ROCKLAND — For the fifth consecutive year, the New York-based clothing design company, EILEEN FISHER, hosted a special sale to benefit New Hope for Women (NHFW), the domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking resource center serving Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties.

The annual benefit began in 2009 with Susan Schor, chief culture officer/facilitating leader of EILEEN FISHER, and her Midcoast friend, Marianne Forti.

Ily Shofestall, owner of SOMA Pilates & Yoga in downtown Rockland, joined.  Since then, the three have worked to grow the event each year, increasing the amount of clothing sold, and creating an evening of bargain shopping with a luxury feel.

Held at Pascal Hall in Rockport, the invitation-only sale of over 1,200 donated designer items was enhanced with wine from RAYR the wine shop of Rockport, and appetizers from Megunticook Market of Camden. All remaining items were displayed at SOMA, where they were available for sale to the public for an additional ten days.

All of the $36,415 raised from this event is donated directly to New Hope for Women, where it will be used to help fund educational programs and direct services for those impacted by domestic violence. NHFW services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, walk-in advocacy, support groups, legal services, and court advocacy. Also funded are prevention programs including community education, youth education and advocacy, as well as transitional housing, safe homes and a batterer's intervention program.

EILEEN FISHER'S corporate culture seeks to empower women through their clothing, the structure of the organization, and through philanthropic acts. The company also gives grants to women entrepreneurs and to non-profits that foster leadership in women and girls.

According to founder Eileen Fisher, "We define leadership pretty broadly — it's about giving women and girls the confidence to take charge of their lives. We look for programs that help them find their voices, so they can act on what they believe in."

New Hope for Women offers support to people in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties affected by domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. It also provides important educational resources to assist communities in creating a safer and healthier future.

Learn more about New Hope for Women at www.newhopeforwomen.org, or call 800-522-3304.