MANSFIELD, Ohio — Domestic violence is not a topic discussed over coffee, especially if you are a victim. The Domestic Violence Shelter in Mansfield wants to talk about it; they want to help those in need.
To do that, the shelter will host its fourth Night at the Races fundraiser on Saturday, April 18. Executive Director Katherine Ezawa hopes the event will continue to normalize domestic violence situations to allow for victims to feel safe to talk about it.
“It’s not an easy topic to discuss,” said Ezawa. “We want to share with the community that there are options for survivors.”
Ezawa said tickets are still available for individuals interested in participating in the event. “Buying a horse,” however, is no longer an option for patrons; the process is closed.
The event is centered around watching pre-recorded horse races. Patrons then “buy” a horse and are able to guess which one will win, with cash prizes for the winners. There are ten races throughout the evening, said Ezawa.
The Domestic Violence Shelter’s Night at the Races starts at 6 p.m. at the Richland County Fairgrounds and lasts until midnight. Community members are encouraged to come for a full course meal and games of chance. Tickets at the door cost $30. Sponsors for the event include Richland Bank, Key Bank, and Rinehart-Walters-Danner Insurance.
“It’s really a fun event,” said Ezawa. “Community members who’ve bought a horse really get into it. They are pretty competitive.”
The shelter has hosted various fundraisers for years, said Ezawa. But the Night at the Races has become the most successful. Ezawa said some of the shelter’s board members attended a similar fundraiser in Cleveland and thought the shelter could try it out. Four years ago, they did; it was a success.
“It’s really become popular,” said Ezawa.
The proceeds of the event will go to support the services provided by the shelter. Ezawa listed the many programs and services offered through the Domestic Violence Shelter: emergency shelter with ten beds, a crisis hotline, intensive case management, support groups and community outreach.
Ezawa attributes the event’s success to the supportive spirit in Richland County.
“Richland County is really supportive of our program and other nonprofits in the community …We just want to make sure that the people who come have a good time, to enjoy themselves. Because they’re supporting a good cause,” said Ezawa.
“We’ve seen a lot of good things happen for people who come through our program. We share hope with them, hope that there is help when they need it,” she said.
