NORTH LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE – February 13, 2012– Tahoe SAFE Alliance, formerly Tahoe Women’s Services, announces a benefit production of its 7^th showing of Eve Ensler’s award-winning play, The Vagina Monologues, on behalf of the V-Day 2012 Campaign. This two-night performance will be held March 9th & 10^th, 2012 at the Community Arts Center in downtown Truckee with doors at 7:00 pm.  The Vagina Monologues includes an ensemble cast of community members reading character-driven pieces, like poetry, each revealing different women’s experiences with topics such as sex, love, tenderness, embarrassment, cruelty, pain and pleasure.  Tickets are $25/General Admission and $20/Students and can be purchased online at www.tahoesafealliance.org/v-day.  Wine and baked goods donated by local businesses will be available for purchase.  All money raised at the event will support programs that reduce the incidence and trauma of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee.

What began as an off-Broadway one-woman show in 1996, The Vagina Monologues has grown to be a world-wide phenomenon with thousands of performances being conducted around the world.  The Vagina Monologues and the V-Day 2012 Campaign has one goal: to end violence against women. It creates dialogue and shatters taboo around violence against women and girls. Tahoe SAFE Alliance believes it has the ability to change lives and is an important vehicle to empower and emphasize self-confidence to women and young girls in our community.  Tahoe SAFE Alliance encourages women to come with their mothers, daughters, girlfriends, and yes even the men in their lives.

In a recent public interview, Eve Ensler commented about the continued success of her play more than 15 years after it first opened in New York, “Women’s empowerment is deeply connected to their sexuality. The story of your vagina is the story of your life and women want to talk about their lives.”

Men are also encouraged to attend.  According to Ensler, “Men have daughters; they feel they can actively be involved because they feel they can do something to change the destiny of their daughter’s lives.  Unless men are active allies, we’ll never end violence against women and girls.”

Local Businesses Show Support

Dragonfly in downtown Truckee is showing its support of the V-Day celebration by offering 25% off to performance attendees on both Friday and Saturday night. Guests must show their ticket confirmation to get the discount.  The Dragonfly menu is an eclectic blend of Thai, Japanese, Indian and Malaysia influences, all of which combine to create a delicious dining experience.  Doors open at 5:30 pm.  Reservations strongly recommended by calling 530-587-0557.

The Vagina Monologues is sponsored by Darlene Pearson-Bray; Karen Sage; Bella Lago Aesthetics; Rouda, Feder, Tietjen & Zanobini; Jeannine Gallant and The Banker’s Network; Tahoe Forest Hospital District; Dr. Barry Triestman at American Center for Longevity, Nutrition, Chiropractic and Sports Injuries; Mama Diva Productions; LilliAtilt Designs; Dr. Karen Kucharski; Tahoe City Dental Group; Heidi Doyle in honor of Dina Marshal; Renewal Dermatology and Laser; and Ring Around the Rosie.

 The Vagina Monologues is directed by Tahoe SAFE Alliance Board Member, Darlene Pearson-Bray.  Darlene has directed several of the agency’s benefit productions including My Name Ain’t Betty Crocker in 2009, and Voices and the Spanish-translation of The Vagina Monologues in 2010.  Darlene’s has more than three decades of theater production experience and believes The Vagina Monologues is therapeutic and empowering to members of the cast as well as individuals that come to the performance.

Tahoe SAFE Alliance’s The Vagina Monologues Crew and Cast

 Darlene Pearson Bray- Director

Cynthia Villalobos- Producer and Stage Manager

Maggie Wattle – Announcer

Emily Griffith- Ensemble

Alice Lassiter – Ensemble

Barb Hill – Ensemble

Teresa Bryan- Ensemble

Sophie Muller- Hair

Claire Woodsley- The Flood

Teresa Crimmins- The Vagina Workshop

Christin Wilcox- Because He Liked to Look at It

Katie Mize – What if I Told You I Did Not Have a Vagina

Jamie Olive- My Angry Vagina

Kelly Byrd – Little Coochie Snorcher That Could

Kristin Erickson – My Vagina Was My Village

Shawn Wille – Reclaiming Cunt

Penny Ferris Pavel – Six Year Old Girl

Andrea Wilkens – Six Year Old Girl

Sarah Poynter- The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy

Kathy Muonio- I Was There In the Room

 About V-Day

 V-Day is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money, and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, and sex slavery

About Tahoe SAFE Alliance

 Established in 1985, Tahoe SAFE Alliance is a community-based organization providing direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and other individuals in crisis. Tahoe SAFE Alliance is currently the only agency providing assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee region of California and Nevada. Tahoe SAFE Alliance provides the community with confidential support through our 24-hour Help Line, legal advocacy, a safe house, a children’s program, support groups and a violence prevention program. All information and services are free of charge and available to men, women and children in English and Spanish.

