Steamboat Pilot & Today

Diane Moore knows you're on a diet. She also knows that you have self-control and that risking the consumption of a few extra calories is a small price to pay to make sure the community continues to have a domestic-violence prevention service.

Consider yourself invited to the 20th annual Decadent Desserts, the signature fund-raiser for Advocates Against Battering and Abuse. The fund-raiser has been around almost as long as the organization itself, which is going into its 22nd year of service. Every year, the tables at Decadent Desserts are piled high with creative combinations of chocolate, creams and fruit.

This year, 24 area restaurants are donating desserts.

"I know I say it every year, but this is going to be the biggest year ever," said Moore, who is the executive director of Advocates Against Battering and Abuse.

This year's auction items include a sushi dinner in your home for eight people, donated by Saketume chef Matthew Lehfeldt, and golf for four at the Catamount Ranch & Club Golf Club.

While people try desserts and appetizers, the Yampa Valley Boys will peform.

Last year, Advocates raised $14,427 at Decadent Desserts. The money was used mostly as matching funds for state and federal grants.

"Honestly, this fund-raiser is critical," Moore said. "If we didn't have it, we would have to cut back on staff and services."

She never worries that she won't raise the needed money.

"The generosity of the community always touched me," she said.

This year, Advocates served more than 300 clients, and the number of people at its shelter for battered women rose.

"I continue to believe that violence is increasing," Moore said. "Financial stress and the stress of raising a family doesn't cause violence, but it enhances that tendency in people to hurt the people they love."

-- To reach Autumn Phillips call 871-4210 or e-mail aphillips@steamboatpilot.com