Bloom Under the Moon at SafeNet's Annual Garden Party

Jessica Hunter

Enjoy an evening of magic, music, and libations in a clandestine garden nestled in the heart of Erie, all while supporting the mission and work of Safenet through their Bloom Under the Moon fundraiser.

FRIDAY, AUG. 11

Hidden away in Downtown Erie, there's a beautiful garden of flowers and greenery, weeping willows, and a waterfall with a pond, located in a private fenced-in space known affectionately as SafeNet's "Big Backyard." The area was created as a safe space for residents of SafeNet's safe housing services and their children to play, relax, and experience a peaceful retreat from the world. Each year, it serves as the location of SafeNet's fundraiser, The Garden Party, and this year is no exception. On Friday, Aug. 11 at 6 p.m., the garden will be transformed for Bloom Under the Moon.

The event will feature exciting entertainment this year, including sleight of hand magic from Kellar's Magic and Comedy Club, and music by The Breeze Band. Purchasing a reservation to attend also includes a full menu of delicious food options served at various stations, catered by Sabella's, as well as an open bar, and vegan ice cream from Sundae Vegan Desserts.

One in three women and one in four individuals will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. "Since the pandemic, SafeNet has continually seen cases of domestic violence rising in our area. We are seeing victims in more life-threatening circumstances. Add to that the increasing costs of food, shelter, and other living expenses – increased funding is crucial to the support of our mission," said Robyn Young, executive director of SafeNet. Funds raised from the Garden Party are used to benefit SafeNet's programs and services which are provided to all abuse victims and their children, completely free of charge and confidentially.

SafeNet's services include a 24/7 local crisis hotline (814) 454-8161, safe housing services, transitional housing programs, individual and group counseling, safety planning, legal advocacy, education, and children's programs, as well as a medical outreach team. SafeNet serves approximately 2,000 individuals annually. Of the individuals served each year in safe housing, half are children under the age of 12. In addition to the children who accompany their parents, SafeNet also provides counseling services to children under the age of 17 and has an additional transitional housing program for teen mothers.

Honorary chairs for 2023 Kristy Gnibus and Seth Trott have been working with SafeNet staff and a committee to plan this year's event. Gnibus serves on SafeNet's Board of Directors and has been an outspoken advocate against domestic violence. Gnibus is one of SafeNet's three local women featured in an outreach campaign titled "What Does Domestic Violence Look Like?" She often speaks of her own experiences with domestic violence and how SafeNet helped her reclaim her life with legal advocacy years ago. This year's committee includes volunteer community members Mary Boldt, Jessica Donahue, Lynette Hughes, Nathan Koble, Lisa Masi, Davina Pacley, Melissa Robison, Rachael Sebesta, Amy Simonsen, and Linda Terella. 

6 to 10 p.m. // SafeNet's Big Backyard, 254 E. 10th St. // $125 (includes food, drinks, and entertainment) // For tickets and info: safeneterie.org