Until now, the only way to use your ovaries to combat domestic violence was to yank ’em out, throw ’em in a sack, and use them to wallop an assailant. And that’s so time consuming! Fortunately for both your lady sacs and for victims in need, there’s That Takes Ovaries (TTO), a local nonprofit organization dedicated to women’s empowerment. That Takes Ovaries, which is also the title of a play, a best-selling book, and an open-mic movement, is putting on a gala fundraiser on Thursday, April 10, to benefit fellow nonprofit organization Web of Benefit (WOB), which gives monetary grants to victims of domestic violence.“Both Web of Benefit and That Takes Ovaries are focused on women’s empowerment and liberation, so it was a natural partnership,” says Rivka Solomon, founder and editor of all things TTO. “I really love the mission of WOB. They cut the red tape and give small but substantial and very concrete grants directly to survivors of domestic violence.”
The fundraiser, hosted by former talk-show host and state representative Marjorie Clapprood, and featuring former WBZ-TV anchor (now a youth minister) Liz Walker, will include a silent auction, a reception, and a performance of the TTO play, which features women telling stories about their most empowering moments. Audience members are encouraged to hop onstage during the open-mic portion of the evening to share their own tales, while the audience, er, eggs them on.
It’s not the first time that TTO has partnered with a women’s-rights organization. For more than six years, Solomon and her eggheads have been traveling the globe, using their dramatic voices to raise money for nonprofits that include rape crisis centers and groups working to end sex trafficking in India. Money raised for WOB will go toward providing resources to abused women who need a fresh start.
“Our goal is to inspire women and girls to lead more bold lives,” says Solomon. “Of course, we also hope to raise funds so our two nonprofit organizations can continue growing and thriving, and helping women get back on their feet after leaving an abusive relationship.”
The April 10 fundraiser takes place at Pine Manor College, 400 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill, 617.731.7000, at 6:30 pm. Tickets cost $100, and can be purchased by e-mailing info@webofbenefit.org, or by calling 617.285.1900. If you can’t make (or afford) the fundraiser, but still want to help, TTO will hold two subsequent performances (the play and open-mic only) on April 11 and 12, at 7 pm. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information, visit thattakesovaries.org.
