On Thursday, December 3, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, YWCA Northeast Indiana will host the 19th Annual Circle of Women Luncheon fundraiser. This year’s event will take place at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. The proceeds from the luncheon support YWCA Northeast Indiana’s Crisis Shelter, Prevention Education Services, Steps to Success Program, and other community-based programs that help domestic violence survivors become self-sufficient. Since 1976, YWCA Northeast Indiana has provided services to more than 100,000 individuals impacted by domestic violence.

This year’s luncheon, titled “Are we asking the wrong question?” will feature domestic violence survivor, speaker, advocate, and the creator of #WhyIStayed, Beverly Gooden. Throughout her presentation she will share “why she stayed” and finally “why she left”. As a presenter, Beverly speaks about domestic violence sensitivity, victim shaming, the culture of violence, intimate partner abuse on college campuses, and women’s empowerment. Beverly’s story has been profiled on Good Morning America, CNN, TIME, The Washington Post, HLN, Inside Edition, NOMORE.org, and more. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times and NBC’s TODAY. For more information, visit www.beverlygooden.com.

Nearly 700 guests are expected to attend. Reservations will be accepted until November 25, depending on availability. During the program, guests are asked to make a minimum donation of $120. All proceeds from the luncheon support YWCA’s services and programs. Anyone interested in attending the 2015 Circle of Women luncheon and supporting YWCA should contact Sue Hiatt at 260-424-4908 ext. 254 or SHiatt.

For more information on this event, visit YWCA.org/NEIN.