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NORTH LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE – January 30, 2012- Tahoe SAFE Alliance and Tahoe City Public Utility Department are collaborating to put on the 3^rd Annual Father Daughter Dance on February 10, 2012 from 6-9:00 pm at the Tahoe Biltmore.  Over the last two years this event has amassed a loyal following: last year more than 250 father daughter couples danced the night away.  The Father Daughter Dance is a fun-filled evening for girls of all ages and the special men in their lives.  Tickets are $20 for a father/daughter couple and $5 for each additional child.  For event tickets and information go to www.tahoesafealliance.org/father-daughter-dance

Statistics show that a young girl will seek her father’s love first at home.  If she doesn’t find it, she will seek it elsewhere. The Father Daughter Dance focuses on the importance of fathers and their daughters having strong, healthy relationships.   The first strong male bond girls have is with their father’s and this event teaches young girls what it means to be treated with love and respect.  The goal is that father’s will continue to be positive role models and that these girls will have healthy relationships as teens and adults as a result.

For the first time, Tahoe SAFE Alliance is collaborating with Tahoe City Public Utility Department and expects a strong showing from the West Shore.  Together, both agencies hope to make this the must attend event for all of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee.  The Father Daughter Dance is sponsored by Tahoe Forest Hospital.

Given the event’s close timing to Valentine’s Day, the ballroom at Tahoe Biltmore will be transformed into a red and pink wonderland thanks to decorations donated by Dress the Part(y).  Guests will dance to the music styling’s of DJ Retro, enjoy cake and arts and craft stations including a new & improved princess castle donated by Rob Laurie and Fortress Construction.  There will be snacks available for purchase as well as a Photobooth from Reno Photobooth Company and portrait pictures from Danielle Hankinson Photography.

About Tahoe SAFE Alliance

Tahoe SAFE Alliance is a non-profit organization established in 1985.  The mission of Tahoe SAFE alliance is to reduce the incidence and trauma of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee. The agency believes that every person deserves to live a life free from violence and works to empower victims in reclaiming those rights by providing safety, advocacy, support and education.  For more information, please go to www.tahoesafealliance.org or call 775-298-0010.

NORTH LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE – December 5, 2011 –The annual Tahoe SAFE Alliance Ski Day at Sugar Bowl is just around the corner.  For over 10 years Sugar Bowl has shown their support for our local community by donating all-day lift tickets to Tahoe SAFE Alliance. We are proud to announce our collaboration once again. Sugar Bowl Ski Day tickets are priced at $35 providing ski enthusiasts with huge savings on an all-day lift ticket.  Generously, your Sugar Bowl Ski Day tickets are valid Jan 22- Jan 26^th, 2012. With Sugar Bowl’s great terrain and easy-access you are guaranteed a fantastic time on the slopes, all the while, you are supporting a local non-profit! Purchase your tickets at www.tahoesafealliance.org today!

Sugar Bowl Philanthropy Day is January 22, 2012 benefiting Tahoe SAFE Alliance. Tickets will be available for pick-up only on January 22nd at the Tahoe SAFE Alliance table in Mt. Judah Lodge at Sugar Bowl.  Tickets not picked up on January 22nd can be picked up in Special Tickets Office (Mt. Judah Lodge: downstairs).  Please bring your receipt to pick up tickets.

Tickets must be purchased before January 20^th, 2011. Unlike years past, tickets are valid for 5 days. Buy multiple tickets and ski multiple days between Jan. 22-26, 2012. For additional information on Ski Day contact (775 )298-0010 or email us at hayley@tahoesafealliance.org.

 NORTH LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE – December 5, 2011– Tahoe SAFE Alliance is calling out to community members for the 2012 production of The Vagina Monologues.  The agency will hold open auditions for community members interested in reading for a part in Eve Ensler’s award-winning play.  Individuals should be comfortable speaking in public, be a team player and have a flexible schedule. Open auditions will take place on Friday, January 6th at 6pm in the Community Arts Center (On Church St.) in Truckee, and Saturday, January 7^th at 12:00 pm in the Parasol Building in Incline Village.  Rehearsals will start the following week.  Multiple scheduled rehearsals and meetings will be mandatory, so individuals will need to be very committed to the performance. All community members are encouraged to audition. Auditions are first come first serve however, to reserve an audition spot, or if you have any questions please contact Cynthia Villalobos at Cynthia@tahoesafealliance.org, or 775-298-0010.

