Tucson, AZ---For fifty years, Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse has provided safety and healing for people experiencing abuse. At Emerge, safety means more than just physical safety. It means fostering an environment where survivors feel heard, seen, and empowered. It means holding those who cause harm accountable while creating opportunities for genuine repair. And it means embracing joy as a radical act—because every survivor deserves to experience a life filled with possibility, love, and celebration.
In honor of this legacy, a special anniversary celebration and show is planned for Sunday, September 28 at the ASDB Berger Performing Arts Center located at 1200 W Speedway Blvd. from 2:30 to 5pm.
The show will be directed by longtime Emerge supporter Susan Claassen, former Invisible Theatre Managing Artistic Director, who after 50 years evolved to Emeritus. Hosted by the comedy duo “Mols and Suz” (aka Molly McKasson and Susan Claassen) who entertained at the Center’s opening in 1975, Claassen has gathered an extraordinary ensemble of award-winning musical performing artists in the region including Rob Boone, Christine Vivona, Betsy Kruse Craig, Armen Dirtadian, and Crystal Stark. Throughout the evening they will pay musical tribute to Emerge’s “Golden” 50-year history aligning with momentous events through the half-century including the appointment of Arizona’s Sandra Day O’Connor to the Supreme Court, the election of Barack Obama, and other cultural highlights with songs like R.E.S.P.E.C.T”, “Impossible Dream”, “Rise Up” and more.
“As we prepare to celebrate 50 years of service and all of the individuals and community partners who have contributed to building safety, we must also acknowledge the quiet, ongoing suffering that still demands our attention. Our work is not finished, and the cost of inaction is measured in lives. We remain committed to uplifting survivors, honoring their full humanity, and centering the experiences of those impacted by violence in our community. May we spend the next 50 years healing our community”, said Emerge CEO Anna Harper.
Corporate sponsors for the 50th Year event are TMC Healthcare, Bayer Corporation, Desert Diamond Casino and Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona.
Tickets to the event are $50 per person and include entertainment (3-4pm), reception and raffle/ auction following the show (4-5pm) with light refreshments. Doors will open at 2:30pm. All event proceeds will go toward sustaining Emerge services like emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis hotline, housing stabilization assistance, and more. Tickets can be purchased at https://emergecenter.org/50thcelebration/,
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