Jackson Free Press

At its 2009 Christmas Gala last night, the Center for Violence Prevention surprised Jackson Free Press editor Donna Ladd with its "Angel of the Year" award. CVP Executive Director Sandy Middleton told the audience that Ladd and the Jackson Free Press had raised more than $50,000 in recent years for the center's work, which includes helping women and children who are victims of abuse, as well as running a new batterer's intervention program.

Ladd launched the JFP Chick Ball five years ago to raise money for the Pearl shelter, and to raise awareness about the issue of domestic abuse. The Chick Ball, held at Hal and Mal's each year, features a day of female musicians on the main stage, as well as a silent auction of local artists and businesses. The event is organized by a committee of JFP staffers, freelancers and friends of the cause. One signature element of the Chick Ball is the low cover price -- $5 -- which encourages younger adults to hear the music and participate in the fundraiser.

The JFP now also sponsors small "Chick Jam" concerts year-round, as well as regular forums about domestic abuse in area libraries.

Previous Comments

ID

154210

Comment

Congratulations Donna & JFP.

Author

dpsmith

Date

2009-12-12T14:22:22-06:00

ID

154212

Comment

Kudos Donna and JFP! Well deserved.

Author

J.T.

Date

2009-12-12T16:30:08-06:00

ID

154220

Comment

*hands clapping* Bravo! Well deserved DLadd.

Author

Queen601

Date

2009-12-14T08:49:59-06:00

ID

154221

Comment

second that! amazing how the Chick Ball grew to $50,000 proportions, especially when the admission fee is kept so low. :-)

Author

Izzy

Date

2009-12-14T08:54:23-06:00

ID

154227

Comment

Thanks, y'all. It was a remarkable surprise. Todd even kept it from me for months! I'm still reeling from being named an "angel"; trust me, I find that as remarkable as many of you do. ;-) Todd is getting tired of me already starting sentences with: "The angel would like you to ..." But I'll work it as long as I can.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-12-14T11:08:53-06:00

ID

154229

Comment

Donna, you go girl, pump that "The angel would like you to . . ." for all you can!!!!! :) :) ;)

Author

J.T.

Date

2009-12-14T11:46:39-06:00

ID

154257

Comment

Donna, amazingly that tag was a bit of a suprise for me. But when one thinks about the magnificent work that you've done with the CVP (Chickball), media coverage on domestic violence, etc..., it's really not such a stretch. You are an angel to those of us who have been victims, those who are victims, and those of us who work to bring awareness to this problem. I for one appreciate the work you do to bring light to every aspect of domestic violence. We need more voices like yours. So please, wear the tag proudly. I mean it; you certainly deserve it. (And you know i wouldn't say it if it wasn't true - and I definetely wouldn't type it). :-) We may not always agree; but I love ya and so does Jackson. Take a bow Ms. Ladd!!!!

Author

Queen601

Date

2009-12-14T15:48:00-06:00

ID

154260

Comment

Oh, Queen, I love you SO much. Thank you. And thank you for everything you have done to raise awareness on this problem as well. Being willing to tell our own stories is so important for other people.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-12-14T15:55:13-06:00