Take back the night
Organizers plan concert to raise money for education on sexual assault and violence
Posted on January 28, 2008
The Women’s Resource Center is hoping to triple its profits at this year’s Take Back the Night Benefit Concert.
A disappointing sum was collected last year due to an unexpected snow storm.
“We didn’t call it off and we kept receiving phone calls from our friends telling us they couldn’t come,” said Kristin Brady, Women’s Resource Center student assistant and head of Take Back The Night.
Last year the concert brought in $500, this year the goal is $1,500. The group wants to raise the money to fund the annual TBTN event scheduled for March 25.
The money raised will go toward booking speakers, such as the founder of 1 in 4, an organization that hopes to prevent rape on college campuses.
TBTN is a night dedicated to educating the community about sexual assault and violence. Its mission is to provide a supportive and empowering environment for victims. There are candlelight ceremonies and guest speakers, as well as a speak-out, an opportunity for women and men who have been victimized to share their stories.
Last year’s concert had bands perform, but this year the organizers took a new spin on the show by trying to involve the community.
“Sexual assault affects the whole community, not just one person,” Brady said. “That’s why we need to get community participation.”
The concert will include performances by New and Improv’d, several a capella groups, the breakdance club and solo artist Kevin Elliker.
“We want it to be campus-wide, because [sexual assault] doesn’t have a face,” Brady said. “Sexual assault affects everyone, whether it’s you or someone you know.”
The Take Back the Night Benefit Concert is Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. in Grafton-Stovall Theatre. The snow date for this event is Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.
