This year marks the 15^th anniversary of the V-Day Campaign, a global movement to raise awareness about the need to end violence against women and girls and Tahoe SAFE Alliance aims to bring awareness locally through The Vagina Monologues.  The Vagina Monologues is a powerful vehicle to engage and educate the community on how healthy sexuality is a preventative method to violence.  April is Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month and we are providing a vehicle to empower and emphasize self-confidence to women and young girls in our community.

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 and Individuals Show Support

Tahoe SAFE Alliance is grateful for the support they have received from the community.  If you are interested in supporting Tahoe SAFE Alliance as a sponsor, please contact Dawn Harris at 775-298-0169. Thank you to our current 2013 VDAY Sponsors!

Queen V – $2,000 – $2,500

Darlene Pearson Bray

V-Goddess – $1,500

Dress the Party

V-Angel – $1,000

Tahoe Forest Hospital District

Valentine – $250

Dr. Karen Kucharski

InnerRythms

Tahoe Truckee Lumber

Mamasake

Hennessey Heating & Air

Love – $100

Renewal Dermatology & Laser

Wilson Communications

Tahoe Dave’s

Ring Around the Rosie

Everything’s Hunky Dory

NaturaMed Natural Family Medicine

Tahoe SAFE Alliance’s The Vagina Monologues Crew and Cast

Teresa Crimmens – Director – Teresa enjoys exploring the beautiful Tahoe area with her husband, Michael, and their dog, Kleo. She feels privileged to work with this beautiful and talented cast in Tahoe SAFE Alliance’s production of the Vagina Monologues.

Megan Heatwole – Stage Manager – Megan is an AmeriCorps volunteer serving as Outreach Coordinator for Tahoe SAFE Alliance. Megan hails from Staunton, Virginia and as a theatre  enthusiast she is very excited to be involved in her fourth performance of The Vagina Monologues.

Morgan Burke – Because He Liked to Look at It- Morgan is a student at Sierra Nevada College, studying Psychology. She is really excited to be a part of this production, and supporting such a great cause that lies close to her heart.

Renee Butler- Reclaiming Cunt-Renee is a “certifiable” certified rock hound and lover of hot springs and ghost towns whose best friend testifies that she is a vagina monologue in her own right.  Even though Renee has been an extra in a major film this is her first stage performance.

Eileen Hacker- I Was There in the Room- Since retiring from the classroom, Eileen has been able to devote more time to the activities she loves such as volunteer work with animals, going to nursing homes, theater group, and three choirs.  Busier than ever!

Sarah Linaman-My Vagina Was My Village, Six Year Old Girl – Sarah loved The Vagina Monologues ever since she convinced her friends to go see it with her during her senior year in high school. Sarah dreams of joining the helping profession of nursing, and wants to work with women, families and teens. She wants to eventually become a Nurse Practitioner and work in a Planned Parenthood or a low-income clinic, specializing in women’s health and possibly mental health. Sarah is very excited to be a part of such a compassionate, helping organization such as Tahoe SAFE Alliance!

Jennifer Mallaro- The Vagina Workshop, My Vagina Was My Village- Jennifer recently moved to Tahoe from the San Francisco Bay Area. She is thrilled to be a part of V Day and performing with a great group of women.

Jaime Olive-The Woman Who Liked to Make Vaginas Happy- Jamie believes theater is a powerful creative outlet and effective tool in spreading awareness; she is thrilled to help share the eye-opening and empowering message of The Vagina Monologues with the community.

Danielle Redlin-The Little Coochie Snorcher That Could- Danielle is a local artist who loves to paint and work with children. She is a bilingual art educator and an instructor of yoga and snowboarding. She is absolutely thrilled to participate in The vagina monologues!

Lindsay Romack-My Angry Vagina- Lindsay loves being a part of this empowering show that helps women break out of the prim and proper mold and into something more raunchy, serious, and hilarious. Besides vaginas, she also likes to talk about music and local events on 101.5FM.

Ester Walters-The Flood- Her first acting experience – she has lived in the Truckee area for 20 years but never had the opportunity to become involved in local theater until now – a childhood dream.  Always an advocate for women’s rights, she is proud to be participating in The Vagina Monologues.  She also fundraises for Relay for Life Truckee Tahoe, and when not fundraising or helping others, you can usually find her dancing in the early morning or hiking the mountains she loves.

