Share the Shelter: Musicians Band Together Against Domestic Violence and Animal Cruelty

On Sunday, July 24, five music acts will take the stage for the Share the Shelter Music Fest, an outdoor concert to raise awareness and funds for Alaqua Animal Refuge and Shelter House Domestic Violence Center.

Daphne Willis

The event, which will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., will feature live performances by Bryan Kennedy (“Life Shines – The 30A Song”), Vanguard Records recording artist Daphne Willis, local favorite Kelsey Anna, and Beachcomber Music Award winners Dread Clampitt and Heritage. All of these musicians are passionate about supporting the two local nonprofits in their missions to end domestic violence and animal abuse.

“When people come together and focus collective and creative energy, as we hope to do through the organizations, musicians and supporters of Share the Shelter, we can make social change happen,” says Michelle Sperzel, executive director of Shelter House. “Domestic violence touches the entire family, from the women we serve to the pet that shows its unconditional love.”

Laurie Hood, president and founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, says, "Through Share the Shelter, we have found the perfect opportunity to partner with Shelter House. At the heart of both of our nonprofits, we are focused on providing a safe haven and a second chance at life. This music fest will not only provide an amazing evening of musical entertainment, but it will also help both local organizations create a strong voice against the atrocities of abuse."

The event will offer a variety of vendors, including artist and jewelry makers and specialty retailers, as well as food and beverage from 98 Bar-B-Que, Amore Pizzeria, Hawaiian Shaved Ice, the Itty Bitty Ice Cream Mini and Tacos Yʼall.

In addition, Share the Shelter will feature an open air VIP lounge that will give ticket holders exclusive access to the artists, upholstered seating in a premium location, complimentary appetizers and beverages (including offerings from Grayton Beer Co.), chair massages provided by serenity by the sea therapists, and Share the Shelter swag bags.

Sponsors for Share the Shelter Music Fest include the Seagrove Coyote and La Botana at the title level; AlliBeck Events at the platinum level; 30A.com, Dixieletricar of Destin, Graffiti's Funky Blues Shack, Silver Sands Factory Stores, the Red Bar and Think It Wear It Express at the gold level; Preston Hood Chevrolet, Proffitt PR and Smiling Fish Café at the silver level; and Grayton Beer Co. at the VIP level.

General admission tickets to Share the Shelter Music Fest are available for $20 at www.ShelterHouseNWFL.org, the Silver Sands Factory Stores information kiosk, Alaqua Animal Refuge, Shelter House, and La Botana restaurant. Tickets will be $25 on the day of the event.

Limited tickets to the VIP lounge are available in advance through the Web site or by phone for $100. Commemorative T-shirts can be purchased at the event or at www.ThinkItWearItstore.com.

ABOUT THE BENEFACTORS

Shelter House is the state-certified domestic violence shelter serving victims of domestic violence in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Services include a 24-hour hotline, crisis counseling, advocacy, outreach, primary prevention, transitional housing and confidential sheltering.

Between July 1, 2010 and May 1, 2011, Shelter House directly touched more than 3,665 lives in Okaloosa and Walton counties by providing the numerous services to abused women and children.

If you feel that a family member or intimate partner is endangering your physical or emotional safety, or if you know someone experiencing this in their home, call Shelter Houseʼs hotline at 1-800-44-ABUSE, or (850) 863-4777.

Alaqua Animal Refuge—an independent, nonprofit organization located on Floridaʼs Emerald Coast—advocates the general welfare and humane treatment of animals by providing shelter, prevention of pet overpopulation, and adoption services.

Located on 10 acres in Freeport, the refuge was formed by Walton County resident Laurie Hood in 2007 when she discovered that countless animals were being euthanized due to the lack of a no-kill shelter/adoption organization in the area.

Since then, Alaqua Animal Refuge has helped find homes for more than 6,000 animals. Currently, up to 100 animals are adopted per month from this unique rescue facility, which serves as a true refuge for more than 250 animals at any given time.

For more information, visit to AARFlorida.com or call (850) 880-6399.