When I started consulting for the SAVA Center, I knew I’d be supporting a local organization with a heart for survivors. What I didn’t expect was how fulfilling that work would once again feel. The recent SAVA Soirée was one of those “wow” events that reminded me exactly why I’m here.
The SAVA Soirée isn’t just another fundraiser. It’s a chance for people to come together, show up for survivors, and be part of something bigger than themselves. This year’s gathering had a buzz in the air from the moment the doors opened. Friends, advocates, and allies filled the space with warmth and generosity, each person’s presence a reminder that we’re all in this together.
For me, it felt like a full-circle moment. I’ve worked with SAVA in a lot of different ways over the years—even as a survivor speaker a few years back. Now, as a consultant, I’m usually behind the scenes—building strategies, helping secure funding, and finding innovative ways to spread SAVA’s message. But that night, after only a month with SAVA in a professional capacity, I got to see the impact right in front of me. I watched donors raise their paddles to fund critical support services for survivors. I saw speakers tell their stories with so much heart that you could’ve heard a pin drop. And I felt a quiet pride knowing I’d played a small part in making it happen.
But let’s be honest—the real heroes of the night are the survivors and advocates who trust us to show up for them. It’s the donors who give selflessly, believing in the mission. It’s SAVA’s staff, board, and volunteers who pour their energy into every little detail, making sure survivors feel seen, heard, and valued.
One of my favorite moments of the night was seeing my friends purchase an obscene amount of beads for our heads-or-tails fundraiser and ultimately winning the trip and airfare for two to a luxury resort in Hawaii. Way to go, Nylanders!
The SAVA Soirée is one of those nights that’s going to stick with me—not just as a consultant, but as someone who’s been supportive of SAVA’s mission for years. I’ve always believed that serving sexual violence survivors takes all of us working together on a local level, but seeing it come to life in a room full of advocates and allies? That’s always something special.
Working with SAVA is a front-row seat to Northern Colorado’s capacity for good, and I’m honored to be a small part of it in this way.
To everyone who attended, donated, or supported the SAVA Soirée in any way—thank you! You’re not just part of the story—you’re changing it. And if you missed this year but want to get involved moving forward, give me a shout!
