If you are in immediate danger and fear for your safety, dial 911.
If you are in a safe place, please call the Samaritan House 24-hour crisis hotline at (757) 430-2120 or use our new chat feature to interact with a member of our specially trained intake staff.
Signs of Domestic Violence
Step Into the Light Gala
Join us for an evening of light and hope at our 2025 Step Into the Light Gala!
On Saturday, April 26th, take the evening to step back in time at Rivers Casino while enjoying live music from the nationally known B.J. Griffin Band, a silent auction, cocktails, and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Guests are invited to dress in their best Old Hollywood attire – dazzling gowns, sharp tuxedos, and timeless elegance that echoes the glamour of a golden era.
For the past 40 years, Samaritan House has provided resources to those enduring domestic and sexual violence, helping them free themselves and move forward into a safer future. The Step Into the Light Gala, our largest event of the year, celebrates these individuals for the hardships they faced and their strength to persevere.
Click Here to Purchase Tickets.
Early bird ticket sales are available through April 1, 2025.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Michael Beane, Development Manager, at (757) 560-7066 or via EMAIL. View Sponsorship Opportunities Here
All funds raised as part of this event directly support our mission of helping people free themselves from domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, and homelessness.
Event Location:
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Location: Rivers Casino Portsmouth (3630 Victory Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23701)
Parking:
A map directing you how to access the event lot will be sent to those registered closer to the event date.
Valet: Valet parking will be available at the venue.
Rideshare: You are welcome to rideshare to and from Rivers Casino, at your expense.
Event Schedule:
6:30 – 7:30 PM: Enjoy an elegant cocktail hour with photo opportunities. Silent Auction opens for viewing of items in-person.
7:30 – 8:30 PM: The B.J. Griffin Band opens the evening for a star-studded night. Hors d’oeuvres will be served for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
8:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Program begins with remarks and recognizing survivors of domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, and homelessness.
9:30 PM: Silent Auction closes.
11:00PM: Event concludes.
Event Check-In:
Check-in will begin at 6:30 PM. Our team will ask to see the QR code you received following your event registration and will confirm your contact info and preferred payment method for the evening. If you are unable to access the QR code, they will ask for the name you used to register for the event.
Silent Auction
Our Silent Auction will be live in April. A link will be sent to those that have registered to the event and posted here. You do not need to attend the Step Into the Light Gala to bid in the online auction.
Bid on one-of-a-kind items, signed memorabilia, and unique experiences. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or surprise someone with the perfect gift, each item has been carefully selected for this lavish evening.
Bidding closes at 10:00 PM on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Terms: All sales are final and non-refundable. Payment is due at the conclusion of the event. The fair market value for your purchase will be included in your receipt. Samaritan House is not responsible if your package has an expiration date and you fail to redeem it prior to that set date.
We simply cannot wait to welcome you to this spectacular evening!
Thank you to our 2025 Event Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
The Oscar Sponsors
The Golden Globe Sponsor
The Emmy Sponsors
The Beane Family
Dr. Kevin Bounds
Endurance IT Services
ENSPIRE Energy
GFL Environmental
Ideas by Mike
Jones CPA Group
The Lawson Companies
The Miller Group
The Moody Law Firm
Philip J. Geib, P.C., Attorneys at Law
The Rafferty Family
S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co.
TFC Recycling
Towne Insurance
Event Photographer