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WILKES BARRE — Domestic violence regained the headlines when ex-Baltimore Ravens running back, Ray Rice, punched his then fiancée in an elevator, knocking her out cold and dragging her body to a hotel room.
Safehorizon.org states one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, a statistic that the Domestic Violence Service Center is working feverishly to diminish. To help their cause, on March 20, the center will hold its 6th annual Laugh Out Loud benefit with headliner Joe Mulligan and featuring Mike Eagan.
“Someone always knows someone who is in a domestic violence situation,” said Denise Driscoll, special events and marketing coordinator for the center. “If we can just touch one person and help them, that is our goal. We are here to create awareness and be silent no more.”
At the comedy show there will be a silent auction and cash bar, followed by appetizers, dinner and dessert stations. The agency will be auctioning off prizes including an eight day, seven night vacation in Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, courtesy of Sundance Vacations and two four-pack club seat tickets to a Penguins game.
Center officials said they select a community member who closely matches their ideals to be the master of ceremonies. This year, Bruce D. Lefkowitz, owner of Harrold’s Pharmacy, has the honor.
“I am thrilled to be asked to be the emcee for the event,” Lefkowitz said. “I couldn’t think of a more worth while cause than (battling) domestic violence.”
Tickets are $60 and tables of eight are available for $450. All proceeds go to the Domestic Violence Service Center to help employees continue their work in providing free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence.
“This gave me a chance to reach out to the domestic violence organization and learn about what they do,” Lefkowitz said. “I have learned about the issues in the area surrounded by domestic violence and this opportunity has really opened my eyes. I have been taught how important it is for people going through domestic violence to speak up and get the help they need.”