Tahoe SAFE Alliance has long leveraged performance theater as an important way to bring awareness around the prevention of violence and abuse.  This will be the agency’s 7^th showing of The Vagina Monologues for V-Day, a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls.  For the first time this performance will incorporate The Power of Voices, our director’s artistic vision of diversifying community involvement in a play that restricts the monologues to be read by women.   This means that we are encouraging men to be part of this important movement.

Tahoe SAFE Alliance has many volunteer positions open.  If you are interested in volunteering to help make The Vagina Monologues a fantastic experience for the community, please contact Hayley Adamski at HayleyA@tahoesafealliance.org .

North Lake Tahoe and Truckee – November 28, 2011 - Tahoe SAFE Alliance is calling out to community members for the 2012 production of The Vagina Monologues.

The agency is seeking an individual with experience in theater to direct its seventh showing of The Vagina Monologues for V-Day, a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls.

The ideal candidate to direct the performance of Eve Ensler’s award-winning play should have directing experience and a flexible schedule.

The 2012 The Vagina Monologues will take place on a Friday and Saturday evening in early April at the Truckee Community Arts Center (old rec center) with exact dates TBD.  There will be multiple scheduled rehearsals and meetings, so individuals will need to be very committed to the performance.

Deadline to turn in resumes is December 12.  Director consideration will take place on December 13 & 14 at the Parasol building in Incline Village.

Please send your resume to Cynthia Villalobos at cynthia@tahoesafealliance.org.  Please send an email or call for questions at 775-298-0010.  A call for actors is coming soon.

About V-day

V-Day is a global activist to end violence against women and girls.  V-Day serves as a catalyst in promoting creative events to increase awareness, raise money, and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations.  V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation, and sex slavery.

Last year, over 5,800 V-Day benefits were held around the world raising funds and awareness towards ending violence against women.  These highly successful events raised over $5 million through performances of Eve Enseler’s award-winning play, The Vagina Monologues; readings from V-Day’s A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer and Any One of Us; Words From Prison; and screenings of V-Day’s documentary Until the Violence Stops. Tahoe SAFE Alliance has joined this global movement as part of the V-Day 2012 Campaign and we hope to have you along for the ride.

Tahoe SAFE Alliance, in collaboration with Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence, is bringing Paul Kivel to North Tahoe for two interactive trainings for men and anyone who works with men and young men.

Session1:  Working with Men and Engaging Male Allies to Stop Violence and Build Community

This one-day workshop covers male socialization, social issues of power and violence, anger and control, and male/male and male/female relationships.  In addition, basic techniques for working with men in diverse settings and engaging men as allies in ending male violence is discussed.  The training is based on Paul Kivel’s “Men’s Work” book, DVD and workbook series and the “Young Men’s Work” corriculum.

When: Thursday, October 6, 2011, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Where: Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV

Cost:  $20 network members; $30 non-network members

Session 2:  Boys will Be Men: Raising Our Sons of Courage, Caring and Community

This two-hour special evening workshop will be highly participatory and highly interactive.  This session will examine male socialization, the social roots of violence and the role of male privilege in boys’ lives.  Exercises and group discussion will provide practical skills for parents, teachers, youth workers and violence prevention staff who want to help boys become caring and successful members of our community.

When:  Thursday, October 6, 2011 6-8:00 pm

Where:  Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV

Cost: All attendees: $6/per person

To register please send an email to Glady Paulino at gladyp@nnadv.org.  Please register by Wednesday, September 28 before 5:00 pm.

September 12, 2011 – North Lake Tahoe and Truckee –  Paul Kivel is coming to town!  Mark your calendars for this interactive training by renown social justice educator, activist and author.  Thursday, October 6, 2011 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at The Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation at 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV.  Tickets are $20 for NNADV members; $30 for non-members. To register, send an email to gladyp@nnadv.org.

Working with Men and Engaging Male Allies to Stop Violence and Build Community.  This is an interactive disccussion for men and anyone working with men and young men.  This one-day workshop covers male socialization, social issues of power and violence, anger and control, and male/female relationships.  In addition, basic techniques for working with men in diverse settings and engaging men as allies in ending male violence will be discussed.

