VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Samaritan House says they have seen a dramatic increase for its services to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking.
Samaritan House is set to raise awareness of these issues and raise funds with a talk show and televised fundraising event featured on WTKR.
Samaritan House will present “Let’s Talk Healing,” hosted by Drea Kelly, choreographer, actress, advocate, survivor and former wife of R&B singer, R. Kelly. The hour-long talk show will air Sunday, at 9 p.m.
The show will feature Kelly’s story of survival, interviews with staff and Samaritan House leadership who will discuss the work done in Hampton Roads to support victims as well as the story of a local human trafficking survivor helped by Samaritan House.
“Through our stories of weakness, we strengthen and empower each other. The Samaritan House mission aligns with my overall message, that healing is 365 days, ever changing and ever evolving,” said Kelly.
The televised event was created as an alternative to several in-person fundraising events that Samaritan House produces each year. This year viewers will be asked to make donations via phone, website or by texting SamStrong (one word) to 50155.
“In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Samaritan House has risen to the occasion by not only providing a full range of services to victims of violence, but by creating a unique, innovative and contact-free event to raise awareness and funding,” said Robin Gauthier, Executive Director of Samaritan House.
Sponsors of this event include News 3, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, Langley Federal Credit Union, Studio Center, PRA Group, Dragas Companies and others.
