The Audrain County Crisis Intervention Service (ACCIS) held its annual Fall Into Fashion event this past week helping raise money for the group’s cause and had a little bit of fun while promoting some local businesses.

The event is in its fourth year and is the biggest fundraiser for the group. Although final tally numbers from Tuesday night’s, Oct. 17, haven’t been released ACCIS thinks it will be the most successful event they’ve had to date. ACCIS helps victims of domestic violence whether it is physical or emotional.

The evening included a dinner provided by the Carlson House and a cash bar was set up by The Pearl Martini and Wine Bar and the fashion show featured local models wearing items from Serendipity Closet and the Sparkly Pig and other local businesses.

Although the evening was filled with light-hearted fun it was also a reminder of the group’s important work and the strain it has on its employees and volunteers.

The ACCIS serves a six-county area that includes Audrain, Callaway, Randolph, Boone, Montgomery, and Monroe counties, although they will help anyone. In 2022 ACCIS had 717 clients which included 625 from Audrain County and 484 of those clients were from Mexico.

The task isn’t getting any easier. Shanann Owens, ACCIS volunteer coordinator, told the Ledger the calls for help are surpassing last year’s.

“We’ve passed those numbers about a month ago if that tells you anything,” Owens said.

October is domestic violence awareness month. For help contact 581-3835 or visit audraincountycrisis.org for more information or to donate.