Family Haven, Forsyth County's largest domestic violence refuge and counseling program, has taken a new approach to fundraising with this Friday's "Back to Woodstock" event.

Featuring silent and live auctions, live music by Old School Horn Band, and cuisine from Tam's Backstage, this fundraiser provides the citizens of Cumming to give to a worthy cause, in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.  

If a trip to Costa Rica (opening bid $5000) is a bit out of your budget, then perhaps a round of golf at one of the local courses, or a hot air balloon ride is more likely to help open your wallet. Many more items will be on hand, including household items, jewelry, sports memorabilia, and even something for the kids.

"I have had calls all week, asking about our auction items," says Tara Hall, Executive Director of Family Haven. "People want to know if we will still have movie passes and entertainment packages like previous years. Those are very popular!"

Regardless of the abundance of items up for auction, the event on Friday evening, May 4 is focused on the importance of Family Haven, and that is helping victims of domestic violence.

"My passion is to make sure families and victims are safe," says Hall. "We want to empower them to live a new life that is violence free."

Serving Forsyth and North Fulton counties since 1989, Family Haven focuses on providing a 24-hour crisis hotline; a safe, temporary, emergency shelter; emergency food and clothing; counseling services; assistance in filing Temporary Protective Orders; support groups; and a prevention education program. The universal goal at Family Haven is to ensure that domestic abuse victims become survivors.

For all that it promises, Back to Woodstock is an affordable way to make a difference. Tickets for admission (available on the Web site) are $25, and a cash bar will be provided. Cash, check and credit card are accepted for silent auction winnings.

The event, held at The Reid Barn located at 6844 Majors Road, is from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The silent auction closes at 9 p.m. and live auction begins promptly at 9:15 p.m.