Seventh year for event benefiting True North, abuse victims

The Little Black Dress event benefiting True North of Columbia was held Friday night with ABC 17’s Marissa Hollowed and KPLA’s Chris Kellogg co-emceeing.

Women from all backgrounds gathered at Columbia College’s Southwell Complex to dance, eat and have fun – but for a purpose.

The yearly event supports True North, an organization with a mission “to provide a safe environment by educating, empowering and advocating for victims of domestic and sexual violence.”

The first Little Black Dress event was held in April of 2010 and continues to grow.

“When there’s hope, there’s always tomorrow, and you can always have a better life,”said abuse survivor Tracy Bland. “You just have to take advantage of the resources that are there for you.”

True North began as “The Shelter” in the 1970’s and offers shelter, counseling and outreach services to those in need.

If you know someone being abused or would like to get involved with True North, click here.