'The Blue Bench Thing' Is a Fun Event With a Serious Mission: "Friends" Themed Happy Hour Benefits Sexual Assault Survivors

Denver, Colorado, April 12, 2016 (Newswire.com) - Sexual assault doesn’t ordinarily top the list of subjects to discuss over cocktails, but The Blue Bench- the Denver metro area’s only comprehensive sexual assault prevention and support center- is anything but ordinary. This year’s 4th Annual fundraiser will be held Tuesday April 26th from 5:30 – 8:30pm at Tracks Denver (3500 Walnut St.). The event touts drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and includes an exclusive performance from Colorado’s own Sean Kelly of The Samples as well as a silent auction full of fun and unique offerings such as design consultations, themed date nights, pet packages and the back-by-popular-demand tour of Denver’s crime lab.

The event, emceed by Chris Vanderveen of 9News, draws on a theme treasured by many: the iconic sitcom Friends. The theme certainly adds to the jovial tone of the event, but also touches on a critical part of sexual violence prevention. Bystander intervention has become a huge part of the conversation surrounding sexual assault prevention, with The White House’s It’s On Us campaign highlighting the importance of a wider community approach to sexual violence. Sexual assault is a community issue, and it demands a community response. In Colorado, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 17 men will experience a completed or an attempted sexual assault in their lifetime.

"We all know someone who has experienced sexual violence, The Friends theme reminds us what it means to truly be a friend, and that being there for each other requires us to believe and support survivors in our own lives and in our community."

Karmen Carter, Executive Director

“We all know someone who has experienced sexual violence, “ says The Blue Bench’s Executive Director, Karmen Carter. “The Friends theme reminds us what it means to truly be a friend, and that being there for each other requires us to believe and support survivors in our own lives and in our community.”

The Blue Bench Thing: The One with Sean Kelly from The Samples is an event you won’t want to miss. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

ABOUT THE BLUE BENCH: The Blue Bench is metro Denver’s only comprehensive sexual assault prevention and support center. Since our founding in 1983, we have worked tirelessly to eliminate sexual assault and diminish the impact it has on individuals, their loved ones and our community. Through issue advocacy, scientifically-supported prevention programs and a robust offering of low to no-cost client services including a 24-hour hotline, individual and group therapy and case management, The Blue Bench has helped hundreds of thousands of Denver-area women and men find the courage to move from victim to survivor.

Source: The Blue Bench