Testimonials

“As an attendee and committee member of GNO, I am always inspired coming away from this amazing event! Not only are women coming together to have a great time and celebrate being a woman/girl but we are making a difference – we are even saving lives! Girl power rocks!”

Karen Farmer – Co-Chair, Girls Night Out Committee

“For me, Girls Night Out means 3 things: A good time. A great cause. Giving back. Working for WSAZ, I’ve always been so excited when August rolls around and it’s time to promote the event. I write about it on my blog, run stories during our newscasts and offer coverage the day of the event. It’s so much fun to see all of the wonderful women of the Kanawha Valley come together to raise money and awareness for such a worthy cause. There are plenty of laughs and also a few tears when we hear the inspiration speeches from women who have suffered domestic violence but also survived to tell their stories. Each year I try to recruit more and more ladies to join our group because we have such a blast together. It’s a night filled with food, music, fun and friendship. The themes are always played out to the finest detail and I love that all the girls get in the true spirit of the evening. We are beyond excited for this year’s ‘Luau on the Lawn.’ Girls, get your tropical dresses ready and tuck a flower behind your ear. It’s going to be a good time!”

Jessica Ralston – Anchor\Reporter\Producer, WSAZ Newschannel 3

“The impact this event has had on my life is immeasurable. Domestic violence has touched us all, and to see the force at which this group of women comes together and the tangible and intangible difference they make is truly inspiring. I am better for having been a part of this group!”

Paige Payne – Co-Chair, Girls Night Out Committee

“Having been involved for several years I was able to take a more active role beginning with last year’s event, ‘Girls in Pearls.’ I volunteer my time in the planning and designing of the marketing materials for the event which has lead to the desire to know more about the Hope House. I toured the shelter with a few other volunteers, and WOW! It touched me to see how the funds raised from our past events were put to use. Hearing stories that where shared by the staff of how lives are being changed due to the YWCA Resolve shelter and its programs fed my energy to do more. Our photo shoot for ‘Lu'au on the Lawn’ (this year’s theme) was on Mother’s Day weekend, and I told the girls on the set, ‘I can't think of a better way to spend my time – helping a mother that thinks she has no hope.’ GNO is my ‘give back,’ but actually, it gives me more than I could ever put into words.”

Amanda B. Easter – Owner, Inside Out Creative, LLC

“What a fantastic night of celebration! The YWCA Resolve Program rocks and so does this event! I don't know when I have had so much fun making such a difference. Every girl in and out of town should be at Girls Night Out!”

Ashley Vickers – Co-Chair, Girls Night Out Committee

“I have had the distinct pleasure to serve as the professional mobile DJ involved in the “arrival music & interviews” for the YWCA’s “Girls Night Out” fundraiser for three years now (2004, 2008, & 2009)! I would first like to extend my admiration for how GNO has grown over the years, and I look forward to another RECORD YEAR, this year! From the grand entrance, gift bags, raffles, auctions, live entertainment, and more, this event is THE ONE to be compared to! But, the most important aspect of GNO is what a difference it has made to victims of domestic violence.”

Scott A. Light – Owner, Light House Entertainment

"I don't think the moving van had left our driveway before my new neighbor, Karen Farmer, invited me to get participate in Girls Night Out. I had been involved with domestic violence public policy advocacy through my work at the American Bar Association in Chicago, so I didn't hesitate to say 'yes.' Supporting GNO over the past five years has been a powerful way to provide critical services to abuse victims and a wonderful avenue to meet dynamic and fun women from the entire area."

JoEllen Zacks – Senior Vice President, Charleston Area Alliance