Both ladies are dedicated to the cause of empowering women and ending domestic violence through their work with Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), Inc. of Delray Beach.

Both are Boca Raton-based, pulling friends, spouses and family members into their volunteer work – whether it is giving money, running miles at the annual 5K or sitting on committees.

And both have been with AVDA for 20 years – their length of service amazes even them sometimes.

“I know Arlene well. We were on the AVDA council about 20 years ago,” remembers Krieger. “At the time, I was on the board of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). I just felt in my heart that AVDA was a great cause and very much in need of assistance of help, financial, etc. I am very humbled by the award.”

Krieger, 71, will accept the award at the Third Annual Heart of a Woman Luncheon, held Feb. 9, 2010 at the Royal Palm Yacht Club, 2425 Maya Palm Drive West in Boca Raton. Tickets are $100; tables of 10 are available. The event, which will feature child advocate/author/actor Victor Rivas Rivers as guest speaker, will begin with a reception and silent auction at 11 a.m. 
 

Together with her husband, Ben, Krieger contributed to two rooms at the transitional housing at AVDA’s Casa Vegso, when it was being constructed. She was able to give due in part to her successful executive suite/offices business, where she managed 70 offices for companies like Oracle, Johnson & Johnson, MGM, General Motors and The Money Store. She has chaired events, served on the board and recruited many supporters to the cause of re-building and saving lives.

Not a victim of abuse herself, Krieger said she connects to the victims through their strength.

“I’ve seen, met and heard about these women and children. In Florida, I know of the women killed, beaten by their spouses. It just takes your heart away. You open your heart to these women and children. They have no place to turn to except to AVDA for shelter, safety and assistance,” she said. “I think it’s a wonderful organization that is needed in our community, in the country and in the world.”

The Heart of a Woman Luncheon celebrates the strength, courage and determination of women. It was created to help involve the community in supporting women who are re-building their lives and the lives of their children following domestic abuse. All proceeds raised from this event will go directly to supporting shelter, transitional housing at AVDA’s Casa Vegso and educational and prevention programs offered to the public, victims and their families.