Underwriting support from:
Location
Meanwhile Bar
1005 Wealthy St. SE
On March 20 at 4 p.m., join neighbors at the The Meanwhile for a benefit to help raise awareness and funds for Cure Violence. This is the first benefit for Cure Violence to be held in Grand Rapids, and is organized by Ruth Kelly, Raynard Ross and Charlie Ransford.
A reception will be held from 5-8 p.m. with appetizers made by city commissioner Ruth Kelly and friends. A panel discussion of representatives, including Charlie Ransford who will give a brief presentation at 5:30 p.m., will take place throughout the evening.
30% of total sales from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. will be donated by The Meanwhile to Cure Violence.
"While many great people, organizations, churches and government programs work to prevent violence in our community every day, what interests me most about the Cure Violence model is that it is a public health model that is methodical and evidence-based. It is hyper-targeted at those most likely to be shot or shooters. The data coming out of communities who have implemented the model is extremely impressive: shootings and homicides have dropped up to 50%," says Tami VandenBerg, co-owner of The Meanwhile.
Cure Violence is a nonprofit that was launched in Chicago in 2000. The organization was initiated by Dr. Gary Slutkin but includes members of all walks of life, including former gang members and previously violent perpetrators with the intent to resolve conflict in a peaceful and civil manner.
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