Congress Honors Tori & RAINN on April 29th

Updated April 29, 1997

This great news release was posted to the Torinews mailing list by Toriphile Violet. It appeared as a press release Friday, April 25.

** Congress Honors RAINN on April 29 **

Rep. Susan Molinari and Sen. Tom Daschle Lead Members of Congress in Applauding National Sexual Assault Hotline

'A Superb Example of the Private Sector Helping Crime Victims -

Without Government Assistance.' Members of Congress Help Launch Upcoming RAINN Day - Hundreds of Radio and TV Outlets Across America Will Take Part in Unprecedented Awareness Campaign

WASHINGTON, April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Rep. Susan Molinari (R-NY) and Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) will chair a reception April 29 with other members of Congress to honor RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), America's only nationwide hotline for sexual assault victims (1-800-656-HOPE). The bipartisan group of Congressional leaders will recognize RAINN for the help it has provided crime victims as well as for the private sector ingenuity that has allowed the nonprofit to operate without any government support.

"Over the last three years, RAINN, without any help from the government, has helped more than 142,000 victims of sexual assault," said Rep. Molinari, a member of RAINN's Advisory Board. "RAINN is a superb example of what the private sector can do to help victims of violent crime, and my Congressional colleagues and I felt Sexual Assault Awareness Month was the perfect opportunity to recognize RAINN's achievements."

"In this era of limited government resources, we look to the private sector to help, and RAINN has done just that. We are grateful that RAINN provides this important service to victims of sexual assault, and this reception is the government's chance to say thank you," said Sen. Daschle.

At a Capitol Hill press conference at 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Congressional leaders will also announce the launch of RAINN Day. On RAINN Day, hundreds of radio stations and television outlets nationwide will join together in an unprecedented awareness campaign about RAINN's hotline.

Founded in 1994 with grants from Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group, RAINN operates a toll-free hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) in affiliation with a network of 628 rape crisis centers across America. Atlantic Records artist Tori Amos chairs RAINN's Advisory Board.

"Tori was so moved by the fans who had come to her with stories of their own personal struggles with abuse that she wanted to do something that would make a real difference. For these fans, Tori's music had a direct impact. It spoke to them and their pains unlike anything else," said Vicky Germaise, Senior Vice President of Atlantic Records. "What Atlantic is doing is raising awareness about RAINN and doing what it takes to keep the 800 line up and running. Our goal is to help Tori continue this vital work."

"The Warner Music Group and Time Warner enthusiastically support causes which reflect the strong volunteerism of our artists and employees," added Linda Moran, Senior Vice President of Warner Music Group. "We are proud to mirror and support Tori's personal commitment to RAINN."

In January, cK Calvin Klein launched "Unlock the Silence," a year long fundraising and advertising campaign on behalf of RAINN. "RAINN's work in supporting victims of sexual abuse and assault and in raising awareness of this issue is vital," said Calvin Klein. "We are proud to sponsor the 'Unlock the Silence' program and are pleased that it has reached so many thousands of people who need RAINN's help and support."

Among the 34 Honorary Co-Chairs of the reception to be held in the Committee on Science Room (2318 Rayburn House Office Building) from 5-7 p.m. are Speaker Newt Gingrich, House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, Sens. Patty Murray, Kay Bailey Hutchison and Alfonse D'Amato and Reps. Tom Bliley, Henry Hyde, John Kasich, Steny Hoyer, Zoe Lofgren and Debbie Stabenow.

"We are very pleased by Congress' support for RAINN, and proud that they have chosen to honor our work," said Scott Berkowitz, RAINN's president. "When we started RAINN, instead of turning to the government we turned to the private sector. It has been thanks to the generosity of so many companies and individuals that RAINN has been able to help more than 142,000 victims in less than three years." SOURCE Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

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