STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Wood River Valley residents walked under a rainbow that portended a brighter world this weekend as they walked into The Advocates Color Our World Ribbon Raise--an opportunity to make that brighter world come true.

The Ribbon Raise held at Ketchum’s Limelight Hotel was designed as a fundraiser for The Advocates, which gets an average of 48 requests for assistance every day, ranging from mothers and children escaping domestic abuse to people seeking counseling after a sexual assault.

“The Advocates are so important to this community,” said supporter Nancy Mihali. “Women who are abused are afraid to bring attention to it because they’re afraid of retaliation. With more recognition of The Advocates, I think more will seek help. They’re the best nonprofit I’ve ever come across—an organization that walks the walk, not just doing the talk.”

“Tricia Swartling has been my hero for 25 years,” said longtime Advocates supporter Sandra Flattery, right, as she hugged The Advocates’ CEO.

A woman named Dawn told the couple hundred men and women on hand how years of abuse ended the day she walked into The Advocates.

“Today I’m an advocate for women who cross my path looking for a way forward. Your participation today helps the next woman who is broken in a million pieces, so let’s spend some money!” she added.

The gathering attracted longtime supporters, as well as new supporters like Finn Thompson, a Wood River High School senior.

“I like what they stand for and what they do for the community,” he said. “I like their campaign to end domestic violence and how they offer a voice to people.

Ben Whipple’s 9-month-old seemed to revel in all the activity surrounding the event at the Limelight Lounge.

Pledges of support ranged from $50,000 from the estate of Patty Duetting to $100. One supporter bid $8,500 on a River Run parking pass, offering front row parking for the ski season. Others took their chances on a balloon pop for prizes.

An auctioneer told those in attendance that

$25,000 can buy 8,000 meals for children living in The Advocates shelter

$20,000 funds The Advocates’ helpline for two years

Sandra Flattery, Marie Kueneman, Kathie Levison, Bob Edwards and John Flattery were among those crowding into the Color Our World Ribbon Raise where supporters enjoyed chicken sliders, stuffed mushrooms, fried shrimp bites margaritas and more.

$5,000 covers supplies for pets living in shelter and transitional housing

$2,500 provides a judgment-free Teen Text support line

$1,000 provides a month of shelter services for a family of four

$500 educates eighth-graders about building healthy relationships

Kat Bridwell, Willie Resko, Jenna Resko and Sarah Sundby responded to the call to dress colorfully.

$250 provides job skills education for one woman

$100 provides a night of shelter.

When The Advocates were founded 33 years ago, supporters sat around in their living rooms plotting how to expand its mission to offer safety, shelter and support to those escaping abuse, recounted supporter Sandra Flattery.

“It’s so important to address domestic violence. That’s why I’ve stayed with it ever since,” she added.

CHANGE A LIFE, DONATE A RIBBON OF HOPE…AND BUY A RAFFLE TICKET, TOO

Fundraising continues for The Advocates this week with the Color Our World at the Cinimo Park at the corner of 5th and Main streets in Ketchum. Supporters can purchase long ribbons, each color signifying a different amount, and they will be hung on trees at the park beginning today. They will remain hanging until Monday, July 1.

Ribbons may be purchased online at https://secure.givelively.org/event/advocates-for-survivors-of-domestic-violence-incorporated/color-our-world-2024. The ribbons, which feature the names of donors, will offer a visual reminder of the quest to eradicate domestic violence and abuse through the week.

Additionally, supporters can buy Color Our World raffle tickets for such prizes as a two-night stay for two at Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch, with the winners drawn on July 1. Tickets are available for $25 each, available at https://secure.givelively.org/event/advocates-for-survivors-of-domestic-violence-incorporated/color-our-world-2024

Purchasers can choose what prizes they want their raffle tickets to go to. Other prizes include a 2024-25 Sun Valley Challenger ski pass, five nights at Paradise Village Resort in Mexico’s Nuevo Puerto Vallarta, $100 gift certificates to 10 local restaurants, including CKs and Knob Hill, a one-year or two six-month membership to Zenergy and two nights in Jackson Hole’s Teton Mountain Lodge with gear and accessories from Stio.