August 29, 2011—North Lake Tahoe and Truckee – Tahoe SAFE Alliance, formerly Tahoe Women’s Services, and Project MANA announce the date for the 23^rd annual Chocolate, Wine & Roses Festival: November 5^th, 2011 at The Chateau at Incline Village from 7-10:00 pm.  Building on the success of last year’s first-ever theme, ‘Vintage Hollywood’, Rat Pack Reunion will bring glitz and glamour to the fundraiser that the Rat Pack was famous for in the 60’s.  Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford are lending their talents to raise money for two important non-profits that keep Tahoe SAFE and FED.  Tickets are $65 prior to October 1^st and $75 thereafter.  Purchase tickets at www.tahoechocolatefestival.org.  For information on sponsorship opportunities, please call 775- 298-0169.

Rat Pack Reunion

Guests attending the Chocolate, Wine & Roses Festival will enjoy an outstanding evening that celebrates chocolate-inspired treasures from Tahoe’s finest culinary artists including Big Water Grill, Jake’s On The Lake, Sunnyside, The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe, Wild Goose and life-time participant Mr. Z’s Chocolates to name a few; sip boutique wines hand-selected to make excellent chocolate pairings including Truckee River Winery and Korbel; dine on hearty appetizers; bid on tantalizing items in a live and silent auction; vote for your favorite chocolate; and enjoy music from a live Frank Sinatra Tribute band.

“Frank Sinatra donated in excess of one billion dollars in his lifetime and Marilyn Monroe raised money for underprivileged children.  The Rat Pack were a generous bunch and we are reprising the significant role they played in North Lake Tahoe in support of two non-profits that are vital in keeping the community SAFE and FED,” said Dawn Harris, Event Chair & Development Manager at Tahoe SAFE Alliance.  “This is a fundraiser and guests are encouraged to bring their Rat Pack and enjoy a magical evening celebrating chocolate and boutique wine in support of two important non-profits.  We want Tahoe to come out and show its support for the women, men, teens, and children in the community that need our services.”

Collaboration Success

Tahoe SAFE Alliance and Project MANA are coming together for the third year-in-a-row to host the signature fundraiser – one that has become a true collaboration success.  This important fundraiser supports vital programs around the lake — from Incline Village to Kings Beach to Tahoe City and Tahoma to Truckee – including the community’s only 24-hour Helpline, the Mtn. Rose Safe House, victim support services, violence prevention & education, food distribution, and nutrition education.

Guests will enjoy Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. impersonators and other male and female celebrities that made up the Rat Pack in the early 60’s.  They are encouraged to dress as their favorite Rat Pack; however cocktail attire is acceptable.

Auction and Sponsorship

Tahoe SAFE Alliance and Project MANA respectfully request that community-minded businesses support the fundraiser by donating items for the auction or through a sponsorship.  We rely on sponsorships to fund important programs that keep Tahoe SAFE and Fed.  Sponsorships start at $500 and each level offers rewards and recognition for businesses.  For more information on how to donate or sponsor the 23^rd Annual Chocolate, Wine & Roses Festival, please visit www.tahoechocolatefestival.org or call (775) 298-0169.

Details

23^rd Annual Chocolate, Wine and Roses Festival: Rat Pack Reunion

• 7 – 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2011
• Chateau at Incline Village, NV
• $65 before 10/1; $75 after
• Proceeds benefit Tahoe SAFE Alliance and Project MANA
• Tickets available at www.tahoechocolatefestival.org
• For more information visit www.tahoechocolatefestival.org or call (775) 298-0010.

About Tahoe SAFE Alliance

Tahoe SAFE Alliance, a non-profit organization, has provided direct services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse since 1985. Tahoe SAFE Alliance is currently the only agency providing assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee region of California and Nevada. The agency believes that every person has the right to live a life free of violence and the agency works to empower victims in reclaiming those rights by providing safety, advocacy, education and support.

About Project MANA

Project MANA (Making Adequate Nutrition Accessible) is the hunger relief non-profit organization serving the North and West Shores of Lake Tahoe and Truckee, which includes the coverage of three counties in Northern California and one county in Northern Nevada. Since its inception in July of 1991, Project MANA has responded to the emergency food need of the homeless, the elderly, the homebound, families in need, children and single parents.

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