Share the Shelter Music Fest
Five musical artists and groups band together against domestic violence and
animal cruelty with Share the Shelter Music Fest
-Alaqua Animal Refuge and Shelter House Domestic Violence Center to benefit from outdoor
fundraiser and concert this month
On Sunday, July 24, five musical artists and groups will take the stage during the Share the Shelter Music Fest, an outdoor concert to raise awareness and funds for Alaqua Animal Refuge and Shelter House Domestic Violence Center.
The event, which will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., will feature live performances by Bryan
Kennedy, Daphne Willis, Dread Clampitt, Heritage and Kelsey Anna, all of whom are
passionate about supporting the two local nonprofits in their missions to end domestic violence and animal abuse.
“When people come together and focus collective and creative energy, as we hope to do
through the organizations, musicians and supporters of Share the Shelter, we can make social
change happen.” Michelle Sperzel, executive director of Shelter House, said regarding the goal behind the event. She added, “Domestic violence touches the entire family, from the woman we serve to the pet that shows its unconditional love.”
The festival is the first joint-effort fund raiser two nonprofits. Laurie Hood, president and
founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge said, "Through Share the Shelter, we have found the perfect
opportunity to partner with Shelter House. At the heart of both of our nonprofits, we are
focused on providing a safe haven and a second chance at life. This music fest will not only
provide an amazing evening of musical entertainment, but it will also help both local
organizations create a strong voice against the atrocities of abuse."
The event will offer a variety of vendors, including artist and jewelry makers and specialty
retailers, as well as food and beverage from 98 Bar-B-Que, Amore Pizzeria, Hawaiian Shaved
Ice, the Itty Bitty Ice Cream Mini and Tacos Yʼall. As well, Share the Shelter will feature an
open-air VIP lounge that will give ticket holders exclusive access to the artists; upholstered
seating in a premium location; complimentary appetizers and beverages, including offerings
from Grayton Beer Co., chair massages provided by Serenity by the sea therapists and Share
the Shelter swag bags.
Sponsors for Share the Shelter Music Fest include The Seagrove Coyote and La Botona at the
title level; AlliBeck Events at the platinum level; 30A.com, Dixieletricar of Destin, Graffiti's
Funky Blues Shack, Silver Sands Factory Stores, The Red Bar and Think It Wear It Express at
the gold level; Preston Hood Chevrolet, Proffitt PR and Smiling Fish Café at the silver level,
and Grayton Beer Co. at the VIP level.
General admission tickets to Share the Shelter Music Fest are available for $20 before the
event by going to www.ShelterHouseNWFL.org, calling 850-342-1201 or visiting the
information kiosk at Silver Sands Factory Stores, Alaqua Animal Refuge, Shelter House or La
Botana restaurant. General admission tickets will also be available for $25 at the event.
Limited tickets to the VIP lounge are available in advance through the website or by phone
order for $100. Commemorative T-shirts can be purchased at the event or at
www.ThinkItWearItstore.com.
Shelter House Domestic Violence Center
Shelter House is the state-certified domestic violence shelter serving victims of
domestic violence in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Services include a 24-hour
hotline, crisis counseling, advocacy, outreach, primary prevention, transitional
housing and confidential sheltering. Between July 1, 2010 and May 1, 2011, Shelter
House directly touched more than 3,665 lives in Okaloosa and Walton counties by
providing the following services to abused women and children: provided 10,252 bed
nights to 310 women and children, answered 1,021 Hotline calls, provided 2,936
hours of counseling, led 282 domestic violence support groups and gave 1,300
community referrals. If you feel that a family member or intimate partner is
endangering your physical or emotional safety, or if you know someone experiencing
this in their home, call Shelter Houseʼs hotline at 1-800-44-ABUSE, or 850-863-4777.
Alaqua Animal Refuge – an independent, nonprofit organization located on Floridaʼs
Emerald Coast – advocates the general welfare and humane treatment of animals by
providing shelter, prevention of pet overpopulation and adoption services. Located on
10 acres in Freeport, the refuge was formed by Walton County, Fla.-resident Laurie
Hood in 2007 when she discovered that countless animals were being euthanized due
to the lack of a no-kill shelter/adoption organization in the area. Since that time, Alaqua
Animal Refuge has helped find homes for more than 6,000 animals. Currently, up to
100 animals are adopted per month from this unique rescue facility, which serves as a
true refuge for more than 250 animals at any given time. For more information on
Alaqua Animal Refuge, go to AARFlorida.com or call 850-880-6399.

