Sisters of Sojourn to Host Annual Benefit

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Sisters of Sojourn—founded by Palisadian Suzanne Lowe—will host its annual benefit “SOS Rocks! Backstage Pass” on March 2 at Buffalo Club in Santa Monica.

Comprised of a group of women who reside in Pacific Palisades and Brentwood, all proceeds from the benefit provide support to Sojourn, which is The People Concern’s domestic violence program—“meeting the emergency and long-term needs of thousands of domestic violence survivors each year.”

“Sojourn’s mission is to provide shelter and support services to adult and child survivors of domestic violence,” read information from organizers. “Sadly, in the aftermath of the Covid shutdowns, Sojourn has seen a drastic increase in the need for their services, so our fundraising efforts are more important than ever.”

“SOS Rocks! Backstage Pass” marks Sisters of Sojourn’s 23rd fundraiser since it was founded 23 years ago.

“Initially [Lowe] was giving excess inventory from her Santa Monica-based apparel manufacturing to Sojourn but wanted to do more,” read a statement. “She saw an opportunity at the time to create a group of young women on the Westside who would be interested in supporting the cause. The group maintains an annual membership of 40 women.”

The People Concern’s Sojourn project operates the second-oldest domestic violence shelter in California. It also operates Adams House, a second stage shelter for women and children.

“Sojourn also provides a comprehensive array of services to people experiencing abuse, including a 24-hour hotline; two shelter facilities (crisis and second stage); legal and medical services; case management; counseling; children’s programming; court advocacy; community education and outreach; and a 24/7 emergency response program, which works with law enforcement and hospital emergency rooms,” the statement continued.

In addition to selling tickets to raise funds, there are also a variety of raffle items available, including a Brentwood Experience (described as a “dream date/night” with a value of more than $1,000) or an Experience Palisades item.

“This Mystery Box Raffle Ticket is for a special experience for two people in Pacific Palisades,” read the item description. “Bring your bestie or bring your bae as you’ll have fun either way. There is no mystery as to whether you will enjoy this special outing.”

The fundraising event, which will feature The Pine Mountain Logs, will begin at 6:30 p.m. at 1520 Olympic Boulevard in Santa Monica.

For more information, visit sistersofsojourn.org.