Reality TV Survivors, United States Steel Corporation and The Private Client Group at National City Rally for True Domestic Violence Survivors

WASHINGTON, DC,(August 20, 2008) – Former Survivor: Cook Islands competitors Becky Lee and Yul Kwon teamed up on Saturday with The Private Client Group at National City and United States Steel Corporation for an event to raise money and awareness for survivors of domestic violence (DV). They were joined by local Pittsburgh Councilman Bill Peduto.


The event, called “Summer Soiree”, was held at the home of Dr. John and Rebecca Lee in Venetia, PA. Dr. and Mrs. Lee are the parents of Becky Lee, founder and Executive Director of the Becky Lee Women’s Support Fund (Becky’s Fund), a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC.


Ms. Lee, a native of Pittsburgh and graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Law School, launched Becky’s Fund with her winnings from the Survivor: Cook Islands competition. Ms. Lee was the 2006 second runner-up on the hit CBS television show while Mr. Kwon placed first.


Addressing the crowd of close to one hundred twenty guests, Becky’s Fund board member and winner of Survivor: Cook Islands, Yul Kwon said, “Becky went on Survivor to bring attention to and end domestic violence; she’s become a role model for celebrities who want to use their fame and fortune to give back to the community.” Mr. Kwon stated how “Becky believes passionately that domestic violence against women must end. Her courage in speaking out on this important issue, and her tireless work through her organization on behalf of domestic violence victims, is laudable.”


During the event, guests viewed a five-minute video produced by Ms. Lee, which chronicled the story of a domestic violence survivor. Afterwards, Ms. Lee reiterated to the crowd that the woman in the video “could be your neighbor, your sister, your mother or even your daughter.” She added, “While the video does illuminate the seriousness of this issue, we would also like to emphasize that there can be a happy ending to this story and many other stories, thanks to your generous support tonight.”


Proceeds from “Summer ”Soiree" will help to create a new public media campaign involving athletes, celebrities and leaders from the community. The campaign, through lectures, television public service announcements and the Internet, will spotlight the tragedies of domestic violence impacting women of all ages and backgrounds while raising awareness for how individuals and communities can help end the cycle of suffering.


“Becky’s Fund is very important for Pittsburgh,” said Councilman Bill Peduto. “We need allies like Becky to help these women who can’t help themselves.” He continued, “Victims of domestic violence in the Pittsburgh area need help, not just from government, but from important organizations like Becky’s Fund. We need to end this cycle of violence that directly affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime.” Councilman Peduto was the keynote speaker for Saturday’s event.


Event proceeds will also be used to help educate local college students on the facts and consequences of domestic violence along with the available resources to help them learn how and where to seek help when dealing with domestic violence. Ms. Lee will lead seminars this fall at Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh.

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About Becky’s Fund: Becky’s Fund works on nationwide campaigns, public media efforts and other venues to create awareness on DV, particularly in the immigrant and marginalized communities. The goal is not only to help the abused, but to provide sustainable resources and solutions to eradicate DV through education, prevention and intervention. BF is currently engaged in a national DV awareness tour, targeting a new generation of students across the 50 states. To learn more please visit: http://beckysfund.org

About the Event Sponsors:

United States Steel Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is an integrated steel producer with major production operations in the United States, Canada and Central Europe and an annual raw steelmaking capability of 31.7 million net tons. The company manufactures a wide range of value-added steel sheet and tubular products for the automotive, appliance, container, industrial machinery, construction, and oil and gas industries. For more information about United States Steel Corporation, visit www.ussteel.com.

The Private Client Group at National City Bank employs a collaborative approach to assist high-net-worth individuals and families to uncover and develop their needs through a customized wealth planning process. The Private Client Group is comprised of advisors who provide access to investment management, private banking, fiduciary services, estate planning assistance, brokerage and financial consulting services. For more information on National City Bank, visit www.nationalcity.com/private-client-group/pages/home.asp.

Contact Information

Becky Lee

Executive Director

Becky’s Fund

Contact via E-mail