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A special fundraising Home and Gardens Tour fundraising event featuring celebrity cooks Sister Schubert and Brenda Gantt on Saturday will benefit Bethesda House.

The event will be held at the home of Sister Schubert and both she and Gantt will be on hand to sign copies of their books. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available at bethesdahouseofmercy.com. Other area artisans are also contributing to the event.

Bethesda House is a nationally accredited domestic violence shelter, meaning the organization’s programs, services, administration, and management have been rigorously evaluated and meet best practice standards at the national level.

The Bethesda House provides temporary and long-term shelter for women and their children who are experiencing domestic violence issues. The organization also provides for medical needs and counseling, as well as providing education programs including money management, job training, GED preparation, and assistance in finding employment.

Bethesda House has the distinction of being the only nationally-accredited domestic violence shelter in Alabama that provides both temporary and long-term assistance.

The program is completely funded through the financial support of individuals, foundations, and businesses. The organization does not receive any state or federal funding; however, after earning its state and national accreditation, Bethesda House will be eligible to apply for certain government funding.

The organization also helps domestic violence victims navigate the court system and assists with legal fees.

Allison Jackson Woods serves as Bethesda House as its director.

Among the current goals for Bethesda House is renovating a building on its current property into an apartment to provide additional shelter space.

Fundraisers, such as the Home and Garden Tours, go a long way in helping Bethesda House continue aiding women and children.

“Bethesda House serves a very important role within our community. Sadly, it is much-needed service. Events like the Home and Gardens Tour helps us spread the word about who we are and what we do,” said Nancy Eldredge, chair of the Bethesda House Board of Directors.

As a nonprofit, Bethesda House depends greatly on the generosity of others, including volunteers who provide their time and services to the program.

Those providing their talents to Saturday’s Home and Gardens Tour, in addition to Gantt and Sister Schubert, are: Alan Cotton of Alan Cotton Flowers; Allie Nielsen of Vine and Branch; Mary Catherine Folmar of Cotton and Quill; Samantha Mercer of Sam’s Forever Flowers; Jessie Stephens of South House Interiors; Jared Boutwell, a landscape designer; Francie Chambers who specializes in pressed botanicals, and artist Marian Barnes who will have three paintings for sale.

Both Schubert and Gantt will be on hand to sign copies of their books.

For more information about the event and to order tickets, visit bethesdahouseofmercy.com and click on the “tickets” button.

Those seeking assistance through the Bethesda House may call 334-977-1005 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.