Degage Ministries to celebrate 10 years of Open Door Women's Center with fundraiser

On Thursday, March 13, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Degage Ministries will throw its “Open Door, Open Hearts” benefit for the Open Door Women's Center at the Celebration Cinema Wave Room (2121 Celebration Dr. NE). Open Door works to provide shelter and support for women in crisis. The event will highlight the work being done at Open Door and the accomplishments of the women who have stayed there.

“Our Open Door Women's Center has been open 10 years and we're celebrating the women who have come through our program. We've had over 2,100 women come through Open Door and each one of them has a unique story. They're survivors and they're strong women. We are celebrating their successes,” says Degage Ministries Executive Director Marge Palmerlee.

Kristie Newkirk will share her story of how Open Door helped her succeed. There will also be a photo booth, massages and a dessert bar where guests can build treats for themselves and for the women staying at Open Door. 

“Our goal is raising awareness of the needs of women, and what other women can do. We're going to have ways for them to volunteer and do product drives. Often times we'll have women who may be fleeing a domestic violence situation that just have the clothes on their back. So we're always looking for pajamas and socks and all those basic needs. There will be ways for women to connect and know that they are helping women in our community,” says Palmerlee.

The event will also include food demonstrations by local chef Tommy Fitzgerald, a hot beverage bar and a live band. There will be a raffle with prizes including VIP passes to Celebration Cinema. The attire for the event is casual to business casual.

A limited amount of tickets are still available. Ticket prices are $25 per person or $20 with a friend. Tickets can be bought by contacting Degage Ministries at 616-454-1661 ext. 210.