From left, the Butterfly Collective’s executive team of Ashley Sonnenfield, Heidi McQuade and Jennifer Kaferle collects funds at a past event to help local individuals who are survivors of domestic violence rebuild their lives.
By: Kara Szymanski | C&G Newspapers | Published October 8, 2024
WARREN — In 2022, domestic violence took the lives of more than 100 Michigan residents. Domestic violence crimes account for almost 40 percent of police calls, and 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner.
The Butterfly Collective was founded by a group of women who are survivors or have been impacted by domestic violence.
Survivors of domestic violence often struggle to get on their feet after leaving an abusive relationship, and the Butterfly Collective is there to provide them with a range of support, based on their needs. Based in Shelby Township, the Butterfly Collective’s assistance also shows survivors they are not alone — a key to helping them heal from trauma and rebuild their lives.
The nonprofit organization is seeking sponsorships for its popular fundraiser “Dueling Pianos” from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. Tickets are also on sale for the upbeat event that includes live entertainment, a silent auction, raffles, appetizers and guest speakers. It will be held at the Fraternal Order of Police #124 at 11304 14 Mile Road in Warren.
Heidi McQuade, who is currently filling two roles on the Butterfly Collective’s board, president and secretary, said the dueling pianos show is interactive, high-energy and filled with humor while the pianists compete to outplay each out. The audience will participate through song requests and sing-alongs, and the performers will cover a wide variety of music genres.
Dueling piano tickets cost $65 per person or $100 per couple and sponsorship packages range from $150 to $850. The event coincides with the Butterfly Collective’s goal to raise $100,000 over the next year. To purchase tickets or a sponsorship, visit Thebutterflycollective.org
Doors will open at 6 p.m., the show will start at 7 p.m. and it will run until approximately 10 p.m. They will be serving heavy appetizers, desserts, wine and beer, which are all included in the cost of the ticket. It is a casual event and organizers expect that it will sell out.
“One hundred percent of our donations go back to our survivors as they begin to rebuild their lives. Our entertainment for the evening is something we’ve never considered until this year. Dueling pianos are very entertaining, especially if you love live music, and who doesn’t love singing out loud to some great sing-along songs?” said Ashley Sonnenfield, Butterfly Collective vice president.
Those unable to attend can support the Butterfly Collective through monetary donations or items for the silent auction. Email donations@thebutterflycollective.org to coordinate pickup of any items.
McQuade said that five years ago, she became a survivor of domestic violence.
“I was extremely fortunate to have a family with the means to help me get back on my feet and rebuild my life. But throughout my healing journey, I thought many times, ‘What if I did not have them to help?’ The answer was always, ‘I would not have left.’ I know in my heart, if I would not have left when I did, I would not be here today to see my children grow up or to share my story and help others in the same situation. When I regained control of my life, I began to search for a local nonprofit through Google and found the Butterfly Collective. I reached out to volunteer, and now, here I am three years later, proud to be the president of this amazing organization, helping so many just like me,” she said.