A crowd of about 600 people is expected at the London Convention Centre on Friday morning as the London Abused Women's Centre holds its 17th annual International Women's Day Breakfast and Auction.
The breakfast is sold out this year.
Fabienne Haller, fund development coordinator for LAWC, says it is inspiring to once again see how Londoners have responded to the annual fundraiser.
"The London community is amazing. They are the best supporters we could wish for," she says.
As in past years, there will be a silent auction. Among the 120 items available is an Ice Dancing dress worn by Tessa Virtue during the 2005/2006 season. It was donated by Virtue. There will also be a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey autographed by Frederik Andersen.
The breakfast is the major fundraiser for LAWC and is expected to raise $60,000 in revenue for the centre.
"Most of our events are awareness raising, but this is our single biggest fundraiser of the year," says Haller. "All of the money raised goes directly to front line service for abused women and girls aged 12 and up."
This year's featured speaker is Judy Miller Rose, who will speak about how she was almost murdered by her ex-husband. She was helped in her escape from the abuse in 1983 by a young London police constable.
"Many years ago, Judy was very violently attacked by her ex-husband. Somebody came to her aid, and it was a very high-profile person in our community. This person will be at the breakfast," says Haller. "Part of Judy's story of her journey of healing and getting to where she is now will be what she shares to show how when an outsider gets involved and is proactive in a situation it can change a life completely."
The event begins at 6:30am Friday with local band Broomsticks & Hammers providing music as patrons make their way to their tables. It ends at 9am.