The Centre Against Abuse has benefited from last weekend’s 100 Women in Finance gala held in Bermuda for the first time.

100 Women, a global network of professionals in the finance and alternative investment industries, hosted the event, entitled Sailing into History.

Proceeds were donated to the local charity which provides crisis support services to adult victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and “brings awareness to the community by providing building blocks for healthy relationships,” explained a charity statement.

The gala was held at the recently renovated Commissioner’s House overlooking the America’s Cup Village, with the support of more than 140 leaders from the finance industry in Bermuda.

Laurie Shiell, Executive Director of the Centre Against Abuse, spoke about the importance of the charity’s work. The Deputy Governor of Bermuda, Ginny Ferson, who had that day been named in the Queen’s Honours list as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), was also in attendance along with the Premier, Michael Dunkley.

Many of the guests arrived by boat and were led by a piper to dinner which was called using one of the historic canons outside Commissioner’s House and was followed by dancing to the music of Stilletto 5, an all-female band, into the late evening.

“100 Women is delighted to congratulate the Bermuda committee on the success of their inaugural Bermuda gala and its donation to the Centre Against Abuse. We hope someday there will no longer be the same need for such services,” said Amanda Pullinger, CEO of 100 Women.

“The evening was a resounding success. We could not have asked for better weather, a more beautiful backdrop or a more historic and unique setting and terrific guests, all in support of such an important cause”, said Sarah Demerling, co-chair of the event.

“I was delighted with the huge level of support we received from all industry sectors and would particularly like to thank our lead sponsors, Conyers Dill & Pearman, HSBC and KPMG. I would also like to thank the members of our gala committee for all their hard work,” said Alison Morrison, co-chair of the event.

Donations are still being accepted. Contact galabermuda@100women.org if you would like to contribute to the beneficiary.