Victim advocacy group in Danville announces logo contest winner

Haven, a recently formed victim advocacy organization, announced the formation of its board and the winner of its logo contest Thursday.

Chatham graphic designer and portrait artist Mark Heath won the contest and was awarded a week-long trip to Myrtle Beach for two with lodging expenses paid, said Karen Ingram, Danville/Pittsylvania County domestic violence victim's advocate with the YWCA of Central Virginia.

Daly Seven, Inc. donated the award, Ingram said.

Ingram announced Haven’s 11 board members and the contest’s winner during an event held Thursday morning in a Danville Circuit Courtroom. Heath won from among 15 contestants, Ingram said.

The YWCA is the fiscal agent for Haven, which formed to replace the DOVES shelter that closed in 2010. Haven formed to replace DOVES, a shelter for victims of domestic violence that closed in 2010, and is pursuing nonprofit status.

During an interview after the event, Heath said he entered the contest because Haven is a worthwhile cause.

“Hopefully, this will help a cause really needed in this town,” said Heath, owner of Heath Design & Art in Chatham.

Heath’s original concept included a two-handed design forming a yin-yang symbol. He added a third hand to make a family.

Ingram said Heath’s logo was picked because of its theme of lending a helping hand.

Heath said he and his wife, Connie, could use a break and they are fans of Myrtle Beach.

“We sure do need the vacation and we love Myrtle Beach,” he said. “It’s win-win.”

As for Haven, Ingram said the coalition has about 30 active members. The YWCA hired Ingram to form Haven, which she began in Jan. 2011, after DOVES closed. Haven stands for Helping Abolish Violence through Education and Empowerment.

The organization will soon have a part-time sexual assault victim advocate, said Ingram, who is Haven’s assault victim advocate. The goal is to start a shelter for victims of abuse, Ingram said.

“That is our main objective,” Ingram said.

Haven’s newly formed board includes Ingram, Dan Sleeper, Sue Davis, John Moody, Faith Stamps, Mike Mondul, John Gilstrap, David Parrish, Everlena Ross, Michael Newman and Connie Fletcher.