The Art Centre of Plano was abuzz with energy and purpose this past weekend as we celebrated our annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) kickoff event, Blossoming Beyond. From powerful performances to heartfelt moments of connection, the day was a testament to the resilience of survivors and the unwavering support of our community.
Our goal was to raise awareness of the impact of sexual violence and provide connections to healing and support within our community. With more than 200 attendees from across the county, we are thrilled to say that we exceeded these objectives!
One of the most unforgettable moments of the day was the spoken word performance by Hasina, a talented slam poet. Her words moved us to tears as she courageously shared her art for the first time. Tracy, our keynote speaker and founder of Project Beloved, inspired us all with her raw honesty and unwavering commitment to advocating for survivors. Her courage in calling out areas for improvement struck a chord with everyone present, and the response from city officials was a testament to the trust and collaboration we're building together.
The performances throughout the day were equally powerful. Beyond the Barre captivated us with their dance performance, while Nova Pangea rocked the stage with their multicultural music. When Camesha, a certified yoga instructor, led us in guided affirmations and intentions, she carved out space for healing and positivity for everyone.
Our event was filled with pure and wholesome vibes, thanks to the special guests who joined us for the day. Angelic voices from baby goats, Finch the therapy dog, and the Plano Public Library's bubble truck brought an extra touch of joy to the occasion, adding to the incredible performances and heartfelt moments shared by all.
The overwhelming feedback from attendees, partners, and volunteers was incredibly heartwarming. Tamara Brown, our Outreach Coordinator, expressed her gratitude to the community for showing up and showing out, echoing the feeling felt by all. Wendy Hana, Executive Director of The Turning Point, summed it up best: "It felt like the Grammys!"
The event truly embodied the theme of Blossoming Beyond, with flowers around every corner and a true sense of community and support. Dedicated organizations set up partner tables that encircled activity tables where the community was encouraged to plant seeds, decorate flower pots, and paint flowers. It was a beautiful sight to see. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our staff and volunteers, the event went off without a hitch - not even the weather got in our way!
As we reflect on the success of Blossoming Beyond, we're already looking ahead to next year's event. But our work doesn't stop here. We invite you to join us in our #TealTheTown campaign, raising awareness for SAAM by displaying teal ribbons creatively throughout our community. You can draw a picture of a teal ribbon and post it on your social media, put one on your office door, or get creative with it! It doesn't matter where you get the ribbon from; what matters is raising awareness. Tag us on Instagram@theturningpointrcc to share your efforts with us. Teal ribbons are also available for pickup at The Turning Point Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM Until 04/26/2024. Please email tbrown@theturningpoint.org before stopping by.
Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting survivors of sexual violence. Together, we can make a difference.