Thursday, June 24, 2021, at 7:00 pm

On Thursday, June 24, Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster (DVS) will virtually welcome former Pittsburgh Steeler William Gay to Lancaster to discuss how domestic violence has affected his life.

During this virtual fundraising event, From Survivor to Thriver: A Celebration of Resilience, guests will learn how Mr. Gay’s life changed when his mother was shot and killed by her boyfriend as she tried to leave the relationship. At the time of this tragedy, Mr.Gay was only eight years old.

In addition to the conversation with Mr. Gay, virtual guests will hear from local survivors of domestic violence and learn how DVS has adapted and continued to provide essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. A deserving individual or organization will be presented with the Catalyst for Change Award. Finally, guests have multiple opportunities to support this critical work in our community that too often exists only in shadows.

Keynote Speaker – William Gay, former Pittsburgh Steelers

William Gay, the middle brother of 3 born on January 1st In Tallahassee, Florida. He was raised by his grandmother on the Southside of the city. He attended James S. Rickards High School where he was a stand out in both football and track & field. Very studious he graduated with honors in 2003. William was able to further his education and football career at The University of Louisville where he graduated in 3 and a half years and played football from 2003 to 2006.

William was blessed by being drafted to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He later would win Super Bowl XLIII with the Steelers. He was blessed to play 11 seasons in the NFL. He spent a mass majority of his career with the Steelers (2007-2011, 2013-2017) the 2012 year he was with the Arizona Cardinals before returning home to the Steelers.

During his career in the NFL, he used his platform to be an advocate voice to bring awareness against Domestic Violence. A subject very near and dear to his heart because of the loss of his mother Mrs. Carolyn Bryant. He has been very charitable and spoken to many refuge homes, domestic violence shelters, and been a speaker at several events in his attempt to spread awareness about Domestic violence. This is something he is very passionate about and has vowed to do until his last breath to help carry on his mother’s legacy.

William now spends his retired time being a great father to his 1-year-old son William Jr. and a Real Estate Investor. He is also a life coach and mentor to many of his family members and friends.

Sponsors

Visionary

Dreamer

Benefactor

Tony & Sherry Chivinski

Fran & Mike Kane

Linda Gort & Lenny Walton

Friend

Angie’s Custom Cleaning, LLC 

EHD

HDC – Housing Development Corporation

Highmark

McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC

Office Basics

Shumaker PDT

Tenfold

TW Ponessa & Associates

Union Community Care

Patron

Alan R. Jacobs

Alegre Events 

Anonymous CAP Board Member

DavCo Advertising 

Kate & Steve Duke

Forrest & Kitty Collier

Fulton Bank

Giant

Lefevre Funk

Tom & Barbra Smithgall

DVS Special Events Committee:

• Linda Gort, Chair
• Kristy Aurand
• Donna Bent
• Kate Duke
• Christine Gilfillan
• Dana Gulick
• Angela Keen
• Nancy Marshall
• Brittany Mitchell
• Brian Nguyen
• Rachel Pinsker
• Barbra Bray Smithgall

About Domestic Violence Services (DVS) of Lancaster County 

Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County, a program of the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County, is a catalyst to eliminate domestic violence through direct service, advocacy, and social change.  Over the past forty-three years, 75,593 survivors of abuse have received 379,513 nights of shelter and 572,050 hours of counseling, among other supportive services. DVS hosts regular community education and prevention sessions for many agencies, schools and faith-based organizations. For more information, visit CAPLanc.org/DVS.