community outreach so that people understand how to contact us, the services we provide, how to get involved and the realities of domestic violence and sexual assault.”

Ownbey said she and the OASIS staff look forward to sharing their mission with friends and guests at the event and get the community involved in making a difference in the lives of violence survivors.

“Midnight at the Oasis is a really fun event and we know that people love the food, music and dancing,” Ownbey said. “But I think what they enjoy more than anything is the opportunity to hear a survivor speak and to gather with others who care about survivors and about ending domestic violence and sexual assault.”

Proceeds from each $35 ticket will help Oasis continue its work to end sexual and domestic violence in both counties.

To purchase tickets or become a corporate sponsor, visit OASIS online at www.oasisinc.org or call 828-264-1532 during office hours.

 

MORE ABOUT OASIS

To read more about sexual or domestic violence, local resources and how to help OASIS make a difference, visit www.oasisinc.org.

For the Watauga County 24-hour Crisis Line, call 828-262-5035.

For the Avery County 24-hour Crisis Line, call 828-504-0911.

Contact the OASIS office to contribute or volunteer.

Items on the agency’s current needs list include:

  • Umbrellas
  • Waterproof jackets, coats and boots
  • Diapers (large sizes especially) and wipes
  • Women’s clothing (seasonally and professionally appropriate)
  • Children’s clothing (middle sizes especially, ages 5-12)
  • New bras and underwear (varying sizes)
  • Shoes (all sizes, especially good for walking and standing)
  • Towels (sets of bath, hand and face towels are great)
  • All feminine products
  • First aid supplies (band-aids, cough medicine, cough drops, Neosporin, allergy medicine, etc.)
  • Tissues
  • Hair styling products (mousse, gel, hairspray, hair ties, clips)
  • New makeup (mascara, eyeliner, powder, etc.)
  • Makeup remover and face wash
  • Pint-sized mouthwash
  • Batteries (AA, AAA, C, DD)
  • Belts
  • House slippers
  • Gas cards (in $20 increments)
  • Gift cards for Lowe’s Hardware, Wal-Mart, local grocery stores (any increments)