Last month, just like in offices around the world, a viral video made the rounds from cube to cube here at Wellstone Action HQ. Footage of the uniquely choreographed wedding processional of Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz, now at a mind-blowing 20 million views on Youtube, captured our hearts and made us proud of these boogie-ing Minnesotans.
Imagine our delight and surprise when the following week, we got a call from Jill. Due to the unexpected meteoric rise of their video to the forefront of pop culture in the space of a few days, they wanted to do something to turn that popularity and support into something positive for the world. And given that they danced down the aisle to a song by Chris Brown, who in the time since the dance was conceived and choreographed was arrested and plead guilty on charges of domestic violence, Jill and Kevin wanted to encourage their fans to donate to an organization that worked on violence prevention and ending domestic violence. This issue is one that has always been a high priority for Jill and Kevin.
We were honored that Jill and Kevin chose the Sheila Wellstone Institute - our program that continues the work of Sheila Wellstone to ensure that ending violence is a national priority. The SWI ensures that survivors and advocates join elected leaders on the front lines working to guarantee safety for every woman and child.
Today, on what would have been Sheila's 65th birthday, the fact that we've received such an outpouring of support from Jill and Kevin's website has special resonance. As of today, we have raised $16,498.69 from 674 donors. More than half of these donors gave contributions of less than $20, and they came from 47 states and more than 20 countries.
This tremendous support speaks not only to the deep commitment of many people to violence prevention, but also the inspiration that Jill and Kevin's joyous wedding gave people to imagine a world, as Sheila did, where women will be safe in their homes and relationships.
Visit Jill and Kevin's website and read more about why they support violence prevention. And take the opportunity, on Sheila's birthday, to read more about what the Sheila Wellstone Institute has been up to, and browse the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Archives for writings and speeches from Sheila.
COMMENTS
Jill and Kevin's Wedding Video
I went on UTube to view the group, Perpetuum Jazzile and their African Thunderstorm - recommended by a friend. I just happen upon Jill and Kevin's Wedding Video. I was blown away. My husband and I absolutely loved this. Plus, I worked in a domestic violence program for about 20 years - going from volunteer, to shelter manager, to program manager and eventually, got my MFC license and became a therapist in the program. So, go Jill and Kevin and carry on that banner against violence! They, definitely, gave my husband and me ideas for our 50th wedding anniversary - 2012. I don't know if we can still rock down that aisle, but we can try!!!! Many years of bliss we bless upon this couple, Jill and Kevin.
Can you find help for Chris?
When I saw the clip from Larry King with Chris Brown- I thought` could there be help for him? Would he get help if offered? I've always thought that if a person knows how to handle themselves is a calm manner then the abuse would not happen. Hope someone can help Chris so then maybe he can help others...:0)
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