Supporting Safety and Strength for Families: Yolo Crisis Nursery Invites You to the “Boots, Bubbles & Bourbon” Fundraiser
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In 2019-2020 the Nursery saw the impacts of the Pandemic when Domestic Violence (DV) skyrocketed and we served more individuals than ever who were escaping dire abusive situations. Unfortunately, the number of DV incidents the Nursery sees continues to be a critical concern. Last year alone, 21% of Yolo Crisis Nursery client families were impacted by, or are escaping domestic violence. As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, the need for the Nursery’s services remains stark and urgent. The children who come through our doors often arrive with invisible wounds that have a profound and long-lasting impact on both their physical and mental health. The Nursery continues to be a safe haven for both the children and parents escaping domestic violence.
Children who witness domestic violence are at an increased risk of perpetrating or being victimized by violence in their own future relationships. For instance, a boy who sees his mother being abused is 10 times more likely to abuse his female partner as an adult. (Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Women’s Health.gov)
The Yolo Crisis Nursery is a critical part of our community’s safety net, offering a place where children can begin to heal and where parents can get referrals to access the resources—counseling, housing assistance, and education—to break the cycle of abuse for good. By supporting the Nursery, you are investing in a healthier, safer future for families, right here in Yolo County.
The healing power of the Yolo Crisis Nursery is best illustrated through the lives it transforms. Emily, a new mother who loved and adored her premature daughter, Erica, was trapped in a cycle of severe domestic violence and addiction. This ultimately caused Erica to be declared as an abandoned child by the authorities.
Trembling with fear, Emily eventually escaped captivity from her abusive spouse. Determined to find Erica and build a better life, she connected with the Yolo Crisis Nursery. The Nursery provided trauma-informed, loving care for Erica while Emily underwent necessary reconstructive surgery for her physical injuries, and began the difficult emotional work of healing and addressing addiction.
With the support of the Nursery’s dedicated staff, Emily worked tirelessly to become the best mom she could be for Erica. She remained sober, secured a job, a home, and a vehicle, leading to her successfully regaining full custody of Erica. Emily shared, “I am forever grateful for the Yolo Crisis Nursery. I could not be where I am today without your loving care and support.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that every child deserves safety and the chance to grow and thrive.
To continue supporting families like Emily and Erica, the Yolo Crisis Nursery is hosting a special evening fundraiser “Boots Bubbles & Bourbon” on November 8th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the stately Lincoln House in Woodland. To raise funds to ensure that every child, from birth to age five, has a safe haven when their family faces a crisis. The Nursery’s life-changing, voluntary services—offered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for up to 30 days, always free of charge—rely on the generosity of neighbors who believe in protecting our most vulnerable.
Guests at “Boots, Bubbles & Bourbon” will choose their perfect entrance: the Bourbon Flight Experience or the Champagne Flight Experience, both priced at $125 per ticket. Each ticket includes admission for one and a luxurious tasting: four carefully curated pours of either fine bourbon or exquisite champagne, each expertly paired with delectable passed hors d’oeuvres and sweets.
In addition, we’ll be offering a limited number of Golden Tickets, which will be an exclusive experience for the true bourbon enthusiasts. Each Golden Ticket grants access to a private Whiskey Vault tasting featuring a ¾ oz pour of WhistlePig Boss Hog XL, a rare and refined spirit. Only 20 of these coveted tickets will be available, so be sure to purchase yours before they sell out.
“This event will help to fund warm beds, nutritious food, and the wraparound services that empower children and their families to move from a place of crisis to one of stability,” said Becky Heard, Director of Development, Yolo Crisis Nursery.
Don’t miss this inspiring event! Your participation in “Boots, Bubbles & Bourbon” ensures the Yolo Crisis Nursery can continue to be a beacon of hope for children and families when they need it most. A limited number of admission tickets remain, secure your tickets today at yolocrisisnursery.org. A few sponsorship opportunities are also still available; if you are interested in becoming a valued sponsor, please email Becky Heard at bheard@yolocrisisnursery.org.
We hope to see you on November 8th. Together, we can nurture healthy and resilient children, strengthen parents, and preserve families.
Heather Sleuter, Executive Director, Yolo Crisis Nursery