Joyful Heart in the News

The Retreat held their 16th Annual Artists Against Abuse Benefit Gala at the Ross School Lower Campus Field House on Saturday, June 25, 2011, drawing supporters

and well-wishers in support of the agency's efforts to combat domestic violence.  Hosted by Alexandra Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos, the night was a huge success raising just under $250,000 for women and children in crisis.

The 2011 Hope Award was presented to actress Mariska Hargitay, Founder and President of Joyful Heart Foundation, and New York State Senator Kenneth LaValle.

Artists completed original 11 x 14 canvases for the silent auction, and included Shari Abramason, Bobbie Braun, Stephanie Brody-Lederman, Darlene Charneco, Barbara Maslen, Pat Moran, Daniel Pollera, Steve Romm, Harriet Sawyer, Victoria Selbach, Arlene Slavin, and Lewis Zacks. Additional silent auction items included trips, wine parties, private chef dinners, baseball tickets, and cooking classes, among other items.