Five musical artists and groups band together against domestic violence and
animal cruelty with Share the Shelter Music Fest
-Alaqua Animal Refuge and Shelter House Domestic Violence Center to benefit from outdoor
fundraiser and concert this month
On Sunday, July 24, five musical artists and groups will take the stage during the Share the Shelter Music Fest, an outdoor concert to raise awareness and funds for Alaqua Animal Refuge and Shelter House Domestic Violence Center.
The event, which will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., will feature live performances by Bryan
Kennedy, Daphne Willis, Dread Clampitt, Heritage and Kelsey Anna, all of whom are
passionate about supporting the two local nonprofits in their missions to end domestic violence and animal abuse.
“When people come together and focus collective and creative energy, as we hope to do
through the organizations, musicians and supporters of Share the Shelter, we can make social
change happen.” Michelle Sperzel, executive director of Shelter House, said regarding the goal behind the event. She added, “Domestic violence touches the entire family, from the woman we serve to the pet that shows its unconditional love.”
The festival is the first joint-effort fund raiser two nonprofits. Laurie Hood, president and
founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge said, "Through Share the Shelter, we have found the perfect
opportunity to partner with Shelter House. At the heart of both of our nonprofits, we are
focused on providing a safe haven and a second chance at life. This music fest will not only
provide an amazing evening of musical entertainment, but it will also help both local
organizations create a strong voice against the atrocities of abuse."
The event will offer a variety of vendors, including artist and jewelry makers and specialty
retailers, as well as food and beverage from 98 Bar-B-Que, Amore Pizzeria, Hawaiian Shaved
Ice, the Itty Bitty Ice Cream Mini and Tacos Yʼall. As well, Share the Shelter will feature an
open-air VIP lounge that will give ticket holders exclusive access to the artists; upholstered
seating in a premium location; complimentary appetizers and beverages, including offerings
from Grayton Beer Co., chair massages provided by Serenity by the sea therapists and Share
the Shelter swag bags.
Sponsors for Share the Shelter Music Fest include The Seagrove Coyote and La Botona at the
title level; AlliBeck Events at the platinum level; 30A.com, Dixieletricar of Destin, Graffiti's
Funky Blues Shack, Silver Sands Factory Stores, The Red Bar and Think It Wear It Express at
the gold level; Preston Hood Chevrolet, Proffitt PR and Smiling Fish Café at the silver level,
and Grayton Beer Co. at the VIP level.
General admission tickets to Share the Shelter Music Fest are available for $20 before the
event by going to www.ShelterHouseNWFL.org, calling 850-342-1201 or visiting the
information kiosk at Silver Sands Factory Stores, Alaqua Animal Refuge, Shelter House or La
Botana restaurant. General admission tickets will also be available for $25 at the event.
Limited tickets to the VIP lounge are available in advance through the website or by phone
order for $100. Commemorative T-shirts can be purchased at the event or at
www.ThinkItWearItstore.com.
Shelter House Domestic Violence Center
Shelter House is the state-certified domestic violence shelter serving victims of
domestic violence in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Services include a 24-hour
hotline, crisis counseling, advocacy, outreach, primary prevention, transitional
housing and confidential sheltering. Between July 1, 2010 and May 1, 2011, Shelter
House directly touched more than 3,665 lives in Okaloosa and Walton counties by
providing the following services to abused women and children: provided 10,252 bed
nights to 310 women and children, answered 1,021 Hotline calls, provided 2,936
hours of counseling, led 282 domestic violence support groups and gave 1,300
community referrals. If you feel that a family member or intimate partner is
endangering your physical or emotional safety, or if you know someone experiencing
this in their home, call Shelter Houseʼs hotline at 1-800-44-ABUSE, or 850-863-4777.
Alaqua Animal Refuge – an independent, nonprofit organization located on Floridaʼs
Emerald Coast – advocates the general welfare and humane treatment of animals by
providing shelter, prevention of pet overpopulation and adoption services. Located on
10 acres in Freeport, the refuge was formed by Walton County, Fla.-resident Laurie
Hood in 2007 when she discovered that countless animals were being euthanized due
to the lack of a no-kill shelter/adoption organization in the area. Since that time, Alaqua
Animal Refuge has helped find homes for more than 6,000 animals. Currently, up to
100 animals are adopted per month from this unique rescue facility, which serves as a
true refuge for more than 250 animals at any given time. For more information on
Alaqua Animal Refuge, go to AARFlorida.com or call 850-880-6399.
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