Stephanie’s story could be anyone’s, and certainly any one of the 70 others who have been helped by the place in Pell City called “Our Place.”

Stephanie told her story Thursday, during the second Purse and Passion event held to support Our Place, the shelter for victims of domestic violence opened by the YWCA in Pell City last October.

Purse and Passion is a celebration, as well as an event that raises funding to support the shelter and the services it provides.

A crowd of close to 300 gathered at The Beacon at First United Methodist Church, taking their places at the 29 tables set for eight each.

“All I can say is ‘Wow,’” said Virginia Gauld, a member of the YWCA board of directors and chairwoman for the Purse and Passion event in St. Clair County. “Looking around this room and seeing this wonderful group gathered for our cause. It’s been a sell out.”

Those who attend the luncheon event make donations to Purse and Passion, and the amount given is entirely up to them.

Stephanie was a young mother and a registered nurse when domestic violence changed her life.

She found herself being pounded on her head by her husband at the time, then shot as her little girl watched.

Stephanie escaped the violence with her daughter, and ended up a resident of Our Place to rebuild her life.

Her injuries from the shooting will prevent her from returning to work as a nurse, but Stephanie is working to complete a master’s degree so she can teach nursing.

The services from Our Place have included counseling for both Stephanie and her daughter, along with financial support to allow her to pay for transportation.

“I always wondered why do they stay,” she told the audience for Purse and Passion. “But I know now. Being abused makes you feel small. It’s intimidating and you’re scared. I did not realize that I had options.”

Stephanie found an option to the life of violence at Our Place and her relief was evident as she spoke Thursday.

Through her tears, Stephanie told the supporters, “Because of your support, I am slowly putting my life back together.”

Stephanie brought the crowd to their feet, applauding her for her courage in taking the steps she has taken to reclaim her life.

Following Stephanie’s message, Gauld returned to the podium with a serious message of her own, asking for support for Our Place.

“I don’t apologize for asking for money,” she said. “It takes money to keep the shelter at the high level you would want.

“I am asking that you be generous today and help,” she said. “And give back a life with a future.”

Donations made are done anonymously if donors wish, and donation forms accompanied each place setting at the tables for supporters to fill out.

Supporter Sharon Thomas was one with her own story. She’s “been there,” she said.

“I have been in that situation,” she said. “This is important to do.”

Thelma Jones, a member of the 2010 Steering Committee, said thinking of people enduring domestic violence “just tears at my heart. I just want to help.”

Cindi Woodall, Realtor with Hometown Properties and friend of Remax Realtor Caran Wilbanks, who is also a member of the 2010 steering committee, said the cause spoke for itself, but there was another reason she took part in the fundraiser.

“Caran made us,” she said. “She is devoted.”

Laura Nation-Atchison may be reached at lnation@dailyhome.com.