BREMERTON — Support the YWCA of Kitsap County with a lot of laughs, a few serious thoughts and a bit of money at the benefit “A memory, a monologue, a rant and a prayer.”
The benefit, at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club, includes humorous vagina monologues written by Eve Ensler, as well as a raffle to win tickets to “Menopause: The Musical” and a boudoir photoshoot by Elaine Turso Photography; a panty auction from Art Slam Studios; clay vagina-themed jewelry for sale; and chocolate vaginas on a stick for sale, as well.
“That’s what this is about,” said Elaine Turso, who’s producing the benefit on behalf of the YWCA. “We’re going to talk about (vaginas), we’re going to talk about the things nobody likes to talk about. That’s how we grow.”
This benefit is being held in conjunction with the VDAY Campaign, a global movement to end violence against girls and women. For more information on VDAY, visit www.vday.org.
This is the second year this particular event has been held. Last year, Turso said more than 130 people attended and they raised more than $3,000.
“The laughs that were had were amazing,” Turso said. “The women all said how much fun they had, like a fun girls’ night out … men are welcome too. They laughed just as much as the women.”
Turso said “every type of woman is represented in these monologues,” from all ages and ethnic groups.
“There’s some very serious moments, very serious topics,” Turso explained, “but then there’s some really fun stuff too. The things that only happen to women is the theme.”
One such topic covered in the monologues, she said, is a bit about women receiving unsolicited photos of male genitalia.
Tickets for the event at $30, or $25 for students. Turso said she recommends it for ages 13 and up.
“There is a lot of vagina talk,” Turso explained.
All the proceeds from the event go towards YWCA of Kitsap, a nonprofit organization supporting victims of domestic violence, the elimination of racism, the empowerment of women, standing up for human rights, ensure women’s healthcare is adequate and available and more.
“They just provide wonderful advocacy service for women who need an advocate when they go to court,” Turso added. “They’re also a huge advocate for our immigration population, so helping people who live here, illegally or legally, with getting services that they need for getting signed up for food services or anything like that.”
If unable to make the benefit, people are always welcome to make donations online at ywcakitsap.org, or get involved and volunteer with the YWCA.
“Even if it’s a $25 donation, that helps a woman in need pay her power bill, or take a taxi to the courthouse,” Turso said. “Any contribution helps in the smallest ways.”
The Women of Achievement in 2017 is coming up as well; it will take place from 5:30-9 p.m. April 21 at the Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo. Ticket proceeds for that will also go to the YWCA.
Advance tickets for “A memory, a monologue, a rant and a prayer” are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2816922. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Michelle Beahm is a reporter for the Central Kitsap Reporter and Bremerton Patriot. She can be reached at mbeahm@soundpublishing.com.