Resources

Want your charitable dollars to do more — for causes you care about and your tax return? You’re invited to our FREE Smart Giving Workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at Orion Industries in Auburn. Learn all about Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) — the fastest-growing giving vehicle in 2025 — and how they can help everyday donors make smarter, more strategic gifts. Hosted in partnership with DAWN, Fusion, and Your Money Matters. Ideal for individuals, couples, and even small businesses who want to give with intention. 🕠 Doors open at 5:30 PM (snacks + networking) 📍 Orion Learning Center: 1590 A Street NE, Auburn 🆓 FREE but space is limited. RSVP now at https://bit.ly/smartgivingworkshop Together, we’ll explore how generosity can be smart, strategic, and transformational. 📣 Please share with someone who loves to give! #SmartGiving #DonorAdvisedFunds #DAWN #GivingBack #CharitableGiving #SouthKingCounty #NonprofitSupport #AuburnWA #KentWA

🌺 Win a Hawaiian Getaway by Walking In Her Shoes DAWN’s In Her Shoes interactive story experience launches for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each week, you'll follow a different chapter of a survivor’s journey — and make choices that shape what happens next. 💜 Every episode you complete = one entry into our prize drawing. 🏝 The grand prize? A 7-night stay at the Cliffs at Princeville on Kauai, plus flights from Alaska Airlines. 💬 Challenge launches Oct. 1 Let’s walk beside survivors this October — and turn empathy into action. #InHerShoes #PurpleLightNights #DAWNStrong #SupportSurvivors #KentWA #EndDV #MakeHerStoryVisible

We made the news 🗞 — and you made it possible. After a long pandemic pause, Purple Light Nights is back. And this year, it's not just a gala. It's a community movement to shine a light on domestic violence and honor those whose stories too often go unheard. We’re proud to be featured in Kent Reporter’s article spotlighting our return to Kent Station — and our decision to open this year’s event to the public with a free reception and a 1K walk of solidarity. 💬 “We want to bring this issue out of the shadows. We want people to see. To feel. To walk beside us.” – Gina Finley, Executive Director of DAWN 💜 And here’s something fun: Cool Bird, the Seattle Thunderbirds mascot, will be joining us for the walk! 📍 Sept. 25 | 5:30 PM | Green River College – Kent Campus 🎟 RSVP Free → https://bit.ly/purplelightnightreception Your support powers events like this. Your donations, your volunteer time, your outreach — you are the light. Let’s fill the streets with purple. Let’s show up — together. 👉 RSVP, share this post, and tag a friend or business that should walk with us. #PurpleLightNights #SupportSurvivors #DAWNStrong #KentWA #EndDV #MakeHerStoryVisible #CoolBirdCares

PLN is almost here — and we need YOU. What is Purple Light Nights? • It’s a global movement to raise awareness about domestic violence. • It started right here in Covington in 2007 — with a single purple porch light. • And now, it turns cities purple every October to say: 🟣 We see you. 🟣 We believe you. 🟣 We are walking beside you. This year, we’re bring it back in person with a free event for all. Sept. 25 | Kent Station → Green River College Kent Campus 5:30 PM Community Reception | 🏃‍♀️ 7:00 PM 1K Walk Special guest: Cool Bird is joining the walk! 🎟 RSVP (Reception): https://bit.ly/purplelightnightreception 🎟 RSVP (Walk): https://bit.ly/awalkinhersteps Share this with your friends. 💜 Let’s light up the city — together. #PurpleLightNights #DAWNStrong #SupportSurvivors #KentWA #MakeHerStoryVisible #EndDV

Purple Light Nights Prep in Action! Shoutout to Matt Kurvimk and Jesse Cervantes from the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters who came to DAWN’s Kent office to help us prepare for Purple Light Nights 💜 They traced Silent Witness Silhouettes — powerful symbols lent to DAWN by Covington’s Purple Light Nights committee. Soon, WSRCC volunteers will cut them out and get them ready to stand in businesses and community organizations across the area this October. These silhouettes represent those whose stories of domestic violence too often go unheard. We are so grateful to WSRCC for sharing their skills, time, and resources to help amplify these voices. 👉 What’s Purple Light Nights? Learn more at bit.ly/purplelightnightreception #PurpleLightNights #DAWNRising #EndDV #WSRCC #CommunitySupport

