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Naples sock hop to raise awareness against domestic violence

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The Soroptimist Club of Naples is committed to stopping domestic violence before it begins., hosting a ’50s Sock Hop Dance, Saturday, May 23, at Bianchi’s Restaurant, from noon until 4 p.m., to launch its Campaign Against Domestic Violence.

One in three women will be the victim of violence in her lifetime the majority at the hands of an intimate partner.

The Soroptimist Club of Naples is committed to stopping domestic violence before it begins.

The group recently announced it will host a ’50s Sock Hop Dance, Saturday, May 23, at Bianchi’s Restaurant, from noon until 4 p.m., to launch its Campaign Against Domestic Violence.

“While Soroptimists worldwide participate in an annual event Nov. 25 to focus attention on domestic violence, local chapters are encouraged to determine the focus of service to their communities,” said Naples chapter president and charter member Rita Albaugh. “Our club selected a Sock Hop theme because it’s an affordable, fun way to kick off our shoes, kick up our heels and kick off the campaign.”

Funds raised from the Sock Hop will be used to provide domestic violence prevention and intervention tools throughout the county distributed to clergy, employers, students, educators, attorneys, physicians, health care providers and mental health specialists, shelters, local agencies and policing authorities, she added.

The ’50s Sock Hop tickets are $20 per person and include a lavish Italian buffet lunch with dancing to the music of the 50s, featuring live entertainment by vocalist and Soroptimist charter member Jeannie Upton, along with other local musicians.

Traditional Sock Hop attire (poodle skirts, bobby socks, saddle shoes, jeans and leather jackets) is encouraged.

Lindsey Downs, store manager at Best Buy, located at 6320 Naples Boulevard, is partnering with the Soroptimists by donating the services of a team of 10 volunteers and a $1,000 check. Best Buy will pay its employees to work the Sock Hop to help support the campaign.

Bianchi’s restaurant, owned and operated by Soroptimist member Chrissy Bianchi, is donating her restaurant for the afternoon to host the event. Bianchi’s is located alongside picturesque Gordon Bay in the Bayfront Shopping District at 492 Bayfront Place. There is no charge for parking.

For ’50s Sock Hop tickets or information about membership in Soroptimist of Naples, call president Rita Albaugh at 821-5562 or membership and fund-raising director Jeannie Upton at 269-6320.

About Soroptimist

Founded in 1921, Soroptimist (“best for women”) is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa., Soroptimist offers programs that improve the lives of women and girls through three distinct platforms: economic empowerment, elimination of violence, and gender equality.

Its major program, the Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Awards, provides cash grants for women seeking to improve their lives with the help of additional education and training.

Each year, more than $1 million is disbursed to deserving women through this award-winning program. Soroptimist, a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on charitable donations to support its programs, also sponsors the Live Your Dream campaign in recognition of the power of women and their dreams.

Visit the campaign’s online home at: LiveYourDreamCampaign.org.