The Brandon Butler Band will headline the second annual Boots and Bling Ball on Sept. 5 at the Fort Smith Convention Center. The event benefits the Donald W. Reynolds Fort Smith Crisis Intervention Center.

The western-chic attire evening will include a dinner created by Chef Brian Huff, Sparks Regional Medical Center executive chef, drinks and a silent auction. Auction items include a guided White River fishing trip with resort stay and a package containing tickets to the Oct. 5 Santana concert at the Walmart AMP in Rogers and dinner.

Founded in 1979 as the Battered Women's Shelter, the center provides prevention education and serves victims of domestic and sexual violence, offering a 32-bed shelter for women and their children, day care, a forensic exam center and training.

Allison Moore, fund development coordinator for the nonprofit organization, said the shelter has a 45-day program, during which time residents are provided meals, safe shelter, job assistance, legal aid and are "guided to services they need." Other services include support groups, help with transitional housing, mental health and counseling referrals. The group operates The Girl Next Door resale shop, and residents may shop there with vouchers from the shelter.

Moore said the shelter provided some 5,800 safe nights and 14,500 meals for women and their children in 2013.

The crisis intervention center also aims to prevent domestic violence through education. The group works with 25 junior and senior high school residential treatment and juvenile detention centers in nine counties. Topics covered include bullying, cyber bullying, sexual harassment and healthy relationships.

Tickets may be purchased at Honda Power Sports of Fort Smith, 373 Towson Ave., and The Girl Next Door Resale Store, 415 Lexington Ave.

-- CARIN SCHOPPMEYER

[email protected]

NAN Our Town on 08/21/2014