SAFE Project’s 2024 Brunch and Bubbly event on September 15th at the Alice Hardie Stevens Center in Laramie, Wyoming was a resounding success, bringing together the generous and compassionate community of Albany County to support the organization’s mission of advocating for and empowering survivors of stalking, intimate partner, family, and sexual violence. SAFE Project is dedicated to prevention and improving community response through education and awareness initiatives.

SAFE Project provides a 24-hour hotline and maintains offices in Laramie and at the University of Wyoming campus, offering free and confidential crisis, safety, and support services. These include emergency shelter, safety planning, referrals, assistance with protection orders, hospital response, court accompaniment, resources for housing and job searches, and financial aid. The UW campus office supports student survivors with Title IX advocacy and academic support connections.

In the community, SAFE Project offers prevention education in local schools, addressing age-appropriate topics from healthy families to teen dating violence. They also provide service presentations, host awareness events, and collaborate with first responders,  and social service agencies, to evaluate and improve victim services.

SAFE Projects annual Brunch & Bubbly fundraiser was a delightful garden party that featured  bottomless drinks, engaging lawn games, a silent auction, a catered brunch, a small awards ceremony, and live music from the Biscuit ‘n Jammers, which created a vibrant atmosphere for all attendees. This year’s Brunch and Bubbly success was made possible by the incredible support of guests, sponsors, donors, and partners. Their contributions ensure that survivors continue to receive the critical resources and care they need during their most vulnerable moments.

A highlight of the event was the extraordinary pledge by John Evans, who matched all funds raised up to $20,000. His generosity meant that every donation made during the event had twice the impact, directly supporting SAFE Project’s vital services.

The event reached full capacity and was officially sold out, demonstrating the community’s strong commitment to supporting survivors and raising awareness about domestic and sexual violence.

The event paid tribute to Gabby Petito, whose life was tragically cut short by intimate partner violence. Her story served as a powerful reminder of the dangers many face and the critical need to support initiatives aimed at preventing such tragedies. Keynote speakers Nichole Schmidt and Tara Petito, Gabby’s mother and stepmother, shared her story and highlighted the mission of the Gabby Petito Foundation, which was founded in her memory. The foundation focuses on supporting survivors of domestic violence and assisting in locating missing persons, transforming the family’s grief into a meaningful call to action.

The foundation’s message deeply resonated with attendees, inspiring them to contribute to positive change. As a result, SAFE Project extended its outreach by partnering with the University of Wyoming Violence Prevention Center to host two additional free events the following Monday. These events were open to the community, sparking deep, impactful discussions about violence prevention. The Gabby Petito Foundation’s commitment to education, raising awareness, and advocating for lasting societal change stands as a testament to the belief that even in the face of profound loss, hope and support can still emerge to make a difference.

“On behalf of SAFE Project and those we serve, we express our deepest gratitude for the generosity, support, and belief in our mission. The contributions made at Brunch & Bubbly will help transform lives and build a safer, more supportive community for all. We look forward to continuing this important work with the ongoing support of our incredible community,” stated Allison Wagg, Prevention & Outreach Coordinator.

SAFE Project continues to advance its mission through initiatives like the SAFE Men Program. Established in 2019, the program engages passionate men committed to creating positive social change around domestic, family, and relationship violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Participants receive the tools and education necessary to serve as role models and mentors, fostering a society where women and girls feel valued and safe.

The program is led in partnership with Allison Wagg the Prevention & Outreach Coordinator at SAFE Project and  Bob Vines the Violence Prevention Coordinator at the University of Wyoming. This collaboration strengthens the ability to address gender-based violence in deeper, more meaningful ways.

This year, over 20 new participants will undergo training and develop projects that promote healthy masculinity and help shape a safer community for all.

To learn more about SAFE Project please visit, https://www.safeproject.org/ and to learn more about this years Brunch and Bubbly event please visit, https://www.safeproject.org/brunch2024