The Crowd: Event at Balboa Bay Resort benefits sanctuary for those threatened by violence

The tragic death of Nicole Brown Simpson more than 20 years ago triggered national focus on domestic violence, a crime that had previously been swept under the rug of denial, not for years, but for centuries.

Today, it is a subject of widespread attention, yet the incidence of abuse across all racial, social and economic lines has not diminished. It remains a scourge on humanity, a black mark on the human condition.

People of civilized intent are standing up for reform. Openness on dealing with the subject and the honest facing of facts account for tremendous steps forward. In the O.C. there are multiple organizations directed at stopping domestic violence.

Many of them came about as a result of efforts by Simpson’s sister, Denise Brown, who started the Nicole Brown Foundation to rescue other women living in abusive relationships prior to facing life-and-death situations.

Laura’s House is one of the O.C.’s sanctuaries for those whose lives have been threatened by violence. For 20-plus years, the organization has provided safety, shelter and support to some 4,000 battered women and children in the O.C..

That’s right — 4,000 people have sought refuge from just one organization in just one community. The figures are astounding.

Beyond those needing emergency care, Laura’s House estimates assisting upward of 50,000 O.C. citizens over its two decades offering counseling, education, healthcare advice and legal assistance. Clearly the issue of domestic violence can no longer be a secret.

Recently, Laura’s House, under the direction of its CEO and executive director, Margaret Bayston, invited supporters to lunch at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach.

The serious gathering, chaired by major benefactor Donna Pickup — wife of Richard Pickup, patriarch of the Pickup and Martin family ownership of Balboa Bay Resort and Balboa Bay Club — labeled the gathering as the first-ever Brighter Futures Luncheon, which they want to make an annual event.

More than 200 guests arrived to pledge support for the nonprofit with the ongoing mission of rebuilding the lives of broken women, men and families. Pickup joined other dedicated women in the community to rally major support.

Each table in the dining room was hosted by a community leader. Among the supporters were Twila True, Bette Aitken, Sandra Ayres, Cathi Bledsoe, Emily DeCinces, Elana Donovan, Carolyn Garrett, Stephanie Jones, Madee Kirkaby, Eve Ruffato, Joann Leatherby and Bonnie McClellan.

Many in attendance also support another local civic organization, the Decorative Arts Society (DARTS), which has, in turn, supported Laura’s House for the past 21 years with financial assistance.

DARTS women have contributed more than a quarter million dollars to Laura’s House. Mary Anna Jeppe of Lido Isle accepted recognition for the efforts of DARTS.

Also recognized was a young lady named Nicole Prusty, who serves as a junior ambassador for Laura’s House. The 12-year-old Aliso Viejo resident spreads awareness helping to inform her peers on the subject and to get them involved with the nonprofit.

Highlighting the afternoon event was the very personal address by Tanya Smith, an O.C. grad of the Laura’s House program. Smith shared her 10-year journey living under abuse by her former husband. Fleeing her marriage and filing for legal separation in 2012, she enrolled in the emergency shelter and transitional housing provided by Laura’s House.

Four years later, Smith has turned her life and her children’s lives back onto a positive road. She shares her story in order to empower others, still afraid.

Smith was joined at the podium by Dr. Jill Murray, a nationally recognized relationship expert, author and psychotherapist who discussed the importance of education as an arm of prevention, a tool to stop the violence before it begins.

Additional support came from community advocates Michelle Agopian, Jill Bertea, Becky Cooper, Ann Hall, Heather Green, Laura Feld, Barbara Eidson, Sharon Ellis, Hilary Kaye, Tilly Levine and Mercedes Meserve.

Corporate support for Laura’s House came from Pacific Hospitality Group, Urban Decay, Queen Tut Events & Design, Barclay Butera Interiors, Soul Cycle, Bacara Resort & Spa, James Kanan, Teji Singh, Laura and Mark Feld, Laura Khouri and Mike Hayde, Cheryl Osborn, Casey Wolin and Donna and Richard Pickup.

More than $30,000 was raised for the nonprofit.

To learn more about Laura’s House, visit laurashouse.org.

B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.