Guest Commentary

Talk about it

Annual event shines light on serious cause

I am a Board Member for North Shore Horizons, our local center for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Last week we hosted our 10th annual Taste of the North fundraiser. Close to 200 people attended. The food was delicious and the music was fabulous (our own local singer-songwriter, Hannah Rey). The festivity and comradeship were palpable. I walked away thinking, as always, “Wow that was fun — and so worth it!”

And here I have a confession to make. In the dead of winter, when it comes time for us to start planning Taste of the North, I always feel a tiny sense of dread. Here comes some more work! But by mid-April, when it all comes together, I am astounded at how good a process it is for us to do this with you, our community, regardless of how much money we bring in. What process, you ask? Well. We called many, many community members — you — to contribute in some way. Almost 100 of you responded with items or services for our silent auction. No less than 11 restaurants signed on to donate their delicious food and their valuable time. Superior Shores once again offered up the space.

With all these conversations we found ourselves talking about what we should be talking about all year: why North Shore Horizons is so important. How a community that is aware, first, and taking action, second, can make a difference. We also listened to many of you voice personal support and passion for our cause. We felt grateful every time someone faithfully contributed something again, or promised the same delicious hors d’oeuvres as before, or called for the first time and said, “This is what I’d like to give.”

Who received the Community Impact Award this year? None other than our own Two Harbors Police Department. As Tara Golden (our director) so eloquently put it, we recognized the THPD for its remarkable teamwork with NSH and for the officers’ sensitivity and competence around victims. Two Harbors is lucky to have law enforcement officials who are such compassionate people, and who are brave enough to be human on the job. Our community is much safer because of this, and justice better served over and over again. Remember, if “crime is a wound; justice is healing.” (Dan Van Ness)

I like to think that the process of preparing for Taste of the North brings the community together to make a statement about the horrible things that people can do to one another behind closed doors, and that we will not let ourselves stand by in ignorance of that fact — not here, not where we have a say in the matter. One of the most critical ways we can do this is by talking to one another. Knowing our neighbors. Playing with our neighbors’ children. Initiating scary or difficult conversations when we see the need.

On behalf of the Board and staff of NSH, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us, for helping us do the messy and often thankless work of getting involved, of bearing witness, and of trying to make a difference in individual lives.

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