LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- A new event being introduced to Las Cruces pampers women but also raises money and awareness about domestic violence.

It is called Girls Night Out, and the money that's raised will go to help victims at the La Casa domestic violence shelter.

One former victim said it helped her to build a successful life, after the violent emotional time.

“It was at the beginning of 2003, and it was the hardest decision of my life. After being married 23 years of my life, I had to decide to step out of that marriage,” said Patricia Romero of Las Cruces.

Now a real estate agent, Romero said La Casa turned her life around. She and her children spent three months at the shelter after escaping physical and emotional abuse.

“He suffered from alcoholism and had mood swings. It was not completely a nightmare all the time, but it had happened and was increasing and it was getting worse,” she said.

She wants those who go to the event to know that it is more than a donation. Women will be treated like gold.

“The tickets are a $50 donation to La Casa. Included are two glasses of wine, hors d'oeuvres, and they will get unlimited services like hair, makeup and massages,” said Stephany Trego, an event assistant with Helping Hands.

The Alameda House, an historic mansion built it 1848 that was recently restored, donated rooms for the services.

“We have 300 tickets and so we are trying to limit this to 300, but we've been getting a great response from businesses donating,” Trego said.

Romero said she didn't just get a bed and roof at la casa, she got help and counseling, and now she is giving back.

“Now I am proud to serve as a board member. I’m trying to give back and hopefully serve many more people who are in the same situation that I was once in, and never will be again,” Romero said.

The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 26.

Service Providers and Booths include: Sha Bangs, Salon Allure, Crawford Studios, Massage Therapy Training Institute, Reiki, Be Young, Arbonne, Fortunes Told, Katharoz, Mary Kay, Olympian Cosmetology School, D&G Nutrition, Emerald Isle, Lia Sophia, Kathy Lawitz Jewelry, Red Chair and Scrapbooking.

Silent auction and door prize items include: a basket from the La Posta Chile Shop, a dinner certificate from La Posta, purses from Treasure’s, a dinner certificate from Andele's, a champagne brunch for two at Double Eagle, a $50 clothing certificate from Barnett Harley Davidson, a one-month membership to focus fitness, a three-month membership and gift basket from club fitness, a $25 gift certificate from Lorenzo’s, a $50 gift basket from San Saba, a free night stay at Hotel Encanto, a free car wash from Busy Bees, a $25 gift basket from Mountain View Market, purses and and apron from Apron Strings and Passionate Purse, a dinner certificate from Texas Roadhouse, a hiarcut and highlight from the Jennifer Woodward Salon, a haircut and product bag from the Jennifer Woodward Salon, an original Girls Night Out jewlery piece from Kathy Lawitz Jewelry, a $50 gift certificate from Sha Bangs, vintage jewelry from Patricia Leftwich Jewelry, a Cutter Gallery art piece and a Katharoz gift basket.

Sponsors include: La Posta, Dickerson’s catering, Southwest Wines, Radio Las Cruces, Vita Man, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 1st Community Bank, Dr. Catherine Kemmer, Steinborn GMAC, Action Event Rental, and Fox’s Tuxedos.

Tickets can be purchased at the Helping Hands Event Planning Office at 1990 E. Lohman. You can also order by credit card over the phone. The number is 575-522-1232.