GRAND HAVEN -- Pattie Petty, wife of former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, will soon be coming to Grand Haven.
She is the keynote speaker for the Center for Women in Transition's fifth annual fundraising luncheon at 11:30 a.m., April 21, at Covenant Life Church in Grand Haven, 101 Columbus Ave.
The proceeds from the event benefit programs for the Center for Women in Transition in Ottawa and Allegan counties.
The "Taste of the Tri-Cities" luncheon will feature recipes from area restaurants and caterers. Local chefs will be donating dishes to the event.
Pattie Petty is the CEO, founder and chairwomen of the board of Victory Junction, a camp for children with chronic medical conditions and serious illnesses.
In memory of her son
After experiencing the loss of their son Adam at age 20 in 2000, when he was killed during a practice run in a stock car in which is was racing, Pattie Petty began Victory Junction camp in the memory of her son. The Petty family, along with other NASCAR drivers, help maintain the camp.
"She is a good fit for our event and she provides support and services to children in similar ways that we do for women and their families," said Mary Louise Avery, development director for the Center for Women in Transition. "The important aspect is that every year this event raises more money to continue services to women and families.
"It helps keep the Tri-Cities office going and serving people in need."
The center was founded in Grand Haven more than 30 years ago and continues to serve women and children who are victims of domestic and sexual assault. Last year more than 3,000 individuals were assisted by the center, Avery said.
The center provides a 24-hour crisis line, shelter for abused women and children, and assistance to victims of sexual assault. After a person meets with the staff, they are eligible to enter a supporting program, such as transitional housing, therapy or legal advocacy among others, Avery said.
"This event helps keep our vital programs going," she said. "There was an increase in need this year for many of our services."
The Center for Women in Transition has offices in Allegan, Holland, and Grand Haven. The local office is located at 300 N. Ferry St.