DULUTH — The Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault will hold its annual Autumn Event fundraiser Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Clyde Malting Building.
This year’s event marks PAVSA’s 50th anniversary of providing trauma-informed support and advocacy to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. The nonprofit offers free services including a 24-hour helpline, hospital response with Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and advocates, therapy, legal advocacy and representation, and support groups.
Each year, the Autumn Event recognizes individuals and organizations that have advanced PAVSA’s mission of supporting survivors and fostering a safer, more compassionate community.
Honorees include:
- Stormy Pierce, PAVSA volunteer, Community Ally
- Nathan Kesti, outreach specialist with Downtown Duluth’s Clean & Safe Team, Community Ally
- Investigator Paige Grenier, Duluth Police Department, Robert Carter Law Enforcement Ally
PAVSA attorney Joy Beitzel has also been named a 2025 Journey of Hope award recipient by Standpoint, a statewide organization that advocates for domestic and sexual violence survivors. The award honors individuals who bring safety and justice to survivors.
“[Joy’s] expertise in family and civil protective law is an unbelievable gift to the clients she works with and to our northeastern region as a whole,” wrote St. Louis County Assistant Attorney Liselotte Schluender, who nominated Beitzel. “As in most rural areas, the ability to find quality, compassionate legal assistance is extremely limited; Joy is a true lighthouse of hope.”
Tickets and event details are available at bidpal.net/pavsa. Supporters who cannot attend in person may participate in the auction virtually with a free online bidding ticket.
Founded in 1975, PAVSA provides free, confidential services to survivors of sexual assault and their families across northeastern Minnesota. The organization works to eliminate sexual violence through survivor support, community education and advocacy for systemic change.