For over 15 years, the Housing Outreach Prevention and Education, of East Central Illinois has raised money through their “Night of HOPE,” for those affected by domestic violence.

Jackson Avenue Coffee will be hosting the Night of HOPE from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; food and entertainment will be included for the evening.

HOPE’s mission is to “empower persons to live independent, non-violent lives through the provisions of Housing, Outreach, Prevention, and Education,” according to their website.

Pauline Cade, the Advocacy Program Director for HOPE, said it is very important to have large turnout Saturday evening.

“(The fundraiser is) not just for the donations, but to spread the word about domestic violence through education and awareness,” Cade said.

Cade said last year’s event raised over $3,000 for the organization.

This year organizers hope to surpass last year’s total because of the unknown state budget this fiscal year.

Cade said the event is very important but this year donations will help a lot until the state passes a budget.

“Night of HOPE will bring donations that will provide money for shelter needs, transitional housing, legal advocacy, and counseling for adults and children,” Cade said.

Dan Reible, owner of Jackson Avenue Coffee and HOPE board member, hopes for a great outcome of donations to support HOPE.

“There’s such a need for shelters and counseling in abusive situations,” Reible said.

Jackson Avenue Coffee will be giving 20% of their sales all day on Saturday to HOPE, along with hosting the event with live music and food.

Reible said this venue is “great for every age” including students, families, and children.

The entertainment starts at 4 p.m., with the HOPE art gallery on display and the first local band, the Irish Music Circle, performing at 5 p.m.

Live music continues with the Big Blue Mountain at 6 p.m., Motherlode at 7 p.m., and Tequila Mockingbyrd at 8 p.m.

In addition to live music, Reible said that there will be food, a silent auction with gift certificates, and a raffle worth over $1,000 to win. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.

Gaye Harrison, of the trio Motherlode, has volunteered at the event for more than 10 years.

Harrison said she would like to see EIU students and staff attends the Night of HOPE.

“Domestic violence affects not only the victims and the people in the family, but everyone in the community,” Harrison said.

If anyone is unable to attend the Night of HOPE and still wants to help with the cause, Cade encourages people to send donations to their office, P.O. Box 732 in Charleston, IL.

“Do not stay silent when witnessing domestic violence,” Cade said.

Lynnsey Veach can be reached at 581-2812 or at lmveach@eiu.edu.