Safe Passage envisions “a community free from violence.”

COEUR d’ALENE – Wednesday night’s “EnVISION: Creating a Community Free from Violence” gala, hosted by local nonprofit Safe Passage at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, was certainly an elegant affair – but the evening was about much more than just good food or winning auction prizes.

“Tonight is about highlighting survivors of domestic violence and the services we provide,” said Amanda Krier, executive director of Safe Passage. “Survivors learn that we are here to support them.”

Safe Passage has been advocating and providing services to victims of domestic abuse and violence in North Idaho since 1977. The services offered by the nonprofit are completely free to survivors – and are made possible through events like EnVISION.

Wednesday night’s sold-out gala featured food and drinks, a raffle, a silent auction and a live auction, as well as statements from survivors. According to Secretary of State Maria McCabe, Safe Passage has exceeded its EnVISION fundraising goal of $100,000.

Ramie, a survivor of domestic violence and abuse, described how she “wouldn’t be here today if she hadn’t found Safe Passage.”

“You want to believe that the person you love and care about so much is going to change,” Ramie told the audience. “Survivors have been so mentally and often physically beaten down that they no longer know where to start.”

Ramie also said Safe Passage offered advice and life skills support and even gave her children “a fantastic Christmas.”

Organizers held a moment of silence following Ramie’s story to reflect on the gravity of the survivors’ testimonies heard Wednesday evening.

“We are here to stand with victims who feel lost, abandoned and afraid,” said Scott Coleman, director of the Children’s Advocacy Center at Safe Passage.

“Together we stand against violence … and that’s what we’re doing right now,” said Leslie Johnson, director of development and communications at Safe Passage.