In response to requests from many of our clients, we held an event in February of 2022 called Shadows Ignited. The name represents how victims of sexual assault often attempt to hide their experiences in the shadows, but, as Dr. King reminded us, "darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that." Clients wrote poems, monologues and short 1 act plays that told their story and professional actors performed the pieces. The evening was incredibly powerful, and according to our clients, very healing and empowering. We even had one of the performers disclose that she had been a victim of sexual assault during the live show. Members of the community said it greatly helped them understand what victims go through, and even helped to them let go of some of the misconceptions they had about sexual assault and victims. Due to the large number of requests, we have decided to make Shadows Ignited an annual event.

The primary focus of the event is providing victims and survivors of sexual assault an artistic way to share their experience and aid them in their recovery process, but we also want to better educate people about the facts of sexual violence - how it impacts the health and wellness of individuals and the community, how people pf color may not have the same access to, or receive the same quality of services. It also helps to educate not only our local communities, but communities around the country and even the world. It will shed light on the fact that sexual assault is not only a public health concern due to the physical damage it causes to the victim, but also the emotional and mental health issues is causes - for the victim and their loved ones as well.
It is also helps people understand that it is also a public safety concern. Victims of sexual assault are thirteen times more like to commit suicide than someone who hasn't been a victim. That not only a burden on victims, their loved ones and our community health systems, but also on the availability of first responders - who are often the first ones called when someone is having a mental health crisis.

The 2023 show will be held on Saturday, February 18th. We are extremely thankful for ALL our sponsors, and want to give them as much exposure as possible. For that reason, we are limiting the number of sponsors so no one gets lost in a sea of names. We will accept 4 Bronze, 3 Silver, 3 Gold and 2 Platinum sponsors. In order to have ample time to properly promote the event, the deadline for sponsorship decision and payment is September 9, 2022.

Bronze Sponsor: $750 - included in printed program, recognized by name at the beginning and end of the show, on our website, social media and other event pages (Eventbrite, Evvnt, Top Ten Events, Events.com, Main Events, Tennessee Magazine, do615, More to Knoxville, choosechat.com, etc.)

Silver Sponsor: $1,500 – All above plus listed on all promotional flyers/posters, 20 sec. video advertisement played during opening and intermission, at least 2 video promotions highlighting your company as a sponsor posted on all our social media platforms (FB, IG, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok), listed as sponsor in October 2022, January and April 2023 newsletters.

Gold Sponsor: $2,500 – All above plus listed as sponsor in all print media advertising, listed as Shadows Ignited sponsor in email blasts sent between Oct. 1, 2022-April 15, 2023, listed as sponsor on on sign at the venue entrance, live stream overlay, website landing page, in all radio PSA announcements and television and radio interviews.

Platinum Sponsor: $4,000 – All above plus listed as sponsor in all radio advertising ($2,520 package) and cable television advertising, listed as sponsor on our website with a link to your company page from Oct 1, 2022 – December 31, 2023, company representative invited to speak briefly (3 minutes or less - in person or via video) during event introductions.