25-04-2025
The Compass Center's annual event honors Emily Eirinberg
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – A local organization that helps those affected by sexually assault and domestic abuse is dedicating its annual arts event to one local woman. This year's Rise Up: Arts as Resistance event, hosted by The Compass Center will honor Emily Eirinberg.
'Our event features and highlights the ten warning signs of unhealthy relationship. And the last two models in the show will represent hope, healing and really the ability to rise up out of the darkness,' The Compass Center's chief development and communications officer, Sydney Bartunek said.
This is the first year the non-profit is paying tribute to someone affected by domestic violence. In February police arrested 23-year-old Emily Eirinberg's ex boyfriend in connection to her death. Her mother Patty Eirinberg says it's events like these that help keep her memory alive.'It's a way to help us heal. It's like that rope to hang on to and it's helping us through a lot. I mean this was a senseless, tragic death that shouldn't have happened,' Eirinberg night will feature dancers, art and music. Something Emily's mother said she would enjoy.
'She had been in dance from the time she was probably 3-years-old to high school, and it was always her kind of her soul,' Eirinberg her mother hopes this event will shed light on local resources and encourage others to speak up about domestic abuse.
'Emily's death was like a stone thrown in the water. And it has affected so many people. And we don't have her anymore. But if that ripple can help make a difference for our communities outside of wherever, that's what I can take ahead for Emily,' Eirinberg said.
Money raised from the event will go toward resources at The Compass Center.
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