Christen Wilcox-Hair-Six Year Old Girl-  Christen is excited to participate in The Vagina Monologues for the second year in a row and is looking forward to her journey into motherhood.

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. For the 15^th anniversary of V-Day, activists across the world stood together for ONE BILLION RISING which began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. Tahoe SAFE Alliance joined activists, writers, thinkers, celebrities, and women and men across the world as to express our outrage and demand for change of the injustices women suffer.

For more information about the V-day 2013 Campaign and 1 BILLION RISING, please visit www.vday.org.

Tahoe SAFE Alliance has long leveraged theater performance as an important way to bring awareness around the prevention of violence and abuse. Last year the production, held at the Truckee Community Arts Center, was (our most successful year yet). Selling out both nights, Tahoe SAFE Alliance raised over $20,000 and reached more than 500 community members. This year will be the agency’s 8^th showing of The Vagina Monologues for V-Day, a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. We are very excited to announce that this year the production will be premiering in the North Shore community in Kings Beach. With the innovations from the V-Day Foundation and new inspiration from our performance committee we are hoping to give once more another impressive performance.

Tahoe SAFE Alliance has many volunteer positions open for this event. If you are interested in volunteering to help make The Vagina Monologues even better please contact Kristy Oriol at Kristy@tahoesafealliance.org .

About The Vagina Monologues

The Vagina Monologues is award-winning play based on V-Day Founder and playwright Eve Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women. With humor and grace the piece celebrates women’s sexuality and strength. Through this play and the liberation of this one word, countless women throughout the world have taken control of their bodies and their lives. For more than twelve years, The Vagina Monologues has given voice to experiences and feelings not previously exposed in public.

About V-Day

V-Day is a global activist movement 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. In 2012, over 5,800 V-Day benefit events took place produced by volunteer activists in the U.S. and around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls. Tahoe SAFE Alliance has joined V-Day 2013 and is celebrating the 15^th anniversary of this global Campaign. We hope to have you along for the ride!

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.

Entertainment at this year’s event will feature dancing, snacks, activity stations for all ages, portraits by Danielle Hankinson Photography, and an opportunity to purchase a live action photo flipbook keepsake! This event is an opportunity for fathers to spend a memorable night with their daughters and leave with souvenirs that will always bring back lasting and cherished memories.

Tahoe SAFE Alliance invites you to this wonderful event.  Tickets are $25.00 per father/daughter couple ($30 at the door) and $5.00 per additional child.  Purchase tickets online at www.tahoesafealliance.org. Scholarships are available for families in need! The Tahoe Biltmore invites you to enjoy a special prix fixe dinner at the restaurant formally known as Conrad’s Steak and Chophouse from 4:30-6:30 pm.  Reservations can be made by calling the Tahoe Biltmore at (775) 833-6724.

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.

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The 2013 Ski Day will be held on Sunday, February 3rd. Enjoy some awesome skiing before you settle in to watch the Super Bowl! 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 http://www.tahoesafealliance.org today! Tickets will be on sale until Friday, February 1st or until supplies are out. We expect to sell out this year so make your purchase early!

Tickets will be available for pick-up only on February 3rd at the Mt. Judah Lodge at Sugar Bowl. For additional information on Ski Day contact 775-298-0010 or email us at kristy@tahoesafealliance.org

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.

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August 23, 2012-North Lake Tahoe and Truckee: Tahoe SAFE Alliance and Project MANA announce the date for the 24^th annual Chocolate, Wine & Roses Festival: “One Night in Havana, Paradise Under the Stars”, on November 3^rd, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Grand Ballroom from 7-10:00 pm.  Guests attending the festival will enjoy an outstanding evening brimming with sumptuous chocolate creations by ten of Lake Tahoe’s finest culinary artists, mouthwatering appetizers by Hyatt chefs and a boutique wine tasting featuring an array of hand selected wines designed to complement the confections being served.  Bid on tantalizing items in a live and silent auction and cast your vote for your favorite chocolate and wine, all while enjoying live, Cuban-inspired music.  There is even a chance to win a wheelbarrow of wine.  Tickets go on sale September 5^th and are $75 in advance and $85 at the door.  Purchase tickets at www.tahoechocolatefestival.org.  A new feature offered this year are 5 VIP cabanas/tables (seating for eight) available for purchase for $1,000, which includes the entry fee for up to eight people. To purchase a VIP cabana, please call 775-298-0010.  For information on sponsorship opportunities, please call 775-298-0169.

