Starfish Luncheon & Silent Auction

Every May, Women In Distress hosts our largest and longest standing event, The Starfish Luncheon, inspired by The Starfish Story.

A young girl and her grandmother were walking down the beach. It was a beautiful afternoon and the tide had pulled back leaving hundreds of starfish stranded on the sand. The girl began picking up starfish and throwing them back into the sea. Her grandmother said, “Why do you run about? There are hundreds of starfish and you can’t possibly save them all.”Her granddaughter stopped, looked carefully at the starfish in her hand and, as she threw it back into the water, said, “Maybe not, Grandma, but I can make a difference for this one.”

Our journey has taken us from a modest four-bedroom home serving as Broward County’s first refuge for homeless women in 1974, to a robust 136-bed shelter with an variety of programs designed to fit the diverse needs of our survivors. Our transformation owes its existence to the unwavering support of our community. Our growth and identity are intertwined with the dedication of our incredible supporters – we recognize that we wouldn’t be where we are today, nor be able to aid as many survivors, without them. At the annual Starfish Luncheon, we take a moment to acknowledge and honor the invaluable contributors who have made a profound impact on Women In Distress. We spotlight the tangible difference these honorees have brought about through their support, and we are privileged to hear directly from a survivor about their personal journey and experience. This event is a testament to the power of community, partnership, and compassion in creating positive change. We believe, with supporters like you, that we can make a difference. One starfish at a time.

Stay tuned for details for the 17^th Annual Starfish Luncheon, held at Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale, on May 23^rd.