💜 A Legacy of Compassion 💜 We’re honored to recognize Inez Lilleoren, a supporter who chose to leave a lasting impact by including DAWN in her estate plans. Her generous legacy gift of over $23,000 helps ensure that survivors of domestic violence continue to have a safe place to turn — not just today, but for years to come. Inez’s kindness is a powerful reminder: one person’s decision can ripple outward in ways they may never see, but survivors will feel forever. If you’re interested in leaving your own legacy of hope, we’d love to connect. 📩 Contact: Development@DawnRising.org #LegacyOfLove #DAWNstrong #EndDV #NonprofitSupport #PlannedGiving

Meet Jennifer Gellner – DAWN Board Member Jennifer joined DAWN’s board because she cares deeply about supporting survivors—especially children growing up in homes impacted by domestic violence. Professionally, she’s an estate planning, probate, and tax lawyer, and she brings that same level of care and expertise to DAWN’s mission. She’s also a Seattle native, a mom of two grown sons, and a woman of many talents—including playing cello in the West Seattle Orchestra! In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and playing golf and tennis. Her favorite travel spots? Hawaii, Japan, and Alaska. Her message to survivors: “Thank you for taking the steps to improve your life and the life of your family—there are so many of us cheering you on.” We’re grateful to have Jennifer’s warmth, leadership, and wisdom on DAWN’s board.

Shine a Light. Save a Life. Join us for DAWN’s Purple Light Nights Reception & Walk 💜 📅 September 25 🕠 5:30 PM to 8 PM 📍 Green River College – Kent Campus → DAWN → Kent Station This event brings together city leaders, neighbors, and supporters to honor survivors and raise awareness about domestic violence. Here’s what to expect: ✨ A welcoming reception ✨ Words from the City Council Chair & Chief of Police ✨ A short community walk to DAWN and back with Thunderbirds Mascot Cool Bird ✨ The city of Kent lighting up in PURPLE 💡 🎟️ It’s free to attend — come walk with us and stand in solidarity. 👉 RSVP now: bit.ly/purplelightnightreception and bit.ly/awalkinhersteps #PurpleLightNights #DAWNRising #EndDV #CommunitySupport #KentWA

Thank You for Joining Aloha After Hours! We were thrilled to welcome about 60 community members for Aloha After Hours, where many learned about DAWN’s services for the very first time. The standout moment? Seeing the powerful visual of the 1,773 clients served in 2024 — it truly showed the difference we’re making together. Thanks to the Kent Chamber of Commerce and Jennifer Gellner and Gellner Law for partnering to create a warm, welcoming event full of aloha spirit. Most importantly, thank YOU — our incredible supporters — for making this work possible. Your generosity changes lives every day. Mahalo for standing with survivors. 🙏

Meet Annie Ramirez, DAWN Board Member Annie joined DAWN’s board because she believes everyone deserves a happy, healthy life free from violence. She works as Director of the Endowment for Equal Justice, helping fund civil legal aid across the country. In her free time, Annie enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, riding her Peloton, and hiking with her two dogs, Apollo and Artemis. She loves traveling to Italy, Scotland, and the Bahamas—and calls Seattle/Kent home. Her advice for survivors: “This is not the end of your story. You get to start a new chapter on your terms.” We’re so grateful for Annie’s passion and commitment to DAWN’s mission!

Last chance to sign up for Aloha After Hours on August 7, hosted by DAWN and Gellner Law with the Kent Chamber of Commerce. Date: Thursday, August 7 | 4–6 PM Location: 211 W Gowe St., Kent Cost: FREE for everyone! Come for the tropical drinks, stay for the good company. It’s the perfect chance to meet local pros, make new friends, and just have fun. Grab your spot while you can! 👉 Sign up at https://kentchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/250637

Powerful Conversations at DAWN’s Townhall Last month, DAWN opened its doors for a Townhall with LifeWire , Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Congressman Rep. Adam Smith —an energizing day focused on real issues like funding struggles, homelessness tied to domestic violence, resource sharing, and workforce development for survivors. We’re grateful Congressman Smith joined us, listened to our team’s stories, and shared his support. It’s these honest conversations that drive real change. Take a look at some highlights from the day — moments full of hope, commitment, and collaboration!