GREENFIELD — The New England Learning Center for Women in Transition’s (NELCWIT’s) 12th annual fundraiser and celebration, “The Power to Persevere: Rising Together,” like many other events, will be held virtually this year.
It will be celebrated April 15, from 6 to 7 p.m. and will include Priscilla Ress, spokesperson for Eversource, as emcee. The featured speaker will be Greenfield Community College President Yves Salomon-Fernandez.
Locally grown rock ’n’ roll band Kalliope Jones will provide upbeat music, according to a Friends of NELCWIT press release. There will also be a dedication to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and tributes from local and state officials and community leaders.
“The Power to Persevere offers a time for the community to come together and support the amazing work that NELCWIT has been doing in the community for more than 40 years,” Friends member Mary Kociela, director of domestic and sexual violence programs for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, said in the release. “The Friends are excited to host this wonderful celebration of the power and resilience of survivors.”
NELCWIT Co-Executive Director Juan Carlos Aguilar said the past year has been especially difficult for people facing violence in their homes and relationships.
“We are grateful for the community support that allows us to keep our doors open and continue reaching out to survivors to offer whatever support we can,” Aguilar said in the release.
To register to attend the virtual event, visit charityauction.bid/NELCWIT.
To become an underwriter or sponsor, email Carla at info@nelcwit.org. According to the release, the fundraiser is supported by the following underwriters: Greenfield Savings Bank, Health New England, Heywood Healthcare and Franklin First Credit Union. In addition, there are many business sponsors, including Greenfield Cooperative Bank and Freedom Credit Union. The United Way of Franklin County is providing technical and production support.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-9591 or afritz@recorder.com.