See Her Story Annual Fundraiser Celebrates Layers of Dignity

How in this world has it been FIVE YEARS since I first held a See Her Story fundraiser?!  Over those years it’s grown and changed and evolved in beautiful ways.See Her Story was born from my observations of how much women hate being in front of a camera, especially alone. However, it’s super important for women to have well-done pictures of themselves for work, professional advancement, and because HELLO the people who love you want pictures of you.I had also observed how much women are resistant to spend money on themselves for these kinds of things. That’s when I decided to issue the challenge for women to get in front of the camera by themselves, and while doing so, support other women in their stories at InterAct and then Layers of Dignity (who partners with the Solace Center at InterAct) through raising funds and collecting goods needed. These See Her Story evenings always ended in me with tears of gratitude and feeling FULL after watching so many women show up for themselves and the women their resources were supporting.That brings us to this year. This year we are joining up with Layers of Dignity to celebrate their first anniversary of being an amazing non-profit in the world. I have to pull from their website to share with you what they do:

The hours following a sexual assault can feel full of humiliation and shame.The survivor arrives at an emergency room, or a women’s advocacy center, to receive medical care and a sexual assault nurse examination. This examination includes the collection of evidence for law enforcement. The clothes worn during the assault are considered part of this evidence. When leaving the facility, it is common for survivors to be given paper clothing to wear. We believe that sexual assault survivors deserve, not only clothing for leaving the hospital, but a picture of the hope and redemption that is possible.Layers of Dignity does this by providing tote bags to emergency rooms and women's advocacy centers. These totes are to be given immediately after the evidence collection. Instead of leaving in paper clothing, sexual assault survivors will take those brave steps in brand-new clothes. They will be armed with resources and aware of the community that stands with them from a love note handwritten by a fellow survivor.Every 98 seconds someone in the U.S. experiences an assault. Most victims are young females who will likely experience effects of the assault for years. Providing a tote and resources for emotional support is an immediate step towards healing.Survivors have a long road ahead of them. Through Layers of Dignity, let's show them they're not alone.

Will you join me and the sisters who founded Layers of Dignity for The Layers Story Event on Friday, September 13th from 7-9pm at Shepherds Hall in downtown Raleigh?  This is a fundraiser for Layers of Dignity, so you can buy tickets to this event on their website – tickets are only $25 for a fun evening celebrating one year as a nonprofit including live music, food & beverages, and more! Becky Chapman of Lily Rose Events is donating her extraordinary event planning skills, so you know it will be a good one.You’ll hear the story of Layers of Dignity’s first year as well as ways that you can help launch them into the years to come. Plus, if you make a donation at the event beyond the admission price, you can have your headshot taken by me!This event is for EVERYONE. Everyone’s story is important and worth telling. If we are each other’s then it’s everyone’s job to support and provide some dignity for sexual assault survivors. So not only am I photographing women’s headshots, I want to photograph men’s headshots too. I want to photograph you with your person, with your bestie. Bring your people! We want to celebrate with you, share stories, and tell your story well.Y’all, your story is important and worth telling, so let’s show up for ourselves and our stories, while also supporting the lives that Layers of Dignity will touch.I hope to see you on Friday, September 13th! Until then, check out a few pictures from last year's See Her Story event supporting Layers of Dignity.