Becky's Fund and the Nationals

~~~Thank you for helping Becky's Fund strike out domestic violence~~~

The day before our nation celebrated its independence, Becky Lee Women’s Support Fund (Becky’s Fund) and the Washington Nationals came together once again to expose the epidemic of domestic violence with the sold-out crowd of 30,000 at the July 3, 2010 Nats baseball game. Following the success of last year’s event, Becky’s Fund and the Nats worked together to raise awareness of domestic abuse at a national level.

The event continued the tradition of strong collaborations between Becky’s Fund and the Washington Nats. With Strasbourg pitching against the New York Mets, the packed event was broadcast by Fox, ensuring that we reached an even larger audience with our message of domestic violence awareness and prevention. The day featured a Domestic Violence Resolution presentation by DC Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray to Becky Lee. We also sponsored members of the Girl Scouts of DC to attend the game and be announced as part of the game’s “Starting Nine.” Becky’s Fund also released a Public Service Announcement that was displayed on the Jumbotron during the game. Volunteers at the stadium’s community booth answered questions and passed out information on domestic violence and Becky’s Fund. For the first time, Becky’s Fund streamed the baseball game and volunteer activities LIVE to the mobile phones and computers of thousands of supporters.

Becky’s Fund has always been committed to spreading awareness about domestic violence to all people of all ages in all stations in life. Having the opportunity to reach baseball fans across the nation a second time was an important achievement. We hope that our efforts have helped expose the dangers of domestic violence and given even one person the courage to step forward and end the cycle of domestic violence.

A portion of the proceeds from the tickets Becky’s Fund will go towards education development, victim services, and operational programmatic improvements. Thanks to our supporters and the involvement of our sponsors, we were able to continue the tradition of bringing domestic violence awareness to Nationals Park. Thanks go to our sponsors: Washingon Life Magazine, DLT solutions, Bisnow, and the Washington Nationals.

Becky’s Fund would like to thank all the volunteers and supporters who continue to help us reach out with the important message of domestic violence awareness. We hope we can continue to count on your solidarity. Click here to view pictures of the event.

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Last year's event:

On Friday, July 3, 2009, Becky Lee Women’s Support Fund (Becky’s Fund) and the Washington Nationals hosted “Domestic Violence Awareness Day at the Park,” joining the 30,000 plus audience in celebrating our nation’s Independence and sending a message of freedom from domestic violence. The event, the first of its kind, united the community in opposition of domestic violence, demonstrating our shared responsibility for ending abuse.

The event was an incredible success; raising awareness about the programming at Becky’s Fund, particularly the need for preventative youth education and inspiring community activism. A significant portion of the proceeds from tickets sold by Becky’s Fund for this game went to aid in the continuation of programming, education development, and the spread of resources. The evening would not have been possible without the involvement of our sponsors who are both committed to ending domestic violence and tireless advocates of the Becky’s Fund mission: Washington Life Magazine, Michael Romeo Group, Red Shoe Technologies, Phase One, Merrill Advisory Group, MSM Security Services and EDJ Associates, and of course the Washington Nationals who also donated baseball memorabilia towards our silent auction.

Open discussion about domestic violence continues to be a taboo subject in many communities and, thus the ability for the baseball game to highlight abuse in a public forum was a major accomplishment. If we are to strike out domestic violence, our support for survivors and lack of tolerance for abusers must be publicly known. When we are silent, we become complicit partners in the cycle of abuse-allowing victims to feel isolated in their situation and enabling abusers to feel justified in their actions.

Becky’s Fund maximized visibility at the event through the use of our PSA created by 8112 production company, streaming advertisements, the reading of a Domestic Violence Resolution created by Becky’s Fund and DC Ward 5 Council Member Harry Thomas Jr., and volunteers who greeted attendees with brochures and staffed the community booth. A highlight of our public outreach was Executive Director, Becky Lee, throwing out the first pitch.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Day at the Park,” was a positive step for the movement, bringing national attention to the issue and demonstrating to professional athletes that free passes on abuse is no longer acceptable, but it is clear that there is still much to be accomplished. One in three women will be affected by domestic violence in her lifetime. More unsettling, a recent study from Teen Research Unlimited found that 68% of teens who experience dating violence do not talk to their parents about the situation; and even when these teens do confide in their parents, 78% remain in the abusive relationship.

As a community, we must expand youth education to include information about acceptable behavior in a relationship, how to recognize the warning signs of an abusive relationship, and how to get help. Becky’s Fund has already demonstrated leadership in this area. Through the Eeve program, we visit universities around the country, engaging students in an open discussion about domestic violence, arming them with tools to protect themselves and their friends, providing resources and broadcasting our message via the media.

Becky’s Fund appreciates the help of all our supporters and we look forward to your continued solidarity and assistance in the future.  Click here to look at our pictures from the event!