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Be a Believer: Celebrating 40 Years of Impact

Take a moment to reflect on your day—whether you were at the gym, at work, or walking through the grocery store. Think about the people around
you, those you know and those you don’t. Would you recognize that someone’s daughter, someone’s son, someone’s wife, someone’s husband,
someone’s parent—someone’s someone—has experienced sexual violence, or may one day face it?
It’s difficult to comprehend because sexual violence and rape—while distinct in meaning—so often happen in silence.

Now imagine walking into a gym with 100 women and 100 men. Statistically, about 1 in 6 women—roughly 17—have experienced an attempted or
completed rape in their lifetime. Among those 100 men, approximately 1 in 33 have experienced an attempted or completed rape.
These aren’t just numbers. They are real people, real stories, and lives forever changed.
Those “someone’s someone” live right here in our community. And for many, they live in silence. Why? Because victim blaming is real. It can
linger in a survivor’s mind, shaping every thought: What will others think of me? What will I think of myself?
The questions can come—relentless and unfair:
“Did you say no?”
“Did you say stop?”
“Did you fight back?”
“Did you drink too much?”
“Were you wearing something you shouldn’t have?”
“Were you in a relationship?”
“Did you say yes and then change your mind?”
“Why did your body respond?”
These are not questions rooted in support. They place responsibility where it does not belong.
And then—sometimes—someone finds the strength to break the silence. They reach out to Project HELP, Inc, a place that, for 40 years, has stood
beside survivors in Collier County with dignity, compassion, and unwavering support.
For four decades, Project HELP has been a lifeline, providing free counseling, victim advocacy, forensic support, and a 24-hour crisis and referral
helpline to those impacted by sexual violence, crime, and the sudden loss of a loved one.
Forty years of listening.
Forty years of believing.
Forty years of walking alongside someone’s someone on their journey toward healing.
Imagine the strength it takes to make that call. To walk through that door. To tell their story. To trust someone with one of the most difficult
moments of their life. To take that first step forward.
Every “someone” has a story. Every “someone” has a journey. And every “someone” deserves to
be heard, supported, and believed.
Project HELP cannot erase the trauma or change what happened—but we can make sure someone does not have to navigate what comes next alone.
We can listen. We can advocate. We can walk beside them as they begin their journey toward healing.
And sometimes, it all begins with one simple but powerful act:
Being a BELIEVER: Celebrating 40 Years and the Community That Made It Possible

For 40 years, our community, your community has believed in Project HELP, making it possible for us to be there when someone needs us most.
Now, we invite you to celebrate this incredible milestone with us and help us continue that legacy.
Join us Friday, February 19, 2027, from 5:00–9:30 p.m. at The Cove at Paradise Sports Complex for Be a Believer: Celebrating 40 Years of Impact.
Step back into the ’80s for an evening of music, food, fun, and purpose featuring Honorary Chair Jo Monvil, a live concert by Rock Republic, action
food stations, open beer and wine bar, live and silent auctions, interactive activities, and prizes for the best ’80s attire. Tickets are $200 per person,
and sponsorship opportunities are available.
But this night is about more than celebrating the past 40 years. It is about making the next 40 possible. It is about making sure Project HELP is here
for the next someone who needs to be heard, supported, and believed.

Be the reason someone is heard. Be the reason someone finds hope. Be a Believer.
There are so many ways to Be a Believer—become a sponsor, make a donation, volunteer your time, contribute an
in-kind service, item, or gift card, or simply help us share our message.
Because someone who needs Project HELP isn’t simply a statistic. They are someone’s someone. And no “someone”
should have to face their journey alone.
Be a Believer. Because someone’s someone is counting on us.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or to learn more, call 239-649-1404, visit Project HELP, or scan the QR code.

For more information, about Project Help, please contact Irma Molero Lizarraga,
Development Coordinator/ Victim Advocate: Irma@projecthelpnaples.org, 239-649-1404 ext 1007

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