The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) will celebrate 35 years of progress and leadership in the movement to end domestic abuse Thursday, Oct. 9 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Dan Jaehnig of WJAR NBC 10 News will be host of the anniversary celebration, with special guest Lisa Leslie.

Leslie is a four-time Olympic goal medallist, two-time Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Champion, three-time WNBA MVP, and eight-time WNBA All-Star center for the Los Angeles Sparks, and was the first player to dunk in a WNBA game. During her 11-year career from 1997-2009, she was considered a pioneer of the league. She was voted by the fans as one of the WNBA’s Top 15 players of all time.

Leslie is a supporter of the national NO MORE campaign against domestic violence, which has a partnership with the RICADV. Leslie is a NO MORE campaign spokesperson that discusses the importance of social support to put an end to domestic violence.

“We are thrilled to have Lisa Leslie joining us as our guest of honor for this celebration. Lisa believes in supporting young women in sports because getting involved in athletics can encourage them to make healthy choices and can foster their future health and success. We know that engaging in sports often increases self-esteem, enhances social support networks and cultivates healthy lifestyles, decreasing some of the risk factors for domestic violence. We cannot wait to meet Lisa Leslie, an amazing role model not only for youth, but for people of all ages. We invite Rhode Islanders to join us on this special day,” Deborah DeBare, executive director of RICADV, said in a statement.

Since 1979, RICADV has been fighting in the movement to end domestic violence. It is their goal to advocate that domestic violence is a completely preventable public health issue that takes community involvement. Their mission statement is, “The purpose of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence is to eliminate domestic violence in Rhode Island. Our mission is to support and enhance the work of our member agencies, and to provide leadership on the issue of domestic violence.” They serve approximately 10,000 victims of domestic abuse and hold prevention services to educate 9,000 youths every year.

The nonprofit organization has six local member agencies in Rhode Island: Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center, Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County, Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, Sojourner House, Women’s Center of Rhode Island, and Women’s Resource Center. They offer 24-hour hotline support, emergency shelter, support groups, counseling services, assistance with the legal system, and a wide array of services for victims.

RICADV is grateful for the support of their business partners: Dave’s Marketplace, the event’s Champion Sponsor, the Providence Journal Charitable Organization, Alex and Ani Charity By Design, and Nixon Peabody.

RICADV is hosting this event for organizations and individuals to celebrate this milestone. Those with V.I.P. seating and sponsor packages will be able to talk and take pictures with Leslie.

For more information about these organizations and services, call the statewide Helpline at 800-494-8100. If you hear or see someone being hurt, call 911 immediately.

Tickets are on sale now. For individuals, luncheon tickets cost $65, and V.I.P. seating is an extra $100. A team of five sponsors is $300 and a full table is $600. Those who cannot attend may still donate to sponsor the attendance of a survivor for $65. Program ad space costs between $75 and $250 depending on size.

Those who are interested can purchase tickets to the event, ad space in the event program, or both. Corporate sponsorships are available. For more information on tickets, advertisement, and sponsorship, visit www.ricadv.org or contact Zulma Garcia, RICADV, at 467-9940 or zulma@ricadv.

org.