DVSSP Celebrates a Record-breaking 20th Annual Peace Begins at Home Dinner
Community members, businesses, and advocates gathered on Oct. 15 at Hollywood Casino at the Meadows for DVSSP's 20th Annual Peace Begins at Home Dinner. The record-breaking event celebrated two decades of community generosity and a shared commitment to ending domestic violence.
Held on Purple Thursday during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this year’s dinner carried the theme “All In for Peace.” The evening featured keynote speaker Jessica Higbee and recognition of three Outstanding Community Partners whose contributions help DVSSP reach more people, raise awareness, and support survivors.
The theme reflected the importance of investing in both survivor services and prevention. Support for DVSSP helps meet urgent needs today while expanding education and outreach that can help prevent domestic violence for future generations.
Recognizing Outstanding Community Partners
DVSSP honored First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County, Lamar Advertising of Pittsburgh, and Karen Mansfield of the Observer-Reporter for the meaningful ways they advance the organization’s mission.
First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County exemplifies what it means to be a community-minded organization. Its partnership extends beyond sponsorship to include event support, advertising, and opportunities for DVSSP to connect with new audiences. Through these efforts and the service of a dedicated staff member on DVSSP’s Board of Directors, First Federal helps build the community connections that make this work possible.
Lamar Advertising of Pittsburgh has generously donated electronic billboard space for the past three years, bringing information about domestic violence and DVSSP’s services to thousands of people who might not otherwise encounter it. By giving the mission a prominent place in the community, Lamar helps start conversations and ensures more people know that support is available.
Karen Mansfield, a reporter with the Observer-Reporter, received recognition for her thoughtful, compassionate coverage of domestic violence and the survivors DVSSP serves. She takes time to listen, understand, and consider how personal and difficult experiences should be shared. Her reporting helps the community better understand domestic violence while treating survivors’ experiences with care and respect.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
DVSSP gratefully acknowledges the event sponsors whose generosity helped make this milestone evening possible:
- Legacy Sponsor: Karen Yocca
- Advocate Sponsors: DT Midstream Foundation and Highmark BCBS
- Survivor Sponsors: First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County and HICO America
- Peace Sponsors: Washington Financial Bank, Mike Kelly Toyota of Uniontown, and PNC
Special thanks also go to Mike Skubovius of Skubo Creative for providing in-kind photography to capture the evening and help us share its memorable moments with the community.
DVSSP also recognizes its corporate sponsors for their continued investment in our mission: Gold Sponsor Wavestone, and Bronze Sponsors NJM Insurance Group, Range Resources, and TriState Capital. Their ongoing partnership supports our work beyond individual events and throughout the year.
Our Community is All In for Peace
To every guest, donor, volunteer, staff member, and member of the Board of Directors who contributed to the evening: thank you. From sponsoring the event and donating raffle items to purchasing tickets and helping behind the scenes, your support made this celebration possible.
Every ticket purchased, sponsorship offered, and contribution made supports DVSSP’s mission to end domestic violence by empowering survivors, raising awareness, and creating safer communities throughout Washington, Greene, and Fayette counties.
Thank you for going all in for peace—and for helping carry this work forward beyond one evening.
DVSSP’s confidential, 24/7 helpline is available at 800-791-4000 for survivors, loved ones, and anyone with questions about domestic violence.
Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy of Skubo Creative
