Join SPARCC in Raising Awareness All Month Long
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), and SPARCC is hosting a variety of events and activities throughout the month to shine a light on the impact of domestic violence and support survivors. We invite you to join us, learn, participate, and show your support.
DVAM 2026 Events & Activities
Tuesday, October 7
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Turner Agri-Civic Center, 2250 NE Roan St, Arcadia, FL 34266
Family-friendly activities Food, games, and demonstrations Meet local law enforcement & first responders Safety tips and community resources
Saturday, October 10
Collective Voices: From Silence to Strength
📅 11 AM – 3 PM
📍 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota
Join us on World Mental Health Day for Collective Voices: From Silence to Strength, a special luncheon bringing our community together for an afternoon of awareness, connection, and hope.
SPARCC’s Director of Sexual Violence and South County Services, Jessica Johnston, will be among the featured speakers, sharing her expertise and raising awareness about sexual violence and the resources available to survivors.
The event will also feature keynote speakers, a discussion panel, exhibits and booths, music, dance, and art while highlighting important topics including domestic violence, sexual violence, mental health, suicide prevention, PTSD, veterans’ mental health, and breast cancer.
All are welcome! Join us as we listen, learn, and come together to turn silence into strength.
Thursday, October 15th
Show your support for survivors this Purple Thursday by wearing purple! Each year, this day shines a light on domestic violence and unites communities in taking a stand.
Don’t forget to take photos, share them on social media, and tag us to help spread the message that survivors are not alone.
Monday, October 26th
25th Annual RASM Golf Tournament
📅 10:30 AM – 6 PM
📍 Sara Bay Country Club, 7011 Willow Street, Sarasota
Hit the links for a great cause! SPARCC is honored to be selected as a community recipient of the 25th Annual RASM Golf Tournament, alongside the RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (RRCF).
Join us for a day of golf, community, and giving back while helping support SPARCC’s free programs and services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Register as an individual golfer or gather your friends and colleagues for a foursome — sponsorship opportunities are also available!
Your day on the course can help make a difference for survivors in our community. 💜
Tuesday, October 27th
International Day of Service – Supporting SPARCC
📅 10:00 AM
📍 The Bea Friedman Room at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
SPARCC is honored to be supported during this International Day of Service gathering, presented in partnership with the GFWC Woman’s Club of Sarasota, Inc. and Elevate HER.
Community members will come together to give back, connect, and support survivors through donations to SPARCC’s Amazon Wish List. This meaningful morning is centered around service, empowerment, and creating positive change in our community.
Together, small acts of kindness can help bring hope, healing, and support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Wednesday, October 22nd
Southside Legends Run Club – 2 Mile Fun Run & 5K
📅 6 PM
📍 1816 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, Florida 34239
Southside Legends Run/Walk Club has selected SPARCC as their charity of the month! After the run/walk, drinks purchased at Legends Pub will be doubled in value and donated to SPARCC, supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Come enjoy a fun evening of fitness, community, and giving back!
Thursday, October 23rd
Sip & Shop at The Sunbug and Twist Boutique
📅 4 PM – 7 PM
📍 The Sunbug and Twist Boutique in Venice, 141 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285
📝 RSVP today!
Shop for a cause and treat yourself while giving back!
When you sip and shop, a portion of proceeds from your purchases will benefit SPARCC, supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Every purchase helps make a difference. Bring your friends and enjoy a stylish evening with us!
Sunday, October 26th
🤝 Join SPARCC Auxiliary — Volunteer & Make a Difference
📅 Sunday, October 26 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, FL 34293
SPARCC Auxiliary will be at Fresh Harvest Farmers Market inviting community members to get involved! Stop by to learn about membership and volunteer opportunities and see how you can support survivors and make a difference.
Monday, October 27th
📅 4 PM – 8 PM
📍 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop, 1445 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join Melissa Fino, Best-Selling author of Little Miss Perfect, for a powerful evening where she openly shares her story in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Enjoy a special book reading at 5:30 PM, sip on beers and wine, and take part in a community raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.
Proceeds from book sales and the raffle will benefit SPARCC, supporting survivors of domestic violence. Meet at 99 Bottles on Monday, October 27th. The bar opens at 4:00 PM, the reading begins at 5:30 PM, and last call will be at 7:30 PM. Come raise your glass, raise awareness, and stand with survivors.
Friday, October 31st
7th Annual Trunk O’ Treat
📅 5 PM – 9 PM
📍Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, 1703 E Oak St, Arcadia, FL 34266
Join SPARCC and the Senior Center of Arcadia’s annual Trunk O’ Treat, a fun, family-friendly Halloween event that brings together children, families, seniors, and community members.
How You Can Help
- Wear purple and post photos on social media – Don’t forget to tag SPARCC!
- Attend our outreach events – Stand with us to show survivors they are believed and supported.
- Learn more about SPARCC’s free and confidential programs and services for survivors.
- Donate to support survivors in our community.
