BY TRACY AGNEW

Special to The Tidewater News

SUFFOLK-The Genieve Shelter is hoping for plenty of support at its gala fundraiser this fall.

“We have had such an increased demand for services,” said James Gregory, development coordinator for the domestic violence shelter. “We’re really counting on the community to come together with us.”

The gala will be on Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. in the Hilton Garden Inn, 100 E. Constance Road. It will include dinner, entertainment by local band N-Tregue, a silent auction and more.

This year’s theme is “A New Beginning,” referring to the new beginning that domestic violence victims receive after leaving their abusive relationships, executive director Mary Williams-Davis said.

The goal of the fundraiser is to raise $50,000, she said.

The Genieve Shelter provides services including emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, food, clothing, household supplies, transportation, legal consultation, safety planning, employment and financial counseling, housing assistance, court accompaniment, children’s programs and more for victims.

In addition, funds raised also go toward community outreach and staff development to help the shelter do its job more effectively.

“We are really hoping the community is going to come out to help us with this fundraiser,” he said. “If you’re going to donate to us, you may as well get some dinner and a couple of glasses of wine out of it.”

Tickets are $50. For tickets or more information, call 925-4365.