Tables were filled at The Ritz‑Carlton, Grand Cayman on Friday, 8 May for the ninth annual ‘Power of the Purse’ luncheon – the signature fundraising event for the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre.
The event brought together sponsors from the private and public sector for an afternoon that featured a designer handbag silent auction, raffle prizes and powerful messages of hope and resilience for survivors of domestic abuse.
In her opening remarks, Crisis Centre Executive Director Ania Milanowska highlighted the far‑reaching impact of abuse.
“Domestic abuse does not discriminate,” she said. “It affects not only the victim but also their family, their workplace, their community and, ultimately, all of us. In one way or another, we are all impacted by abuse.”
Marking 23 years of service to the Cayman community, she also thanked the Crisis Centre’s clients, saying, “They need a lot of courage to come forward to admit that they are being abused and to trust us so that we can support them.”
Milanowska added, “I’m sure you all know the saying that it takes a village to achieve great things, and here in Cayman we can safely say it takes an island to stop domestic abuse and eradicate it from our community.”
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson echoed those sentiments, urging collective action.
“When we see an issue in our community, we have many choices. We can complain about it, we can call the talk shows, or we can do something about it – we can be part of the solution,” he said.
He stressed the importance of safe spaces for those seeking to leave abusive relationships.
“When someone makes a brave decision to leave an abusive situation, there must be a safe place waiting for them – a place that says you are protected, you are valued and you are not alone,” Manderson said. “That is exactly what the Crisis Centre is all about.”
A survivor’s story
The keynote address was delivered by Katrina Cooke-Brownlee, a domestic abuse survivor, author, advocate and retired New York Police Department detective. She shared her personal experience of surviving an abusive relationship with her ex‑fiancé, a former correction officer.
“Imagine waking up every single day feeling like you have to walk on eggshells. Imagine constantly monitoring your words because they might trigger him,” Cooke‑Brownlee said. “Many people never report abuse – they are afraid, ashamed, financially dependent or worried they won’t be believed.”
Cooke-Brownlee explained that when she finally decided to leave the relationship, at 23 years old and pregnant with her third child, she was shot 10 times by her ex‑fiancé. The attack left her in a coma, and doctors feared she would never walk again. She defied the odds, however, and after multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, she recovered and went on to serve as detective for 20 years with the NYPD.
“We need to continue to support this cause,” she said. “We need to teach people about domestic violence awareness, and the abuse must stop.”
Impact beyond ‘crisis response’
Sponsors were acknowledged for their contributions, including gold sponsor Wheaton Precious Metals.
Giselle Passchier, vice-president of financial reporting, said the company was proud to support the Crisis Centre and its mission.
“The critical work they do provides safety, support and hope to vulnerable members of the community,” she said. “Their impact extends far beyond crisis response, helping to strengthen families and build a more compassionate Cayman Islands.”
Since its inception, the Power of the Purse luncheon has raised more than $250,000 for the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre. The funds directly support the centre’s daily operations and services for survivors of domestic abuse.
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