New beginnings

Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) supporters enjoyed the second annual New Beginnings Luncheon at The Post Oak Hotel. Kristen Cannon and Jayne Johnston (pictured, from left) were among the crowd that raised more than $310,000 to advocate for an end to family violence and support victims of abuse. The luncheon was chaired by AVDA board member Jennifer Caras and advisory committee members Mario Gudmundsson and Courtney Harmon, with AVDA board chair Stephanie Von Stein Schusterman and AVDA chief executive officer Maisha Colter serving as emcees. A new award, the Young Advocate Award, was introduced and given to local teen philanthropist Sophie-Marie Ngu who has supported AVDA for the past three years. Maria Barrios, a former victim of domestic violence and a new member of AVDA’s board of directors, was announced as the Ambassador of Advocacy honoree.

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