CLAY COUNTY— On Aug. 8, the doors to Azaleana Manor in Orange Park will open to a spectacle of color, art and empowerment.

Clay County's only dual certified domestic violence and sexual assault center will be hosting a night of “Resilience in Color” at their upcoming art gala. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests will enjoy art exhibits, a silent art auction, a raffle, a photo booth bus, fine wine and refreshments, and hors d'oeuvres from Santioni's Italian Restaurant and The Cultured Cut.

“We wanted to make this gala a little bit different. In the past, it's been very formal and sit down," said Board President Tiffani Mendez. “And we wanted to have fun with the community and share a little bit about Quigley House and let people know why we're here and what we're here for.” 

There will also be a live performance by Justin Leduc inside the venue, while duo Cody Rae and Jim will take center stage outside.

An evening of celebrating the courage of local survivors of domestic and sexual assault, the event will bring awareness to just how much the nonprofit is making an impact on the community, while simultaneously helping to gain support for its life-saving programs.

For the Fiscal Year 2024-25, the center reported providing approximately 9,000 nights of emergency shelter and safe housing to more than 150 adults and children seeking assistance.

"The more you know, the better. And so that's our biggest thing, said Director of Development Jackie Krug. “And nonprofits, it's not a secret where, you know, we need all the support to help continue to be able to provide our free and confidential services.”

Along with live art installations and a build-your-own boquet bar, local author, pastor and artist Rebecca Craig will make her way to the podium for a keynote address. Craig, a survivor, said she wanted to get involved with the event simply because of its uplifting message. She said that art was part of her therapy and healing journey. 

“That was how I healed.  I did lots of artwork when I was going through my own kind of problems and abuse situation, Craig said. “And, so the art was the way that I was able to express myself, because when I was going through it, words wouldn't, they just didn't come.”

It took her two and half years to divorce her abuser, a process she called painful and a nightmare. But she was lucky.

"I had a well-established career, I had my own home, I had my own savings, I had my own money, so it was a lot easier for me to get out of that marriage," she said.

She added that unlike her situation, others may not be so fortunate in getting out. That's why resources like Quigley House are crucial.

"I know that my situation is not the norm, and most women stay in their abusive situation because they don't think they have any place to go," she said. "They're like 'How am I going to survive?'"

Not only will Craig be auctioning off some of her artwork, but she will also be delving into her two books "Once Upon a Nightmare: Through the Looking Glass of Narcissistic Abuse" and "Through Her Eyes: Biblical Women Speak." The latter is set to be released on Aug. 19.

In addition to Craig, guests will also enjoy words from guest speaker and survivor Jana Devore. 

Raffle tickets will be available for $ 5 each, or 5 for $20. 

All proceeds from the event will go directly towards Quigley House's free and confidential services, including the emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and a 24-hour helpline.