Art for CAPSA event held to raise domestic violence awareness
Hundreds of prominent Cache and Salt Lake County citizens flocked to the Malouf Foundation’s Headquarters in Nibley Oct. 12 to bid on paintings by local artists to raise awareness for domestic violence and provide funds to Cache Valley’s Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse.
Sam Malouf, co-founder of the Malouf Foundation, said, “This event is to raise awareness for domestic violence, especially in Cache Valley. You may not think (domestic violence) goes on here, but it does. We need to be talking about it.”
CAPSA provides free comprehensive services to treat complex cases of abuse, domestic violence or rape to any woman, man or child affected. According to their website, their vision is to create a world with survivors that are empowered in a safe home so children can live without fear.
“Our local CAPSA is a model of how to support those suffering with domestic violence in Cache Valley and nationwide,” said Kacie Malouf, co-founder of the Malouf Foundation.
Entrepreneurs, city council members, artists and many more distinguished Utah citizens browsed local art and munched on gourmet hors d’oeuvres while classical music wafted through the air. Despite the atmosphere, the reason for the fundraiser was not lost.
According to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV Health), one in four women in the United States will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes.
In 2016, 18.1 percent of adult females and 10 percent of adult males in Utah were affected by intimate partner abuse, according to the Utah Department of Health.
“(At CAPSA), we often see the worst of these cases, but we also get to see the very best of these cases: treatment and support,” said Jill Anderson, who has been the director of CAPSA since 1997. “Every day we work toward the ultimate goal of ending local domestic violence.”
Community members founded the early stages of CAPSA in 1976 after two high-profile rape cases happened at Utah State University. These passionate and motivated citizens created a team to work a rape hotline.
In 1978, after the state of Utah passed the spousal abuse act which made domestic violence illegal, the team received more funding and the modern CAPSA program was created.
Today, CAPSA provides shelter, support, therapy and advocacy to victims of all backgrounds in a warm, professional environment.
Scott Carr, Malouf’s brand manager, said Cache Valley’s CAPSA has helped over 430 clients in 2018 alone.
“We are so proud to be able to offer free clinical counseling to anyone in need in Cache Valley. It is so rewarding to know that because of our hard work, we can make people’s lives just a little bit better,” Carr said.
Sam and Kacie co-created Malouf, a high-end, premium bedding company in 2003. They quickly realized their sleep products could help those in need enjoy a comfortable, restful night’s sleep. They started the Malouf Foundation in 2016 to donate sleep products such as pillows and blankets to CAPSA.
2018 marks the third year that the Malouf Foundation has hosted the benefit. Since 2016, the foundation has helped raise over $14,000, according to James Boyd Jr., a CAPSA executive.
“We are so proud and pleased at the growth of every aspect of the CAPSA program, especially the therapy services. We have raised funding to grow from just one therapist to seven,” Boyd said.
Lucy Servellon is a CAPSA volunteer who has been working with the program since 2001.
“In August alone, our team helped about 24 moms and their kids,” Servellon said. “You can see people cry with joy because of our support. We want to provide as much support as possible for these amazing moms and their kids.”
The evening consisted of an art auction, keynote speaker and gourmet food sampling. All of the art auctioned was donated by local artists.
Holly Bogdan, visual director for Malouf, worked with these local artists to find donations for the event.
“I just think a showcase of local artists really sums up what we are all about here: raising awareness for domestic violence on a local scale,” Bogdan said.
“This event is awesome,” said Josh Clare, a local artist who donated a painting to the event. “What a meaningful way to get in touch with locals regarding domestic abuse, since they are the people who can help the most.”
Several artists from Utah State University were involved in the night’s auction. Kathy Puzey, Caine College of the Arts Teacher of the Year in 2014, and David Koch, a local artist with a BA in art from USU, donated paintings to raise awareness.
Jerome Daniel Murphy, professor of ceramics at USU, and Janimarie Lester Derose, a local artist with BA in ceramics from USU, donated intricate ceramic sculptures and vases to raise awareness.
Renee Poe, REAL Salt Lake’s Executive Club Manager, was the keynote speaker of the night. Having experienced domestic violence first-hand, Poe gave a deeply personal narrative that brought the horrors of domestic violence to life. She chose to give a speech at the event because she feels her voice is the most effective way to reach people.
Poe said the hardest part of her experience was getting a glimmer of hope back into her life.
“My very favorite part of this whole terrible experience was finding self-love again,” Poe said. “If I could choose to do it again, if it means I get to turn into the woman I am today and inspire just one life, I would.”
Poe also encouraged attendees to take a stand against domestic violence in their own lives, if you witness it or if you experience it.
“If you see something that doesn’t seem right, call it in. It is your business saving someone else’s life,” Poe said.
Scott and Lindsay Johnson, local business contributors, attended the event because they are passionate about preventing domestic violence.
“We are here to support CAPSA by celebrating a great evening and raising awareness,” Lindsay Johnson said. “The support Malouf shows for domestic violence, putting this event on, it is just indescribably incredible.”
To learn more about domestic violence and what you can do to help, or if you are currently a victim of abuse or violence, contact CAPSA using their 24-hour support phone line at 435-753-2500.
— Brianne Sorensen
@SorensenBrianne