Jana's Campaign
On October 7, Jana’s Campaign hosted their annual fundraising event, "Empty Place at the Table." The evening was an extraordinary success, raising a total of $80,815.84.
This remarkable event has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the premier gala gatherings in the Hays community. It serves a dual purpose: raising both awareness and essential funds for Jana’s Campaign's mission of preventing domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
The 2023 gala had an added layer of significance, as it commemorated the fifteenth-year anniversary of Jana’s death and the creation of Jana’s Campaign.
The evening was a celebration of program successes and an acknowledgment of the remarkable journey the organization has undertaken.
Moreover, it marked a milestone in our mission to prevent gender and relationship violence as we had the privilege of providing bystander intervention training programming to all freshman students at Hays High School for the eighth year, the same week of the event. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering a culture of respect and actively involving the community in this work.
"To be in a room filled with individuals who understand the vital importance of preventing gender-based violence but are also wholeheartedly dedicated to making a difference is incredibly inspiring," remarked Kaiti Blackburn, Jana’s Campaign executive director. "With the funds raised during this event, we are poised to achieve remarkable strides in our mission."
Jana’s Campaign, headquartered in Hays is a national education and gender-based violence prevention organization established in memory of Jana Mackey. Jana, a 25-year-old law student at the University of Kansas, lost her life in 2008 at the hands of an ex-boyfriend. Her memory fuels the organization's commitment to preventing such tragedies and fostering safer communities.
The resounding success of this year's "Empty Place at the Table" is a testament to the unwavering support of this community. Jana’s Campaign extends its gratitude to all who volunteered, participated, and donated to this important cause. Together, we can create a world free from gender and relationship violence.
For more information about Jana’s Campaign and its mission, please visit www.JanasCampaign.org.
