Women In Distress Raises Record-Breaking Funds - At 2025 Starfish Gala And Announces $15 Million Capital Campaign

The unforgettable evening was emceed by Padmini Pandya and featured a keynote speech by Tanya Brown, a nationally recognized advocate of domestic violence and mental health awareness. Her sister Nicole Brown Simpson, the former wife of O.J. Simpson was tragically murdered in 1994. The evening, presented by Legacy Healing Center, entailed a gourmet dinner, live entertainment from Gypsy Lane Band, and an impressive silent auction all in support of Women In Distress’ critical programs.

The night’s impact was underscored by two extraordinary live gifts of $50,000 each, announced during the program. In addition to presenting sponsor Legacy Healing Center, sponsors included The Kelsey Group Inc., Arlene Casper, The Thomas Family Foundation, JM Family Enterprises, UKG, Leo Goodwin Foundation, Rick Case Automotive Group, UBS, The Faith Center Women’s Ministry, Bank United, Harrah’s Pompano Beach, Memorial Healthcare System, Karen & Paul Leikert, Holman, Loretta & Roland Malins-Smith, FHE Health, Elite Agency, NSU Florida, Wilton Manor’s Police Department, Brown & Brown, Fritch Foundation, Linda Garrett, and Sandy & Kenny Tate.

During the event, WID Board Member Phyllis Thomas announced the launch of a bold new initiative: a $15 Million capital campaign to expand transitional housing in Broward County for victims of domestic violence. The campaign will support the creation of a new housing campus designed to provide longer-term stability for survivors and their children, as well as their pets, as they rebuild their lives in safety.

“This Gala was not only a celebration of how far we’ve come, but a call to action for where we must go next,” said Linda L. Parker, Ph.D., President and CEO of Women In Distress. “We are deeply grateful to our supporters, donors, and partners who made this night such a success and are making this vision possible.”

All proceeds from the Starfish Gala support Women In Distress’ lifesaving services, including its 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling and therapeutic services, and prevention education. Women In Distress remains the only state-certified, nationally accredited domestic violence center in Broward County, serving thousands of survivors annually. In its 50-year history, WID has:

Provided over one million nights of emergency shelter; answered more than 500,000 emergency hotline calls.

Delivered more than one million hours of counseling and advocacy services

Trained hundreds of thousands of community members on healthy relationships.

To learn more or contribute to the capital campaign, please visit: https://widbroward.org/50thanniversarycampaign/ - Or contact Jeff Metcalf, Chief Development Officer at: jmetcalf@womenindistress.org. Or call: (954) 760-9800. Extension#: 1280. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at: (954) 761-1133.

About Women In Distress

Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc. (WID) is the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full-service domestic violence center serving Broward County, Florida. For over 50 years, we have been providing lifesaving services to survivors of domestic violence and their families. Our mission is to stop domestic violence abuse for everyone through intervention, education, and advocacy. We strive to accomplish this mission through a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, individual counseling, support groups, and professional training that educate the community and promote safety, healing, and prevention.

For more information, visit: https://widbroward.org.