Submitted
Jana’s Campaign, an organization dedicated to preventing relationship-based violence, will have its annual fundraising gala, “Empty Place at the Table,” at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth St., Hays.
Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased at janascampaign.org.
“This cherished community event brings together friends and supporters to honor the life and legacy of Jana Mackey while celebrating 16 years of prevention education and impact,” Kaiti Blackburn, Jana’s Campaign executive director, said in a news release.
“The evening will reflect on the organization’s achievements in building safe, healthy communities and reaffirm their mission to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking through evidence-based education.”
Jana’s Campaign was founded in memory of Hays native Jana Mackey, a 25-year-old law student at the University of Kansas who lost her life to violence perpetrated by an ex-boyfriend in 2008.
The organization has presented educational programs to more than 102,000 middle school and high school students from 677 schools across 10 states, Blackburn said, all with the goal of informing young people about domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.
“Our prevention approach creates ripple effects that extend far beyond individual students. When we teach one young person about healthy relationships, they carry that knowledge to their families, friend groups, and future relationships,” Blackburn said. “Prevention education is an investment that pays dividends for decades.”
This year’s fundraiser will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, live entertainment, and both silent and live auctions. The event is being sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.