
2026 Willow Ball
Presented by:

This event is sold out.
Join us as we come together to celebrate a future where safety, justice, healing, and hope live under one roof.
đź—“ Friday, April 17, 2026
Arbor Midtown
183 E Main St
Rochester, New York 14604
6:00 – 11:00 pm
The Willow Ball is Willow Domestic Violence Center’s signature annual fundraiser, bringing together more than 300 community members in support of survivors of domestic violence and their families.
This year’s theme, You Hold the Key to Safety, reflects the vital role our community plays in helping survivors access life-saving services and support.
Can’t attend? You can still make an impact.
For more information or sponsorship inquiries contact:
Events@Willowcenterny.org or call 585-232-5200 ext. 226
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Willow Ball would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors.
Thank you for holding the key to safety and helping unlock justice, healing, and hope for survivors in our community.
Honoring Our 2026 Awardees
We are proud to recognize individuals whose leadership, service, and advocacy help create a safer, more compassionate community for survivors of domestic violence.
The Jaime Saunders Shine the Light Award
Carla Palumbo
Through her work with Legal Aid Society, Carla stands at the intersection of safety and justice—where the stakes are high, and the path forward is not always clear. With expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment, she helps survivors navigate complex legal systems, ensuring they are not alone in moments that matter most.
The Phyllis Korn Restore the Hope Award
Mayor Malik Evans
As a dedicated public servant and community leader, Mayor Evans has demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to addressing domestic violence as both a public safety and public health issue. His leadership reflects an understanding that real change requires partnership—across systems, across sectors, and across our entire community.
The Annette Itkin Volunteer of the Year Award
Jill, Paige, and Claire — The Baker Girls
In the face of unimaginable loss, they have chosen a path of courage, love, and action. After losing their mother, Jill, to domestic violence, they transformed their grief into a powerful force for change by creating a golf tournament that has raised more than $300,000 in support of Willow’s life-saving services.
