A veteran film star, best-selling author, renowned advocate for violence prevention and the first Cuban-born football player to land a tryout with the Miami Dolphins, Victor Rivas Rivers, has come a long way since being an abused, angry gang member. Given his violent upbringing, few of those achievements were ever likely.
If not for individuals in his community willing to take a stand on his behalf, Rivers doubts he would be alive today. Now one of the most well-known domestic violence activists, Rivers uses his voice to advocate for the safety of all women and children.
As one of the few male voices speaking out against domestic violence, Rivers also seeks to raise awareness and inspire activism regarding related forms of abuse, along with ways that individuals and communities can do more to end violence.
Rivers, who was 12 when he reported abuse committed by his father to police and later had roles in "The Mask of Zorro" and more than two dozen other movies, will be the keynote speaker at The Ark Gala on Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds located at 1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd. in Robstown.
The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth's 17th annual gala, consisting of silent and live auctions, a dinner and a program, begins at 6 p.m. KIII TV-3 news anchor Joe Gazin will be the master of ceremonies.
Sponsorship tables are available at one of the following levels: The Ark ($15,000), Stork ($10,000), Dove ($5,000), Giraffe ($2,500) or Leopard ($1,000). All of them seat 1O with signage and recognition during the gala.
To assure recognition of contributions in the printed program at the event, a commitment or payment is required Sept. 8. The sponsors will be thanked in our December newsletter and on our website. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can reserve your table. (Individual seats cost $60.) Tax-deductible gifts for the auctions are needed by Sept. 8. Auction donors will receive signage at the auction.
The Ark is s nonprofit 501(c)(3) agency licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to provide assessment services, emergency shelter and long-term care for 61 children and youth newborn to 17 years, who are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect by a parent or guardian. The gala's proceeds will pay for quality services that make a difference in the children's lives at The Ark.