The Village of Ruidoso and Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) are kicking off a campaign dedicated to spreading awareness about domestic violence.
During the month of October, the large trees at the Big Y, the intersection of Sudderth Drive and Highway 70, will shine purple in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Rodney Griego of the Village Parks and Recreation Department is coordinating the stringing and lighting of the lights.
This campaign is designed to shine a light on a problem that is often associated with silence and shame. The local campaign grows out of the Purple Light Nights campaign born in Washington in 2007 and which now covers 14 states. The goal is to remember the pain victims of domestic violence endure and give hope to those who are still living with abuse.
The color purple is recognized as the international color symbolic of domestic abuse. In addition to the color purple, butterflies are also a symbolic representation of domestic violence victims and their journey of change. The butterfly is a powerful symbol for transformation and new-found freedom.
The butterfly will be the theme of HEAL’s Sweet Charity Ball: A Night of Hope. The ball, originally scheduled for Oct. 1, has been rescheduled to summer 2012.
Leroy Anderson, a local artist from Nogal, N.M., designed and handmade silver butterflies for the event. He said the butterflies are a perfect representation of the transition victims experience at the Nest.
“Many times in our lives, we have the opportunity to make changes or transitions, and when provided the opportunity to change, it is up to the individual to choose to make the change or stay where they are,” Anderson said. “To me, the ultimate paradox is life. This is because the only constant in life is a variable called change.”
The Sweet Charity Ball: A Night of Hope is a celebration of survival. It is an event that is best represented by the butterfly and its transformation into a beautiful creature. HEAL staff, board members and community volunteers are excited about this event.
“We are committed to organizing a first-class event to celebrate survival,” said Coleen Widell, HEAL executive director. “After a last-minute conflict in schedule with our keynote speaker, we decided to reschedule our event. We thank the community for their continued support and look forward to a truly spectacular event in the summer.”
If you are interested in volunteering on the Sweet Charity Ball Committee, call Martha at the Nest at 575-378-6378.
For up-to-date-information, find and “like” HEAL and the Nest on Facebook.
Pictured are the Purple Lights on the trees at the big Y in Ruidoso. Photo courtesy John Soden.