A NEW ERA BEGINS: 180 Turning Lives Around Celebrates 30th Anniversary Year

A NEW ERA BEGINS: 180 Turning Lives Around Celebrates 30th Anniversary Year

Evening Highlighted by Special Honorary Guests: Tipper Gore and Jon Bon Jovi

MIDDLETOWN, N.J., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. will host a momentous 30th Anniversary Gala on the Navesink on Saturday, September 16, 2006 in celebration of the agency's 30 years of lifesaving service in providing shelter, hotlines, counseling, protection, support, prevention, education and advocacy for nearly 300,000 victims and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. The fundraiser, the largest special event in the agency's history, will conclude a milestone year by honoring special guests Tipper Gore and Jon Bon Jovi.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060908/NYF033 )

Named one of the Ten Most Admired Women in the World, Mrs. Gore has brought her warmth, charm and infectious energy to communities and organizations around the globe. A dedicated, hands-on advocate for issues of mental health, homelessness, and violence in the media, she uses stories from her own life of public service to inspire and enlighten her audiences.

"I am honored to join in the celebration of 180's 30 year anniversary," said Tipper Gore. "The fundamental responsibility that we have as mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons is to join together to lend support to those women and families in need."

Mr. Bon Jovi is an avid advocate for local charity work. As co-owner of the Arena Football League's Philadelphia Soul, he has committed the franchise to focusing attention and funding to local causes; the Soul partnered with 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. to launch the 2ND FLOOR(R) youth helpline in Philadelphia.

"As a musician and father, I am proud to be a part of the 30th anniversary celebration," said Jon Bon Jovi. "The 2ND FLOOR(R) youth helpline provides an anonymous and available resource when life's pressures and everyday situations get overwhelming. We can't underestimate the difference we can make together in the lives of our children."

The elegant evening will feature the outstanding cuisine of Restaurant Nicholas, a musical performance by Bobby Bandiera, and dancing. A very special and unique pledge tent will serve as the Gala's centerpiece featuring 180's vital programs and services.

"For 30 years, 180 has been committed to ensuring every home is a safe home in our community," said Philip Murphy, 180's Board President. "It is the agency's belief that change is always possible and as we celebrate a new chapter in 180's legacy, we ask members of the community to reach deeply into their hearts to support our fundraising efforts which will ensure that 180's services will be available for vulnerable families in need."

Proceeds from the 30th Anniversary Gala will support 180's courageous mission of ending family violence, abuse and sexual assault in our community. Today, 180 employs 83 staff members and over 400 volunteers, offering services at seven main locations, 10 residential sites, and 45 satellite locations throughout Monmouth County. The 2ND FLOOR(R) youth helpline is the only toll-free helpline (1-888-222-2228) in Monmouth County, Mercer County and parts of Philadelphia dedicated to broad youth issues.

For more information about gala tickets, sponsorships and underwriting information, please call 732-264-9114 or log on to http://www.180nj.org/.

For 30 years, 180 Turning Lives Around has served as a private, non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence, family violence, abuse, and sexual assault in our community. 180 is committed to providing shelter, counseling, protection, education, and advocacy for residents of Monmouth County who are affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. To learn more about 180 Turning Lives Around visit their website at http://www.180nj.org/. Those who need immediate emergency assistance can call the organization's toll free 24-hour hotlines for domestic violence at 1-888-843-9262 or 732-264-4111 and for sexual assault contact 1-888-264-RAPE or 732-264-RAPE.

The 2ND FLOOR(R) youth helpline, a program of 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc., is the only toll-free helpline in Monmouth County dedicated to broad youth issues. Designed as a positive resource to help children and youth, 2ND FLOOR(R) has grown beyond Monmouth County to include parts of Philadelphia and the Mercer County, New Jersey area. The toll-free helpline 1-888-222-2228 operates from 9a.m. until midnight, seven days a week and is staffed by highly trained volunteers who provide an understanding, non-judgmental and caring response to callers. 2ND FLOOR(R) does not provide psychotherapy/professional counseling, or access to assistance in a medical or other emergency. Parents should continue to instruct their children to call 911 or their local police in medical or other emergencies.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060908/NYF033
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN4
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc.

CONTACT: Laura Jewell, Office: +1-732-502-9310, Mobile: +1-732-233-5433

Web site: http://www.180nj.org/

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