One Night in Havana, Paradise Under the Stars

Cuba today is the “forbidden isle” but during 1920′s prohibition it was the playground for the rich and famous. It became wildly popular again in the 1940′s when tourists flocked to the new Tropicana nightclub in Havana amidst a lush tropical landscape under the stars. With this year’s theme “One Night in Havana, Paradise Under the Stars” the forbidden borders of Cuba will be open for one night only.  Guests will be transported to this sizzling hot and romantic Caribbean isle that has inspired writers, poets and musicians for more than a century, while helping to raise money for two important non-profits that keep Tahoe SAFE and FED.  Guests are encouraged to dress in attire inspired by this taboo tropical paradise. Are you a 1920’s flapper looking for a decadent party on a lush tropical isle? Are you a 1940’s thrill seeker looking for Paradise Under the Stars? Perhaps you are a dancer in the famous Tropicana nightclub? Or, are you a modern day adventurer heading to Cuba for your next escapade?  Whatever character you choose, Havana is calling!

Festival Has Found a New Home at the Hyatt Regency

For the last two years the Chocolate, Wine & Roses Festival was held at The Chateau at Incline Village but has quickly outgrown the space.  We are excited to have the event at the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency since it will provide more space for our chocolatiers and wineries while allowing our guests more room to enjoy all the festival has to offer.

Collaboration Success

Tahoe SAFE Alliance and Project MANA are coming together for the fourth 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 to Truckee, including the community’s only 24-hour Helpline, the Mt. Rose Safe House, victim support services, violence prevention and education, food distribution, and nutrition education.

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 $250 and each level offers rewards and recognition for businesses.  For more information on how to donate or sponsor the 24^th Annual Chocolate, Wine & Roses Festival, please visit www.tahoechocolatefestival.org or call (775) 298-0169.

Details

24^th Annual Chocolate, Wine and Roses Festival: One Night in Havana, Paradise Under the Stars

• 7 – 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2012
• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Grand Ballroom, Incline Village, NV
• $75 in advance, $85 at the door
• Proceeds benefit Tahoe SAFE Alliance and Project MANA
• For tickets and 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.

A privately owned ski destination, Sugar Bowl has donated 500 tickets to Tahoe SAFE Alliance, a 501c(3) non-profit with a mission to reduce the incidence and trauma of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee.  The agency invites ski and board enthusiasts to purchase an all-day lift ticket for $35 and ski any day from April 1-5, 2012.  This is a cost savings of more than $40.  Purchase multiple tickets and ski multiple days.  Tickets can be purchased at www.tahoesafealliance.org.

Spring skiing is an altered state.  For many skiers and boarders it is the best time of year.  With bright blue skies, warm temperatures, and fresh silky new snow, it is the time of year when you trade in your down jacket and bulky bibs for vests, T-shirts and shorts.  As winter melts away so do the crowds and high prices.  And, this deal is no exception.  All tickets purchased through the agency web site can be picked up on April 1st, 2012 at the Tahoe SAFE Alliance table at Sugar Bowl’s Mt. Judah Lodge.  Tickets picked up after April 1st may be claimed at Sugar Bowl’s Special Tickets.  Tickets sales will be cut-off at 5:00 pm on March 30, 2012.  For more information, please go to www.tahoesafealliance.org or call 775-298-0010.

As the first major ski resort in Lake Tahoe, Sugar Bowl has always been a visionary leader in the communities it serves.  From then time they were founded in 1939 until today, the owners and staff have made a genuine commitment to being a positive force in supporting philanthropy, the environment, education and the arts.  For the past nine years, Sugar Bowl has donated ski tickets to Tahoe SAFE Alliance helping the agency raise more than $200,000 for programs that include the community’s only 24-hour crisis line, a safe house, support groups, legal services, a Children’s Program, and prevention and education to school children and local businesses and organizations.

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.

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-Thorn – 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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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.

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.

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 .