Akron Gala to Raise Funds for Survivors of Violence and Trafficking

AKRON, Ohio — Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center will hold its signature fundraiser, A Night of Hope & Healing, on Friday, October 2. The gala is presented by the Maynard Family Foundation and supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking across Summit and Medina counties. The event begins at 6 p.m. at The Bank at East End, located at 1201 E. Market St. in Akron. The venue is a newly renovated event space inside the city's former Goodyear building. Demand for services keeps growing Organizers say the timing of this year's gala matters. Nine people died in domestic violence related homicides in Summit County in 2025, more than the combined total from the previous five years. Federal funding uncertainty has added pressure on organizations that provide these services. Even so, Hope & Healing says demand has not slowed. In 2025, the organization served 5,158 survivors and their family members. That work included 39,587 nights of emergency shelter, 9,354 contacts through its crisis hotline and webchat, and 842 hospital accompaniment visits. Staff also handled 626 court advocacy cases and led 3,191 therapy sessions. Officials say those numbers have continued to climb in 2026. Teresa Stafford-Wright, chief executive officer of Hope & Healing, said the community's support cannot slow down when the need is not. "This gala is an opportunity for our community to come together not only to celebrate the strength and resilience of survivors, but to make sure the resources are there when someone reaches out for help, whether they're calling our hotline, seeking safety in shelter, sitting in a hospital emergency department, attending therapy, or navigating the court system," she said. What to expect at the gala Guests can expect a night built around both celebration and remembrance. Danita Harris, a WKYC morning anchor and nine time Emmy Award winner, will host the evening. Hubb's Groove, a band that has won three Cleveland Music Awards for Best Jazz Group, will provide live music. The gala includes a plated dinner and an open bar with premium beer and wine. NO HARM Award honors local church Each year, Hope & Healing presents its NO HARM Award to a community partner making a meaningful difference for survivors. This year's honoree is Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. For five years, church members have adopted families staying in Hope & Healing's shelters during the holidays. Volunteers fulfill wish lists and help wrap gifts for survivors and their children. "Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church has shown what it means to stand with survivors beyond simply making a donation," Stafford-Wright said. "They have consistently shown up for families in our shelters and helped make the holidays a little brighter during what can be an incredibly difficult time." Tickets, sponsorships and ways to help Individual tickets cost $125, and tables of ten are available for $1,250. Businesses can also support the event through sponsorships or by donating auction and raffle items, including bottles for the Wine Pull Raffle. Community members who want to give directly to survivors can take part in the Sponsor a Survivor initiative. The program provides a local survivor with a free ticket, allowing them to attend an evening built around their own resilience. For tickets, sponsorship information or to donate to Sponsor a Survivor, contact Hope & Healing at 330 374 0740 ext. 1107 or development@hope-healing.org . About Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center Hope & Healing was previously known as Battered Women's Shelter and the Rape Crisis Center of Summit and Medina Counties. The organization provides trauma informed services including crisis response, emergency shelter, advocacy and therapy. Its programs also include hospital accompaniment, court advocacy, housing assistance, prevention education and community outreach. More information is available at www.hopeandhealingresources.org , and the crisis hotline can be reached by phone or text at 330 374 1111.