Community comes together to support domestic violence awareness at The Spring breakfast

TAMPA, Fla. - Community leaders, domestic violence victims and those dedicated to the cause packed a ballroom at the Tampa Convention Center Friday morning.

"We don't look away from domestic violence," said Joanne Lighter, CEO of The Spring of Tampa Bay.

This makes 21 years The Spring has hosted the Gift of Peace Breakfast. Their goal each year is to raise enough money to keep The Spring up and running throughout the year and expand programs.

The Spring is an emergency shelter for abused adults and their children. The Spring currently shelters 119 adults and children.

"It gave us a safe place to be," said Lisa Kersey. She and her 3 teenage to adult children sought emergency shelter at The Spring. Kersey said she and her children suffered years of physical and mental abuse by her ex-husband. She said, "I could not have done it myself."

Dr. Emma Ikharo was a featured speaker at the breakfast. She said she suffered eight years of domestic violence in the 1970's, at the hands of her ex-husband.

"I will always be attached to The Spring because I applaud their dedication to service, and I'm now a volunteer. I think by doing this I'm helping other people."

The spring has touched ABC Action News as well. It's a shelter we are proud to work with all year and raise domestic violence awareness. Our own Jamison Uhler and Lissette Campos emceed the breakfast. "It's been a life changing experience for all of us."

Lighter said she expects to raise upwards of $200,000 through this year's event. She said that will fund daily operating costs, supplies and renovations including new beds for every adult and child. Lighter said,

"It's so that we have a warm, welcoming and dignified space for people who arrive in high trauma. Mothers can be with their kids. Their kids can be safe."

Please visit The Spring's website and learn how to get involved.