Since our founding in 2006, Purple Ribbon Council has primarily operated with an unpaid staff, a “roll-up-our sleeves” board of directors, and a network of GO PURPLE Ambassadors throughout Arizona and the United States. This team of skilled and passionate individuals dedicates their time, talent and energy to assure Purple Ribbon Council meets the goals of our hallmark project areas: awareness, community engagement, restorative solutions and interventions, and prevention education.
Donna Bartos, Founder
In August 2006, Donna had a moment of obligation to do something to help the most silent victims of domestic abuse, especially children, teens and stay-at-home moms. As a result, she created Girls Night Out to Cut Out Domestic Abuse™ (now called Pretty in Purple™ Days), an awareness event hosted by salons and spas as a way to support, benefit and empower victims and to increase education on how to recognize and respond to the signs of abuse.
From there, Donna channeled her own personal experience with dating abuse to form the Purple Ribbon Council and has since been leading a nationwide GO PURPLE movement for prevention. Her vision is to bring domestic abuse prevention awareness to the forefront by mobilizing cause marketing partners and everyday people to help Break the Silence, Break the Cycle and Save Lives. Donna believes that the key to ending the epidemic of domestic abuse is in root cause prevention because domestic abuse is a social disease. Therefore, she tirelessly advocates for primary prevention to be as equally funded and supported as traditional victim’s services. From 2006 until 2010, Donna has donated her time, skills, and energy to lead the Purple Ribbon Council as it’s Chief Executive Officer and Project Director.
Patrick McIvor, Pretty in Purple Days Chairperson & National Spokesperson
Owner, Patrick McIvor Color Studio and Matrix Artistic Color Director
"I have two sisters, two daughters and work in an industry that is 87% female. I feel it is my responsibility to help create awareness of domestic abuse and to support the Purple Ribbon Council and their work to stop this social disease.
Everyone deserves to be healthy and safe. I am proud to be involved as the Pretty in Purple Days National Chairperson and Spokesperson and hope you will join me in this inspiring campaign that is easy to join."
Judge Lynn Toler, Honorary Board Member
Author and Host of the Syndicated TV Show Divorce Court
"In 2002, I was named the Humanitarian of the Year by The Cleveland Domestic Violence Center. I had been an advisory member on its board for years and had worked closely with them to effectively deal with the issue from the bench.
The speech I gave upon receiving the award was entitled “Too Little Too Late” which summed up my feelings on my ability to deal effectively with the issue as a judge. Prevention. Awareness. Community Involvement. These are the things that will truly change the landscape of our society. Getting involved with Purple Ribbon Council was the perfect way for me to put that conviction into action in Arizona and beyond."
To learn more about Judge Toler, go to: www.judgelynn.com
Nicole Sharpe, Ambassador (Brooklyn, NY)
Domestic Homicide Survivor, Author of "The End of November- Growing Up With Domestic Violence"
"I grew up witnessing my father abuse my mother mercilessly for years until he finally shot her to death in the presence of my two siblings and I.
I was 15 years of age at that time. He then came after us with the gun but we were able to escape with our lives by the grace of God. In 2008, I felt ready to use my voice to help others like my mom. So, I searched online for ways to help raise awareness and found the Purple Ribbon Council. It was the perfect fit, yet little did I know that my involvement with the organization would change my life for the better. With the help of Donna Bartos, in May 2009 I organized a ‘Girls Night Out to Cut Out Domestic AbuseTM’ fundraiser in partnership with Empire Beauty School in Brooklyn, NY and promoted the event to my colleagues at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. It was a great success! From there, I started the “Poetry in Purple” event to raise awareness on campus at SUNY Downstate. I am now working with Purple Ribbon Council to reach out to child survivors of domestic homicide with the goal of starting a support group in Brooklyn, NY. I wish these resources were in place when my siblings and I were suddenly orphaned. It would have been so helpful to talk to oher kids who knew what we were going through. The Purple Ribbon Council has proven to be a source of healing, encouragement, and empowerment for me as I advocate for domestic abuse prevention. I am proud to be a part of this."
“What Started as a Moment of Obligation...
...Inspired a National Root Cause Prevention Movement”
Connect with us on:
National Partners
