In this issue of the Texas Advocacy Project eNews Update:

•1. The Fast Track to this year's Black and White Ball

•2. Project Partner Offers Innovative Relief to Victims

•3. First Lady of Texas Football Sally Brown Inspires Luncheon Guests

Accenture Presents the Black and White Ball

This year's Black And White Ball at the Four Seasons is fast approaching! We're expecting record attendance and all the glitz and glamour you've come to expect from this fabulous event.

The evening will feature live music by the Lucky Strikes; hors d'oeuvres by Four Seasons very own chef Elmar Prambs and one of Austin's largest auctions! Live auction highlights include travel getaways to Costa Rica, Telluride and Whidbey Island, a unique David Yurman shopping experience, UT vs. A&M sports packages, jewelry from Tiffany & CO., signed Tiger Woods memorabilia and much more! Swag bags are provided by our partners, David Yurman, Neiman Marcus Last Call, bRilliant Magazine, and Allstate Insurance Company.

A special thank you to our title sponsor, Accenture for partnering with us for a third year on the Black and White Ball. Additional platinum level sponsors include Allstate Foundation and David Yurman. Please see the following story on Allstate Insurance Company's click to empower campaign. All of us at the Project, the Board, staff and clients are grateful to Allstate Insurance for their commitment to end domestic violence.

Visit www.texasadvocacyporject.org for sponsorship and ticket information. While you're there, please view our regularly updated auction section!

"Click to Empower Camaign" Provides Much-Needed Assistance

Texas Advocacy Project is thrilled to share with you Allstate Foundation's "Click to Empower Campaign"!

For every click on the button, the Allstate Foundation will donate $1 to the Education and Job Training Assistance Fund with a total donation of up to $300,000!

The Education and Job Training Assistance Fund was established by The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program to channel small grants directly to adult domestic violence survivors to help them achieve their educational and professional goals. This fund enables domestic violence survivors to pursue long-term financial security by providing much needed assistance to address barriers often not covered within traditional financial aid resources. It covers education, training and most job-related expenses.

The partnership between Texas Advocacy Project and Allstate Foundation began in 2007, when leaders at Allstate decided to focus on long-term strategies like legal services to address the problem of domestic violence. With an initial gift of $100,000 last year, Allstate demonstrated a serious commitment to the issue and a strong belief in the effectiveness of legal services to combat the problem. This "Click to Empower" campaign is another example of Allstate's commitment to end domestic violence by acknowledging the many barriers victims must overcome.

Please click once a day and invite your friends and colleagues to do the same!

Allstate Insurance Network Luncheon in Austin

Thank you to everyone who attended the 3^rd Annual Allstate Insurance Network Luncheon in Austin.

First Lady of Texas Football Sally Brown was our keynote speaker, and she spoke passionately about ending domestic violence. Although usually doesn't accept public speaking engagements, she told the crowd of community leaders why she made an exception for Texas Advocacy Project. "When a representative of the Project sent me a note asking if I would consider this event, she put this organization's vision in very plain terms: that no child should ever have to watch one parent physically hurt the other. That simple. That strong. That powerful. And for that reason I am thrilled to be with you today." Ms. Brown went on to share some humorous and inspiring personal stories from on and off the football field. In the end, she challenged everyone in the room to, "Do something uncomplicated. Look, Listen. Choose, Act. That is your directive. Care a bit more. Do a bit more. Encourage others."

The Project was also honored to have its partners at the Allstate Foundation in attendance. Lisa Sturgeon, Allstate Marketing Manager, spoke about the importance of the Project's work, encouraging guests to make a difference in the struggle to end domestic violence in Texas. Representative Patrick Rose also had a few words for the crowd. He applauded everyone in the room who has joined Texas Advocacy Project as Board Members, staff, volunteers and supporters.

Project Executive Director Andrea Sloan helped put the Project's work in perspective. "The key phrase when talking about Texas Advocacy Project and the services we provide is ‘long-term,'" Sloan said. "Legal services actually break the cycle of violence, allowing victims to get out of these abusive relationships and stay out...that's how they get back on track, leading healthy, productive lives."

Many members of the Project's Board of Directors hosted tables at the luncheon as a way to raise money for the Project while providing a networking opportunity for Austin leaders. Hosts included Blair Hodgkins, Julia McCurley, Candace Lambert, Elissa Underwood of Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell, Melissa Leal of Andrews Kurth LLP, Leah Clark of Accenture, Marla Broaddus of Ratliff Law Firm, Laura Stephens, CPA, and Ryan Kagan of Kagan Creative.

family violence legal line

800-374-hope (Statewide)

512-476-5770 (In Austin)

family law hotline

800-777-fair (Statewide)

512-476-1866 (In Austin)

sexual assault legal hotline

888-296-safe (Statewide)

512-225-9290 (In Austin)

technical advocacy hotline

888-325-safe (Statewide)

512-476-5386 (In Austin)